Belaying is the process of securing a rope to a ship's deck or railings. This is done by fastening the rope with a knot, such as a figure-eight knot, or by using a belaying pin. Belaying pins are metal pins that are inserted into the deck or railings and used to secure the rope. The rope is then tied off to the pin, creating a secure connection. Fastening a ship's rope in this way is an important safety measure, as it prevents the rope from becoming loose and potentially causing an accident.