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A capstan is primarily employed for winding rope or cable, which makes it a crucial tool in various maritime operations, especially those that require the ability to manipulate heavy lines efficiently. The design of a capstan allows for significant mechanical advantage, enabling crew members to exert force on a rope or cable with ease, making it ideal for hoisting, lowering, or securing loads.

In specific terms, when a line is wound around a capstan, it can be secured and maintained under tension, which is useful for tasks such as anchoring or pulling in mooring lines. This practical function is vital in managing ropes or cables in scenarios like towing or securing vessels.

While a capstan could have applications in mooring operations, as indicated in another choice, it is more directly associated with the action of winding, which speaks to its core functionality. Other contexts such as repairing the hull or dockyard maintenance do not typically involve the use of a capstan in the same primary manner, as those tasks are more focused on structural or mechanical activities that require different equipment.