What does a chock do?

A chock, particularly in a nautical context, is designed to hold a mooring line securely in place while ensuring that the line passes smoothly. This is vital in mooring operations as it helps prevent excessive friction and wear on the line that may occur if the line were to be pulled against a rough surface. Smooth surfaces of a chock facilitate the movement of the mooring line when necessary while reducing the potential for damage.

Understanding the function of a chock is essential for safe mooring practices and effective line management on a ship. It ensures that mooring lines maintain their integrity and perform as needed during docking and undocking procedures. This also enhances safety on board by helping to keep lines properly positioned without unnecessary risk of slippage or entanglement.