Marline Spike 2 : A pointed metal spike used by deck crew to separate strands of rope for splicing or untying knots. Something done in a skillful manner is called marline spike seamanship
Association of Marine Underwriters of San Francisco (AMUSF), Glossary of Marine Insurance and Shipping Terms, http://www.amusf.com/Definitions_A.htm, CA, USA 2011. (Mrtm Insur and Shipping - Amer) {575}