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Maritime Terminologies & Definitions
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A
ABS, admeasure, affreightment, AHP, AIWW, anchor, anchor billboard, anodes, athwartship
 

ABS - American Bureau of Shipping; a vessel classification agency which also assigns international loadlines. back

admeasure - to measure, calculate, and certify; for the purpose of registration, certain dimensions of a vessel as well as its gross and net tons.  back

affreightment - a contract for the movement of cargo in which the cargo owner/shipper is neither charterer nor operator of the vessel.  back

AHP - Above Head of Passes; used with mileage designations on the Mississippi River, the Head of Passes being mile zero.  back

AIWW - Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.  back
 

anchor - A heavy object of steel or iron attached to a vessel by a cable and/or chain and cast overboard to keep the vessel in place, either by its weight or by its flukes gripping the bottom. back
 


 

anchor billboard -a structure on the deck of a vessel upon which the anchor is mounted when not in use. back

anodes metallic plates which, when attached to the hull of a vessel, decompose because of electrolysis, thereby reducing deterioration of hull plate. back

athwartship - transverse or across a vessel from side to side.  back
 

ballast - any substance, other than cargo, which is usually placed in the inner compartment of a vessel to produce a desired draft or trim.  back

bareboat charter - (demise charter) - a form of vessel rental in which the charterer assumes total responsibility for the vessel and its operations as if it were his own.  back

beam - the breadth of a vessel.  back

bell suction - the flared open end of a cargo pipeline which is situated at close tolerances to the bottom of a liquid cargo tank.  back

bilge - the lower inner space of a vessel's hull.  back

bin - a walled enclosure built on the deck of a barge for the purpose of retaining cargo; also called a pen or cargo box. back
bitt (bollard or timberhead) - a single or double post on a vessel or wharf to which lines are tied.  back
bollard pull - the static pulling force of a tugboat measured in pounds.  back
bounding angle - a steel angle used for reinforcement at the junction of two steel plates. back  


bow - the forward or front end of a vessel.  back

boxed end - the end of a barge which is squared for the full depth and width of the hull. back

bridle - a V-shaped chain, wire, or rope attached to a vessel being towed to which the towline is connected.  back

buck frame - a transverse truss.  back

bulkhead - an upright partition separating compartments. back

bulwark - the side of a vessel which extends above the upper deck.  back

buoy - a stationary floating object used as an aid for navigation. back

butterworth- a washing process used to gas free or clean a cargo tank, employing hot water or chemicals, sprayed through a patented rotating nozzle.  back

butterworth opening - a deck access opening with bolted cover, designed for butterworth operations. back

camber - the upward slope of a vessel's deck, occurring when the centerline is higher than the gunwale. back


camel - a pontoon used to fender between a vessel and a wharf. back

capstan - a hand or machine powered, vertical, spindle-mounted drum which rotates and pulls lines by winding.  back

CERCLA - Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. The U.S. federal statute that establishes the legal and financial responsibilities of those persons or companies which discharge or dispose of hazardous substances on or into land, air, and navigable waters of the U.S. Primarily administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  back

certification - the act of attesting that a vessel has met specific legal requirements by the issuance of various certificates or validation of documents by certain governmental or private agencies. back

channel - that portion of a waterway which is naturally or artificially deepened to permit safe navigation within certain limits.  back

charter party - a contractual agreement between two entities for the purpose of renting, hiring, or leasing the exclusive use of a vessel. back

chock - a heavy metal casting through which lines may pass for mooring or towing. back

CIF - Cost, Insurance, and Freight; cost of transportation and insurance to be paid by the seller of goods to the named point of destination. back
 

classification - the certification process as administered by certain international agencies whereby a vessel is designed, constructed, and maintained to an agency's requirements. back

cleat - a metal fitting with two projecting horns around which a rope may be made fast. (See kevel.) back


clip - a small steel bracket used for securing or reinforcing. back

coaming - a watertight, raised framework around an opening in the deck of a vessel. back

cofferdam - the space in a vessel between two closely located parallel bulkheads. back

