Tighten Up the Ship

 Tighten up the ship

Secure those loose ends

Practice that choice knot

Which when pulled strengthens

There's a lot that goes on to run a tight ship and ropes are used for  docking, anchoring, towing, and rigging.  Ropes need to be secure and absorb the strain put on them. When someone says it is time to "tighten up the ship" they mean secure everything and make sure things are done right to prove they are well managed and efficient.