The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

WATER LINE

THE NEW SEAMAN ABOARD SHIP IS ASSIGNED TO A "DECK
DIVISION." CHIEF BOSUN TELLS HIM ONE OF THE SHIP'S
BOATS IS LOOSE AND THEY NEED SOME LINE TO TIE IT
BACK UP TO THE SHIP. SO HE TELLS THE NEW SEAMAN TO
GO DOWN TO THE BOSUN LOCKER TO GET "TWENTY FEET OF
WATER LINE."
THE "WATER LINE" IS ACTUALLY WHERE THE WATER REACHES
ON THE BOAT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAZEL PARK

Date learned: NOT GIVEN