COFR - Certificate of Financial Responsibility; a document issued by U.S.C.G to a company for a vessel or a fleet of vessels, giving evidence that the vessel owner/ operator has met the financial requirements for oil spill clean up costs as contained in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. back

coils - a system of small diameter pipes installed inside a liquid cargo tank for the purpose of heating the cargo by means of hot oil or steam. back

comehome - a convex curvature of the rake sides of a barge that produces a narrower beam at the headlog than the beam of the hull. back

common carrier - a federally licensed company which offers to the general public, under published tariffs, to engage in the interstate or foreign transportation of commodities of various types. back

compartment - an interior space of a vessel's hull which is formed by bulkheads. back

contract carrier - a federally licensed company which offers, under individual contracts, to engage in interstate or foreign transportation of commodities of various types. back

daymark - a marker used as an aid to navigation and which is visible in daylight. back


deadman - an object, such as an anchor, piling, or concrete block, buried on shore. back

deadrise - the upward slope of a vessel's bottom occurring when the centerline is deeper than the bilge knuckle; provided to facilitate removal of liquid cargo. back

deadweight tonnage - the cargo capacity of a vessel. back
 

deck button -a round, steel fitting affixed to a vessel's deck, designed to secure or guide cables for making up barge tows. back
deck lashing strap - a steel deck fitting normally used as an attachment for cargo tie down lines. back

"dedicated" tow - Movement of barge(s) between two points by the use of a boat exclusively assigned to that movement (contrast with "tramp" tow). A "dedicated" boat offers greater control of barge movements than a "tramp" tow, but generally at a higher cost. back

demurrage - a charge assessed for detaining a vessel beyond the free time stipulated for loading or unloading. back

detention - the period of time that an owner or charterer is deprived of the use of his vessel as a result of actions of another party. back

docking tug - a tugboat which assists a large seagoing vessel to and from its berth. back

documentation - the process of licensing a vessel in either enrollment or registry, resulting in the issuance of a vessel's official document. back

dolphin - a cluster of piles driven into the bottom of a waterway and bound firmly together for the mooring of vessels. back


doubler - a steel plate installed on an existing structural plate and used as a strengthening base for deck fittings or as a repair of a damaged area. back

draft - the depth of a vessel's keel below the waterline; often expressed as light draft, or conversely, loaded draft. back

draft marks - the numerical markings on the sides of a vessel at the bow and stern, which indicate, at the lower edge of the number, the amount of water the vessel draws. back
 

drip pan - an open container, located on deck under the ends of a pipeline header to retain cargo drippage. Required on all U.S.C.G. certified tank barges. back

drydocking - the removal of a vessel from the water to accomplish repairs or inspections. back

dumb vessel - a vessel without means of self-propulsion. back

dunnage - any materials used to block or brace cargo to prevent its motion, chafing, or damage and to facilitate its handling. back

EHL - East of Harvey Lock; used with mileage designations on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Harvey Lock being mile zero. back

ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival. back

ETD - Estimated Time of Departure. back

expansion trunk - a raised enclosure around an opening in the top of a liquid cargo tank which allows for heat expansion of the cargo. back

fairing - re-forming distorted steel to its original form or shape. back

fairlead - a device consisting of pulleys or rollers arranged to permit the reeling in of a cable from any direction; often used in conjunction with winches and similar apparatus. back

fender - any device used to absorb and distribute shock and to prevent chafing between a vessel and another object. back

fish plate - a triangular-shaped steel plate used to strengthen the connection between the towing bridle and the towing hawser. back


flame screen - a corrosion-resistant fine wire mesh screen used to cover certain openings on tank vessels to prevent the passage of flame into the tank. back

flange - that portion of a steel shape which projects at a right angle to provide strength or a means of attachment to another part. back

fleet boat - a boat which primarily tends, tows within, or otherwise services a fleeting area. back

fleeting area (fleet) - a designated portion of a waterway where vessels are regularly moored and tended. back

F.O.B. - Free on Board; cargo delivered to and placed on board a carrier at a specific point without charge. back

freeboard - the distance from the waterline to the main deck of a boat or barge. back

freeing port - a large opening in the bulwark on an exposed deck of a seagoing vessel which provides for the rapid draining of water from that deck. back

fully found - a vessel completely equipped and manned for service. back

FWPCA - Federal Water Pollution Control Act; the U.S. federal statute that establishes the legal and financial responsibilities of those persons or companies which discharge or dispose of oil or hazardous substances into or upon the navigable waters of the U.S. Primarily administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. back


gas free - the process of removing all hazardous gases and residues from the compartments of a vessel. back

gasket - an elastic packing material used for making joints watertight. back

gauge - a waterway marker which measures the level of the water in foot increments; also refers to the specific measure on the gauge. back

