The definitive guide to making strong, reliable splices in braided rope, using step-by-step photographs and clear instructions to help readers master this important but tricky skill.

For any seafarer, splicing rope is an essential skill. But the traditional 3-strand rope is fast disappearing. So how do you splice braided rope?

This is the ultimate guide to this crucial knowledge. Most of the techniques are easy to master – and also fun to do. See why splices are better – and stronger – than knots or shackles for joining or shortening rope, and follow the photographs and steps to find out how to splice efficiently.

While a knot can reduce the strength of a rope by as much as 50%, a well-spliced rope loses only 5–10%.

This refreshed new edition has been updated to take in to account developments in fibre technology and includes new splicing techniques and updated photography.

By Jan-Willem Polman