Learning how to tie a knot from a diagram is not always the easiest thing to do. The drawing isn't three-dimensional, so figuring out just exactly what goes under or over what may involve a bit of trial and error along the way.

BoatU.S. has come up with a practical solution. Matt Startzel from BoatU.S. Membership and Ruth Sooby of BoatU.S. Towing have teamed up to create videos on how to tie five different knots: bow line, cleat hitch, figure eight, square knot and clove hitch. Click on the knot of your choice to see how each is executed – twice – as well as how it's untied, and to learn its most common uses.

The videos themselves are short – less than two minutes for each knot, or six if you want to watch a single video on all five.

You can also upload your own clips on knot tying or other boating skills you'd like to share.

- Linda Hoff