GIWW - Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. back

gross tons - the volume measurement of the internal voids of a vessel wherein 100 cu. ft. equals one ton. back

gunwale (gunnel) - that part of a barge or boat where the main deck and the side meet. back

gusset - a steel plate used for reinforcing or bracing the junction of other steel members. back

harbor boat - any powered vessel which is used primarily in harbor operations. back

hatch - a removable cover over the cargo hold of a vessel. back

hawser - a large circumference rope used for towing or mooring a vessel or for securing it at a dock. back

headlog - the reinforced, vertical plate which connects the bow rake bottom to the rake deck of a barge or square-stemmed boat. back

head of navigation - the uppermost limit of navigation from the mouth of a waterway. back

hip towing (hipping) - a method of towing whereby the vessel being towed is secured along-side the towboat. back

home port - the port city which is the home base of a vessel or the city from which it is documented. back

horsepower - a standard unit of power which is often classified in connection with engines as brake, continuous input, intermittent, output, or shaft horsepower. back

hull - the main body of a vessel which provides flotation. back


ICC - Interstate Commerce Commission; a U.S. governmental agency which regulates the domestic transportation of certain commodities. back

inland waters - considered to be the canals, lakes, rivers and their tributaries, and bays and sounds of the land mass of a country. back

integrated tow - a tow of box-ended barges which, as a complete unit, is raked at the bow, boxed at the intermediate connections, and boxed or raked at the stern. back

keel - the lowest structural member of a ship or boat which runs the length of the vessel at the centerline and to which the frames are attached. back

keel line - an imaginary line describing the lowest portion of a vessel's hull. back

kevel (caval) - a heavy, metal deck fitting having two horn-shaped arms projecting outward around which lines may be made fast for towing or mooring of a vessel hull. back

knot - one nautical mile per hour; used as a unit of measurement in expressing the rate of speed of seagoing vessels and the relative speed of water currents. back

landing - an improved waterfront property which facilitates loading, unloading, and servicing of vessels. back

lightening hole - a hole cut in a plate or frame to reduce its weight without reducing its strength. back


lighter - a vessel, usually a barge, that is used in loading or unloading a ship or in transporting cargo in and around a harbor. back

light screen - a structure surrounding a vessel's navigation light so as to shield the light from view at certain points of the compass as required by navigational regulations. back

light standard - a structure on a vessel used to hold a navigation light. back

limber hole - a drain hole near the bottom of a frame or bulkhead. back

lines - the ropes or cables used on a vessel for towing, mooring, or lashing. back

loadline marks - a set of permanent markings on the side of an oceangoing or Great Lakes vessel which denotes its maximum legal operating draft under certain specified conditions and which is determined by one of the internationally-recognized assigning agencies. back

lock - an enclosure on a river or canal, with movable, watertight gates, through which vessels pass, and proceed from one water level to another by raising or lowering the water within the lock chamber. back

logbook (logs) - the official records of the daily operations of a manned vessel, kept in detail by the master. back

make-up - the act of final positioning and securing of the vessels that form a tow. back

Maltese Cross A-1 - the designation used by ABS which signifies that a vessel has met the classification requirements of that agency. back


manhole - a framed opening in the deck of a vessel which primarily provides access for a man. back
 

manhole cover - a cover which seals a manhole and is usually designed to lock in place by twisting or using a centerbolt, studbolts, or dogs. back

MARAD - the U. S. Maritime Administration. back

marine chemist - one who is certified to perform inspections in accordance with the Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels to be Repaired as adopted by the National Fire Protection Association. back

marine chemist's certificate - the documentation of a vessel's inspection by a marine chemist and his assignment of standard safety designations to the inspected compartments or spaces. back

master - the captain of a vessel; the person who has complete charge of and authority aboard an operating vessel. back

mats - slabs, usually constructed of timbers, which are placed on the deck of a vessel for the purpose of supporting and distributing the weight of heavy loads. back

milemarker (mileboard) - a marker set up to indicate distances in miles along a waterway. back

model hull - a type of hull design in which the form is molded, curved, and shaped into a pointed stem and rounded stern. back

molded depth - the distance from the top of the keel to the top of the upper deck beams amidships at the gunwale. back

