Marlinespike Seamanship

“Marlinespike Seamanship is the art of handling and working all kinds of fiber and wire rope. It includes every variety of knotting, splicing, serving, and fancy work.”
– from US Navy NAVEDTRA 14067 Seaman training manual

Knowledge of marlinspike seamanship is what distinguishes the true seaman from the man who merely ventures upon the waters at infrequent intervals.
– Boris Lauer-Leonardi, foreward to The “Marlinspike Sailor” by Hervey Garrett Smith, originally published 1960

Editor’s Note: I understand that the second quote above is quite sexist and in reality must be taken to include all sailors but this is a direct quote from the book.