A digram showing three cleats. The right two are tied.

In nautical contexts, a cleat is a device attaching a rope. The traditional design is attached to a flat surface and features two “horns” extending parallel to the deck. Coils of rope used for long-line fishing A rope (IPA: ) is a length of fibers, twisted or braided together to improve strength for pulling and connecting. ...

Other cleat designs include a cam cleat in which one or two cams pinch the rope but allow the rope to easily be pulled tighter and a clam cleat (or jam cleat) in which the rope is held between two fluted stationary pieces. Such a cleat vaguely resembles two halves of a clam shell held back to back. A cam is a projecting part of a rotating wheel or shaft that strikes a lever at one or more points on its circular path. ...

On board merchant vessel, cleats are parts used to secure top hatchcovers before sailing. Cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship that carries goods and materials from one port to another. ...