MRGO - Mississippi River Gulf Outlet; the deep draft waterway connecting the New Orleans Inner Harbor Navigation Canal to the Gulf of Mexico. back


nautical mile - a unit of length used in sea navigation equal to 1852 meters or approximately 6076 feet. back

navigable waters - those waterways upon which commercial or private vessels are able to operate in their customary mode of navigation. back

net tons - the gross tons of a vessel less deductions for certain specified non-cargo spaces resulting in a net volume capacity of 100 cu. ft. per ton. (See gross tons.) back

OCMI - Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections at a U.S. Coast Guard Marine Inspection office. Such offices are located in a number of U.S. ports. back

official number - the registration number assigned by the U.S. Maritime Administration to a U.S. documented vessel which is permanently marked on the main beam of that vessel. back

offshore waters - a common term for those waters which are beyond inland water limits and have the technical classification of oceans. back

padeye - a steel fitting formed by a flat doubler plate and vertical steel member containing a circular opening. back
pelican hook - a hinged hook held closed by a ring and used to provide the quick release of an object which it holds. back
pipe stanchion - a steel deck fitting consisting of a vertical post with angled bracket(s) on one side, welded to a doubler plate, which is welded on the deck of a vessel to restrain the movement of cargo, such as pipe. back

Plimsoll mark - the primary loadline mark which is a circle intersected by a horizontal line accompanied by letters indicating the authority under which the loadline is assigned. back
 

port - the left-hand side of a vessel when facing forward; a city having a harbor for vessels; a port hole. back

pv valve - pressure vacuum relief valve; a valve which automatically regulates the pressure or vacuum in a tank. back

propeller - a mechanical device having radiating blades which is mounted on a revolving, power-driven shaft for the purpose of propelling a boat; also called a screw or wheel. back

pushboat - a highly maneuverable, inland waters, shallow draft towboat usually designed with a square bow and towing knees which facilitate its primary method of towing which is pushing. back

push knee (tow knee) - a vertical, reinforced steel structure installed on a vessel to facilitate push towing. The height of the knee allows for variance in freeboard between vessels. back


raised rake - the rake of a barge which has sheer. back
 

reachrod -a steel rod which connects an above deck valve handle to a below deck valve. back

registered - pertaining to certain vessel data calculated under specific rules and officially documented, such as registered length. back

rubrail - a protective railing on the hull of a vessel which is used for fendering. back

Rules of the Road - a code governing vessels as to the lights to be carried, the signals to be made, and their safe and proper navigation in order to avoid collisions. Statutes of the United States provide varying regulations for two areas of navigation. These regulations are known as Inland Navigation Rules and International Navigation Rules. back

running lights - those lights required to be shown at night aboard a vessel or a tow while underway. back

sailing line - the preferred course for safe and efficient navigation in the channel of a waterway. back

scow - another term for a deck cargo barge having a hull design of a flat bottom, square ended rakes, and usually with a deck cargo bin. back

scupper - a drainage opening cut flush with the deck of a vessel through the bulwark or bin wall. back

seaworthy - the reasonably staunch, sound, and fit condition describing a vessel's capability to safely carry its cargo and complete its intended voyage or use. back

semi-integrated barge - a barge which is raked at one end and boxed at the other end. back

 

shackle - a U-shaped metal fitting used as a connection for line, cable, or chain and which has a pin secured through its end by a nut cotterpin, or screw threads. back

sheer - the upward curvature or angle of a vessel's deck at the bow or stern. back

shifting - the short movement or transfer of a vessel within a harbor or mooring area. back

skeg (skag) - a framed steel plate structure which acts as a fixed rudder under the stern rake of a barge; also, the after part extension of a boat's keel upon which the rudder rests. back

slopesheet - the sloped vertical steel plate forming the end of the hopper barge cargo compartment and which is part of the rake bulkhead. back

