Cleats on a Auxiliary vessel shall be a minimum of what size?

• A. 4 inch
• B. 8 inch
• C. 6 inch
• D. 10 inch

Answer: (C)

Cleat size matters because it determines how securely you can wrap and lash a mooring line and how well the load is distributed across the deck fittings. For an auxiliary vessel, a six-inch cleat provides enough bite length for proper lashing—allowing the line to be wrapped and secured with enough turns to resist slipping under load while staying clear of the deck and fittings. A cleat that's too small, like four inches, can be difficult to lash properly and more prone to slipping or causing wear on the line. Cleats that are much larger, such as eight or ten inches, aren’t necessary for this duty and can take up valuable deck space and create snag hazards in tight docking areas. So the minimum size that balances secure mooring with practical deck use is six inches.