Page 204 - The Pocket Guide to Outdoor Knots

MIDSHIPMAN’S HITCH

Purpose

When a slide-and-grip adjustable loop is required, to suspend objects a given
height above the ground, or to tension guy-lines, etc., this is the ideal knot.

Tying

Tie what is effectively a rolling hitch (previous page) with the working end of
the line around its own standing part (figures 1–3). Tighten the knot (figure 4).

By grasping it in the hand, it may be made to slide back and forth to the required
position; then, when a load is applied, a dog’s leg deformation is created in the

standing part of the line, which enables it to hold firm and remain where placed.

Knot lore

The rank of midshipman was that of the most junior officers in the British Royal

Navy, unfitted (by virtue of youth and inexperience) for whole-hearted
acceptance by either common seamen or other officers, and the target for

discrimination by the entire ship’s company. Not only does the name of this knot
imply a naval origin, therefore, it perhaps hints unfairly at a poor performance.