SOPEP - Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan; a U.S.C.G. approved set of guidelines for responding to a spill or potential spill of oil from all U.S. flag oil tankers of 150 gross tons and above, as mandated in Regulation 21 of Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78). back

sponson - an addition to the side of a vessel that is outside its normal hull and which provides added deck space and/or greater flotation stability. back

spud - a steel or wooden post or pile that is placed vertically through a well in the hull of a vessel and which, when lowered to the bottom of the waterway, anchors the vessel. back

spudwell - a casing which is attached to or passes through the hull of a vessel through which a spud is raised or lowered. back


starboard - the right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward. back

steamboat ratchet - a sleeve, internally threaded at the ends and with attached eye-rods, equipped with a ratchet used to turn the sleeve, thereby pulling the rods toward each other. back

stem - the main vertical structural member which forms the foremost part of a boat's model bow. back

stern - the after or rear end of a vessel. back

sternlog - the reinforced, vertical shell plating which connects the stern rake bottom to the rake deck of a barge. back

strake - a longitudinal or transverse row of steel hull plates. back

strapping table - a chart used to convert readings of liquid levels in the tanks of a barge to volume measurements of that liquid. back

strongback - the bar in a centerbolt manhole cover assembly which is drawn up against the manhole ring to pull the cover down tight. back

superstructure - the structural part of a boat above the main deck. back

survey - a critical examination or inspection of a vessel, cargo, or marine structure for the purpose of ascertaining desired facts and conclusions when necessary. back

survey, condition - a survey that determines in some detail the specific condition of a vessel or of cargo; usually performed at the commencement or termination of charters or voyages for the agreed mutual benefit of various parties. back

survey, damage - a survey that determines the exact extent of damages incurred and specifies repair requirements. back

survey report - the written evidence of the survey. back


survey, suitability - a survey that determines whether a vessel and its equipment are capable of adequately and safely performing an intended task. back

survey, trip and tow - a survey in which the surveyor has full responsibility for inspecting and approving the suitability of the towing vessel, its gear and its tow, the loading and lashing of the cargo, and the navigational procedures, all in relation to the trip intended. back

survey, valuation - a survey that determines the current market value and may also express replacement value. back

surveyor - a qualified marine inspector who performs surveys. back

tank - an enclosed space used for holding liquids. back

time charter - a contract for the services of a vessel for a specified period of time during which the primary control and management of the vessel remain with the owner. back

tow - to push or pull vessels on a waterway; also refers to the unit comprised of the towing vessel and the vessels being towed or only the vessels being towed. back

towboat - any powered vessel which is used for towing. back

"tramp" tow - Movement of barge(s) between two points by including it/them in a tow of a boat and other barges going in the same direction (contrast with "dedicated" tow). It is sometimes necessary to transfer barges being "tramped" from one boat to another to achieve the desired route and destination. Cost is generally less than the use of a "dedicated" boat, but control of the timing of barge movements is also less. back

transom - the hull plate and its framing that form the vertical end of a box-shaped barge; also, the frame plate forming the stern of a square-ended boat. back

truss - a rigid framework of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal structural members designed to support loads and reinforce a vessel's hull. back

tugboat - a model hull towboat of relatively deep draft used primarily for pull towing and designed for navigation in open or unprotected waters. back

turnbuckle - a connecting device usually used with cable or chain and which takes up slack by rotating on its screw threads. back


ullage opening - a small, covered opening in the top of a cargo tank through which measurements are made to determine the level of the liquid in the tank. back

U.S.C.G. - the United States Coast Guard. back

VCG - vertical center of gravity; an important computation used in the determination of the stability of a vessel with its cargo. back

VRP - Vessel Response Plan; a U.S.C.G. approved set of guidelines for responding to a spill or potential spill of oil from tank vessels, including training and testing procedures, as mandated in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. back

VTC - Vessel Traffic Control; a central control system used in some ports to safely direct navigation. back

watertight - of such construction or fit as to prevent the passage of water, except when structural discontinuity, physical rupture, or purposeful opening may occur. back

wheel - another term for a propeller; also, a boat's steering wheel. back

WHL - West of Harvey Lock; used with mileage designations on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Harvey Lock being mile zero. back

WQIS - Water Quality Insurance Syndicate; an underwriting agency formed by various insurance companies for the purpose of insuring against losses resulting from water pollution. back

PLEASE NOTE: The preceding terminology is defined as it is used in the shallow draft boat and barge industry in the United States. For complete information regarding terminologies, requirements or regulations of governmental or private maritime related agencies, please contact with the specific agency or agencies.

