Boating Knots

Two Half Hitches
This reliable knot is quickly tied and is the hitch most often used in mooring. To tie:

Pass the end of a rope around a post or other object.
Wrap the short end of rope under and over the long part of rope, pushing the end down through the loop. This is a half hitch.
Repeat on the long rope, below first half hitch, and draw tight.

Bowline
This knot does not jam or slip when tied properly. To tie:

Make the overhand loop with the end held toward you, then pass the end through the loop.
Now, pass the end up behind the standing part, then down through the loop again.
Draw tight.

Figure Eight
This knot is ideal for keeping the end of a rope from running out of a tackle or pulley. To tie:

Make an underhand loop, bringing the end around and over the standing part.
Pass the rope end under, then up through the loop.
Draw tight.

Square Knot This knot is used at sea for reefing and furling sails. To tie:

Pass the left end of the rope over and under the right end. Curve what is now the left end toward the right, and cross what is now the right end over and under the left.
Draw tight.

Anchor Bend
This knot is used to secure a rope or a line to an anchor. To tie:

Pass two loops through a ring.
Place the free end around a standing line.
Pass the free end through loops.
Complete by making a half hitch.

Clove Hitch
This knot is a general utility hitch for when you need a quick, simple method of fastening a rope around a post, spar or stake. To tie:

Make a turn with the rope around the object and over itself.
Take a second turn with the rope around the object.
Pull the end up under the second turn so it is between the rope and the object; tighten by pulling on both ends.