The 5 Knots You Need To Know For USCG Basic Training

At some point during Coast Guard Basic Training, you will have a class on knot tying and you will need to test out of the class by actually tying the knots they will teach you in real life. In other words, the knot tying class in Coast Guard Boot Camp is very hands-on. It’s not just reading a few pages in a book and taking a multiple choice quiz.

This makes sense because it’s meant to give you an initial foundation in knot tying. For many recruits, it may even be their first time tying knots of this type and learning the corresponding names of each knot. Later on, when in the fleet, this knowledge will be built upon, and depending on the rate (job), it may be used fairly often.

Below you’ll find the 5 basic knots you will need to know for Coast Guard Boot Camp.

I won’t pretend to be a knot tying expert though. I will include a brief description of why each knot is used and then I’ll add a link to an excellent resource that goes into much more detail, including how to tie the various knots.

Square Knot

Square knot demonstration for Coast Guard Boot Camp training

A square knot is used to connect two lines that are the same size and made of the same material.

Learn More: Square Knot Tutorial

Bowline

Bowline knot demonstration for Coast Guard Boot Camp training

A bowline knot has many uses. These include putting a temporary eye in a line, fastening a mooring line to a ring or post, or joining two ropes together.

Learn More: Bowline Knot Tutorial

Clove Hitch

Clove hitch knot demonstration for Coast Guard Boot Camp training

A clove hitch knot is generally used to temporarily tie a single line to a piling or railing. It is not considered to be the most secure of knots so caution must be applied when deciding when to use it.

Learn More: Clove Hitch Knot Tutorial

Slip Clove Hitch

Slip clove hitch knot demonstration for Coast Guard Boot Camp training

A slip clove hitch is a clove hitch with a slight variation, in that it includes a quick release mechanism that you can tug on to undo the knot.

Learn More: Slip Clove Hitch Knot Tutorial

Double Sheet Bend

Double sheet bend knot demonstration for Coast Guard Boot Camp training

A double sheet bend knot is used to connect two lines that are not the same size. This knot is also sometimes called a double becket bend.

Learn More: Double Sheet Bend Knot Tutorial

Back to FAQs