Maritime Terms and Definitions 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 Abaft the beam: Said of the bearing of an object which bears between the beam and the stern (further back than the ship's middle).
Abaft: A relative term used to describe the location of one object in relation to another, in which the object described is farther aft than the other. Thus, the mainmast is abaft the foremast (in back of).
Abandon ship: Get away from the ship, as in an emergency.
Abeam: The bearing of an object 90 degrees from ahead (in a line with the middle of the ship).
Able bodied seaman: The next grade above the beginning grade of ordinary seaman in the deck crew.
Aboard: In the vessel (on the ship).
Aboveboard: Above decks; without concealment of deceit (out in the open).
Abreast: Abeam of (alongside of).
Accommodation ladder: The portable steps from the gangway down to the waterline.
Admiral: Comes from the Arabic "Emir" or "Amir" which means "First commander" and "Al-bahr which means "the sea". Emir-al-barh evolved into Admiral.
Adrift: Loose from the moorings (not tied or secured).
Afloat: Floating.
Aft: At, near, or toward the stern (back end).
Aground: Resting on the bottom.
Ahoy: A call used in hailing a vessel or boat (hey!).
Air tank: A metal air-tight tank built into a boat to insure flotation even when the boat is swamped.
Alee: To the leeward side (away from the wind).
Alive: Alert (pep it up!).
All hands: The entire crew.
All standing: To bring to a sudden stop.
Aloft: Above the upper deck (above).
Alongside: Side to side.
Amidships: In or towards the middle of a ship in regard to length or breadth (center of).
Anchor: A device or iron so shaped to grip the bottom and holds a vessel at anchor by the anchor chain.
Anchor bar: Wooden bar with an iron shod, wedge: shaped end, used in prying the anchor or working the anchor or working the anchor chain. Also used to engage or disengage the wild-cat.
Anchor chain: Heavy, linked chain secured to an anchor for mooring or anchoring.
Anchor lights: The riding lights required to be carried by vessels at anchor.
Anchor watch: The detail on deck at night, when at anchor, to safeguard the vessel (not necessarily at the anchor; a general watch).
Anchor's aweigh: Said of the anchor when just clear of the bottom (leaving or moving).
Anchorage: A place suitable for anchoring.
Ashore: On the shore (on land).
Astern: The bearing of an object 180 degrees from ahead (behind).
Athwartships: At right angles to the fore-and-aft line of the vessel (sideways-across).
Avast: An order to stop or cease hauling (stop action at once).
Awash: Level with the water (water ready to, or slightly covering decks).
Awning: A canvas canopy secured over the ship's deck as a protection from the weather (covering).
Aye, aye, sir: The reply to an officer's order signifying that he is understood and will be obeyed (I understand).

