The Spanish Bowline Knot forms a double-splayed loop in the middle of the rope.
It’s used in search and rescue operations when you need to lift or lower an injured person safely.
To your surprise, it does not look like a Bowline, and it’s not like the regular Bowline either.
Let’s learn it step by step.
Spanish Bowline Details
Type: Loop
Other Names: Double Forked Loop
ABoK Reference: #1087
How to Tie a Spanish Bowline
- Make a loop in the middle of the rope with the standing ends crossing each other.
- Fold it down backward to make two loops.
- Fold the left loop across the center.
- Fold the right loop across the center.
- Pass the lower loops through the upper loops.
- Tighten the knot.
Spanish Bowline Step by Step
Tightening the Knot Right
The Spanish Bowline can slip if the loops are not firmly drawn up. Why?
Because the rope from one of the loops can be drawn into the other.
That’s helpful when you’re setting up the loop size.
But once the knot is dressed, the loops are fixed and cannot be adjusted without breaking the knot.
So, don’t forget to tighten the knot properly before you put it to work.
Pros & Cons
- Both loops can be adjusted as required.
- Difficult to learn and tie
- Can get loose if not tightened well
Application and Uses
The Spanish Bowline can be used as a temporary Bosun chair to hoist an injured man.
If the injured person is conscious, they can put their legs through the loop and hold the standing part of the rope.
If you are trying to hoist an unconscious man, their legs go through the loops, and an extra hitch is added around the chest and under the armpits to support the person.
During the old days, it was used to make a staging for painting or incidental repairs or to sling a ladder.
Other Similar Knot
Fireman’s Chair Knot
A Fireman’s Chair Knot is another double loop knot that makes a great rescue knot.
It’s easy to tie, less prone to slipping, and super practical.
One loop supports the body under the arms,s and the other supports the legs under the knees.
You can adjust the size of the loops until the final half hitches are tightened.
Portuguese Bowline
The Portuguese Bowline consists of two loops but is tied at the end of the rope.
Unlike the Spanish Bowline, the two loops can be adjusted even after the knot is tightened.
It can be used as a Boatswain’s chair for rescuing an injured person at sea.
Bowline on a Bight
The Bowline on a bight forms two fixed sized loops in the middle of the rope.
It’s used to form an emergency bosun chair to lift or lower an injured person.
This knot tends to slip when only one loop is loaded, so make sure you have approximately parallel loads on both ends.
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