What should be done with a line that is parting?

When a line is parting, easing it immediately is essential to prevent further damage and ensure safety. Continuing to hold tension on a line that is parting can lead to more severe consequences, such as a sudden snap that can cause injury to personnel or damage to equipment. Easing the line helps to relieve the stress on the fibers, reducing the risk of it breaking violently.

Releasing the line completely might seem like a viable option, but doing so without easing it first could still pose risks if the line snaps under tension. Securing the line with additional turns after it has started to part is not advisable, as this action would only add to the tension and increase the likelihood of a failure.

By easing the line immediately, you are taking the safest course of action, allowing it to unravel gently and minimizing the risk of injury or damage. This principle is critical in seamanship, as understanding the behavior of ropes under stress and the proper response to compromised lines is vital for safe navigation and operations aboard a vessel.