Bail: To throw water out of a boat; a yoke, as a ladder bail (rung).
Ballast tanks: Double bottoms for carrying water ballast and capable of being flooded or pumped out at will.
Ballast: Heavy weights packed in the bottom of a boat or ship to give her stability.
Batten down: To make watertight. Said of hatches and cargo (tie up or secure).
Beachcomber: A derelict seaman found unemployed on the waterfront, especially in a foreign country (seaman without a ship).
Beam wind: A wind at right angles to a vessel's course (wind blowing at the ship's side.)
Bear a hand: To assist or help.
Bear down: To approach (overtake or come up to).
Bearing: The direction of an object (with reference to you, your ship, another object).
Becalmed: A sailing vessel dead in the water due to lack of wind (not moving).
Becket: A rope eye for the hook of a block. A rope grommet used in place of a rowlock. Also, a small piece of rope with an eye in each end to hold the feet of a sprit to the mast. In general any small rope or strap used as a handle.
Belay: To make fast as to a pin or cleat. To rescind an order (tie up).
Belaying pin: A wooden or iron pin fitting into a rail upon which to secure ropes.
Bells: see Ships Time
Belly strap: A rope passed around (center) a boat or other object for hanging.
Below: Beneath the deck (under).
Bend: The twisting or turning of a rope so as to fasten it to some object, as a spar or ring.
Berth: A vessel's place at anchor or at a dock. Seaman's assignment.
Between decks: The space between decks. The name of the deck or decks between the ceiling and main deck.
Bight: Formed by bringing the end of a rope around, near to, or across its own part.
Bilge: The curved part of a ship's hull where the side and the flat bottom meet.
Binnacle: The stand, usually of brass or non-magnetic material in which the compass rests and which contains the compensating magnets (compass holder).
Bitter end: The last part of a rope or last link in an anchor chain.
Bitts: A pair of vertical wooden or iron heads on board ship, used for securing mooring or towing lines. Similar to dock bollards.
Black gang: Member of the engine-room force, which included the engineers, firemen, oilers, and wipers.
Block and block: Same as two blocks.
Block: An apparatus consisting of an outside shell and a sheave through which a rope may be passed (pulley).
Boat-fall: A purchase (block and tackle) for hoisting a boat to its davits.
Bollard: An upright, wooden or iron post to which hawsers or mooring lines may be secured.
Boom: A spar used for fore and aft sails.
Boom cradle: A rest for a cargo-boom when lowered for securing for sea.
Boot-topping: The anti-corrosive paint used on and above the waterline.
Bos'n: Shortening of the old term "boatswain," an unlicensed member of the crew who supervises the work of the deck men under direction of the first mate.
Bos'n's chair: The piece of board on which a man working aloft is swung.
Bos'n's chest: The deck chest in which the bos'n keeps his deck gear.
Bos'n's locker: The locker in which the bos'n keeps his deck gear.
Bow: The forward part of a vessel's sides (front).
Bowsprit: A spar extending forward from the stem.
Boxing the compass: Calling names of the points of the compass in order.
Break ground: Said of anchor when it lifts clear of the bottom.
Breaker: A small cask for fresh water carried in ship's boats. A sea (wave) with a curl on the crest.
Bridge: The raised platform extending athwartships, the part of the ship from which the ship is steered and navigated.
Bright work: Brass work, polished (also varnished wood work in yachts).
Bulkhead: Transverse or longitudinal partitions separating portions of the ship ("walls" in a ship).
Bunk: Built-in bed aboard ship.
Bunker: Compartment for the storage of oil or other fuel.
By the board: Overboard (over the side).
By the head: Deeper forward (front end deepest in water).
By the Run: To let go altogether.

Cabin: The captain's quarters. The enclosed space of decked-over small boat.
Cable-laid: The same as hawser-laid.
Cable-length: 100 fathoms or 600 feet (6 feet to a fathom).
Cable: A chain or line (rope) bent to the anchor.
Calm: A wind or force less than one knot (knot: 1 nautical mile per hour).
Camel: A wooden float placed between a vessel and a dock acting as a fender.
Capstan-bar: A wooden bar which may be shipped in the capstan head for heaving around by hand (to heave up anchor or heavy objects by manpower).
Capstan: The vertical barrel device used to heave in cable or lines.
Captain of the Head: A guy who gets Head (toilet) cleaning detail.
Cardinal points: The four principal points of the compass: North, East, South and West.
Cast off: To let go.
Caulk: To fill in the seams with cotton or oakum.
Chafe: To wear the surface of a rope by rubbing against a solid object.
Chafing gear: A guard of canvas or rope put around spars, mooring lines, or rigging to prevent them from wearing out by rubbing against something.
Chain locker: A compartment forward where the chain cable is stowed.
Charley Noble: The galley smoke-pipe (cook's stove pipe), named after The English sea captain who was noted for the scrupulous cleanliness and shine of the brass aboard his ship.
Check: To ease off gradually (go slower and move carefully).
Chief mate: Another term for first mate.
Chief: The crew's term for the chief engineer.
Chock: A heavy wooden or metal fitting secured on a deck or on a dock, with jaws, used for the lead or to guide lines or cables.
Choked: The falls foul in a block. The falls may be chocked or jammed intentionally for a temporary securing (holding).
Cleat: A fitting of wood or metal, with horns, used for securing lines (tying up).
Clipper bow: A stem curving up and forward in graceful line.
Coaming: The raised frame work around deck openings, and cockpit of open boats (hatch coaming).
Cockpit: The well of a sailing vessel, especially a small boat, for the wheel and steerman.
Colors: The national ensign.
Cofferdam: The space between two bulkheads set close together, especially between fuel tanks (two walls separated to use for drainage or safety).
Coil: To lay down rope in circular turns.
Coming around: To bring a sailing vessel into the wind and change to another tack. One who is influenced to a change of opinion.
Cork fenders: A fender made of granulated cork and covered with woven tarred stuff.
Cradle: A stowage rest for a ship's boat.
Crossing the line: Crossing the Equator.
Crow's nest: The platform or tub on the mast for the look-out.
Cut-water: The foremost part of the stem, cutting the water as the vessel forges ahead.

