Coast Guard Practice Exam

The term that describes a thick rope or cable used for mooring or towing a ship is "hawser." Hawsers are typically made of strong materials like nylon or polypropylene and are essential in marine operations where secure connections to docks, other vessels, or for towing are needed. Their design allows them to withstand significant strain and stress, making them ideal for handling large ships. In contrast, other options do not relate to ropes or cables used for mooring or towing. A ladder refers to a structure for climbing, which is unrelated to maritime mooring or towing. Leeward pertains to the direction away from the wind, which describes an orientation rather than a physical object. Heading refers to the direction a ship is facing or traveling, which, while important in navigation, does not describe any type of rope or cable. Hence, the identification of "hawser" as a mooring or towing line is accurate in the context of maritime terminology.