ABSTRACT
Ropes of many different types and sizes have continued to play a major role in the working of ships throughout history. All natural fibre rope is manufactured from manila, sisal, hemp, coir, cotton or flax fibres. The process of manufacture consists of twisting the fibres into yarns and turning the yarns in an opposite direction to establish the strands. Hemp is obtained from the stem of the plant Cannabis sativa, which yields flax for the production of canvas. This was accepted as the best rope in the marine industry from the early developing days of sail. Italian hemp ropes are considered to be the best quality, having about 20 per cent greater strength than a high-grade manila. Manila rope is not as durable as hemp, but is most certainly more pliable and softer. It is very expensive and its availability will depend on the political climate at the time.
