Deck General · Cordage & Line
A line made of polypropylene has which distinctive characteristic that makes it useful for heaving lines and rescue throws?
- AIt has the highest breaking strength of all synthetics
- BIt floats on the water surface✓ Correct
- CIt is completely UV-resistant
- DIt has the greatest elasticity of all rope materials
Explanation
Polypropylene is the only common rope fiber with a specific gravity less than 1.0, so it floats. This makes it ideal for heaving lines, life ring pendants, and man-overboard gear where the line must remain visible on the surface. Nylon has higher breaking strength and greater elasticity; polypropylene degrades relatively quickly in UV light.
Authority: Deck Seamanship (USCG deck topic)
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