North Carolina Fire Operations 4 Practice Test

Which rope rescue knot is commonly taught for lowering lines?

Figure-eight follow-through (or figure-eight on a bight) Bowline Half hitch Clove hitch

Correct Answer:

Bowline

Explanation:

When lowering a line in rope rescue, you want a knot that creates a secure fixed loop at the end of the rope and stays put under tension. The bowline provides a reliable fixed eye that doesn’t slip or cinch down as the line bears load, and it’s quick to tie around a harness, carabiner, or anchor point, then easy to untie after the load is removed. This combination of security under load and ease of release is why it’s commonly taught for lowering lines. Other knots either risk slipping or looseness under tension (like certain hitches) or are bulkier and less straightforward to inspect and undo after use, making them less ideal as the primary lowering knot.

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