Coast Guard Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

When a mariner is instructed to 'check' a line, they are being told to slack off slowly, easing off a line a little. In maritime terms, to 'check' a line means to allow for some release in the tension without letting the line go completely slack. This is often necessary when a line is under too much strain, and a mariner needs to adjust it in a controlled manner to prevent sudden movements that could be dangerous. By checking a line, the mariner ensures that while reducing tension, they maintain enough control to prevent any adverse effects on the vessel or equipment.

The other actions associated with securing or releasing a line involve different terminology. For example, securing a line tightly implies that the line is fastened in a way that no movement is allowed, which is not the objective of 'checking.' Completely releasing the tension of a line would lead to a lack of control, which is contrary to the purpose of checking, while adjusting its anchor point suggests a more involved process that goes beyond simply managing line tension.