City of Madison

Fire Department
Training
Ropes and Knots Apprenticeship
MFD References: AEs & Senior FFs
NFPA References: 1001, 1500, 1670, 1983
Essentials of Firefighting & Fire Dept Ops 5 th Edition, Chapter 7

I. TOPIC: Ropes and Knots

II. Goal/Scope
A. All Apprentice firefighters will complete this assignment as a
requirement for their apprenticeship.
III. Learning Objectives
A. Apprentice will research and prepare an outline and present
company drill on ropes and knots used in the fire service.
B. Apprentice will be able to identify, describe, and demonstrate
knowledge and proficiency of ropes and knots use in the fire
service and MFD.
C. Outline will be pre-approved by Training.
D. Outline and drill will identify, describe, and demonstrate several
aspects of ropes and knots:
1. Types and descriptions
a) MFD
b) Outside of MFD within the scope of the fire service
2. Application of all ropes
a) MFD
b) Outside of MFD within the scope of the fire service
3. Knots to be demonstrated:
a) Bowline
b) Clove hitch
c) Figure 8
d) Becket bend
e) Square
f) Half hitch
g) Overhand
4. Search rope application
IV. Assignment Expectations
A. Outline will be:
1. Comprehensive
a) Include all information that is asked for in Learning
Expectations
2. Outline will be a guide for the Company drill.
3. Company drill will be presented to crew and assigned officer.
4. Approved by Training prior to drill presentation.
B. Assignment completion will be noted when:
1. Approved outline is handed in
2. Company officer notifies Training that drill was:
a) Presented
b) Satisfactory
C. Drill
1. Presented when outline is approved by Training.
2. Presentation will be to assigned crew and officer.
3. Possibly observed by member of training staff.
V. Suggested timeline for assignment
A. 1st month: outline
B. 2nd month: outline is approved
C. 3rd month: drill presentation
VI. Noted Completion
A. Assignment will be noted as completed by training division when:
1. Approved outline is finished.
2. E-mail is sent by assigned lieutenant that drill was
presented.