Davit: A curved metal spar for handling a boat or other heavy objects.
Dead ahead: Directly ahead on the extension of the ship's fore and aft line.
Dead light: Steel disc, that is dogged down over a porthole to secure against breakage of the glass and to prevent light from showing through.
Derelict: An abandoned vessel at sea (a danger to navigation).
Dip: A position of a flag when lowered part way in salute (method of salute between vessels, like planes dipping wings).
Displacement: The weight of the water displaced by a vessel.
Distress signal: A flag display or a sound, light, or radio signal calling for assistance.
Ditty-bag: A small bag used by seamen for stowing small articles.
Doldrums: The belt on each side of the Equator in which little or no wind ordinarily blows.
Dolphin: A cluster of piles for mooring.
Double up: To double a vessel's mooring lines.
Dowse: To take in, or lower a sail. To put out a light. To cover with water.
Draft: The distance from the surface of the water to the ship's keel (how deep the ship is into the water).
Drag: A sea anchor contrived to keep a vessel's head to the wind and sea.
Dressing ship: A display of national colors at all mastheads and the array of signal flags from bow to stern over the masthead (for special occasions and holidays).
Dry dock: A basin for receiving a vessel for repairs, capable of being pumped dry (to repair vessel and scrape marine growth from bottom).
Dungarees: Blue working overalls.

Eagle Flies: Pay day
Easy: Carefully (watch what you're doing).
End-for-end: Reversing the position of an object or line.
End seizing: A round seizing at the end of a rope.
Ensign: (1) The national flag. (2) A junior officer.
Even keel: Floating level (no list).

Fake: A single turn of rope when a rope is coiled down.
Fake down: To fake line back and forth on deck.
Fantail: After deck over counter. The part of a rounded stern which extends past the rearmost perpendicular.
Fathom: Six feet. Comes from the Dutch word "fadom" which was the distance between fingertips of outstretched hands.
Fend off: To push off when making a landing.
Fender: Canvas, wood or rope used over the side to protect a vessel from chafing when alongside another vessel or a dock.
Fid: A tapered wooden pin used to separate the strands when splicing heavy rope.
Field day: A day for general ship cleaning.
Flemish down: To coil flat down on deck, each fake outside the other, beginning in the middle and all close together.
Fo'c'sle: A modem version of the old term "forecastle," or bow section of the ship, where the crew lived.
Fog horn: A sound signal device (not necessarily mechanically operated).
Fog-bound: Said of a vessel when forced to heave to or lie at anchor due to fog.
Fore peak: The part of the vessel below decks at the stem.
Forecastle: A compartment where the crew lives.
Forefoot: The heel of the stem where it connects to the keel.
Foul: Jammed, not clear.
Fouled hawse: Said of the anchor chain when moored and the chain does not lead clear of another chain.
Founder: To sink (out of control).
Freeboard: The distance from the surface of the water to the main deck or gunwale.
Freeing port: A port in the bulwark for the purpose of freeing the deck of water.
Freighter: A ship designed to carry all types of general cargo, or "dry cargo."

G.I.: Anything of Government Issue.
Gantline: A line rove through a single block secured aloft.
Garboard strake: The strake next to the keel (running fore and aft).
Gather way: To attain headway (to get going or pick up speed).
Gear: The general name for ropes, blocks and tackles, tools, etc. (things).
Gilguy (or gadget): A term used to designate an object for which the correct name has been forgotten.
Gipsey (gypsey): A drum of a windlass for heaving in line.
Glass: Term used by mariners for a barometer.
Glory hole: Steward's quarters.
Go adrift: Break loose.
Golden Slippers: Tan work shoes issued to U.S. Maritime Service trainees
Grapnel: A small anchor with several arms used for dragging purposes.
Grating: A wooden lattice-work covering a hatch or the bottom boards of a boat; similarly designed gratings of metal are frequently found on shipboard.
Graveyard watch: The middle watch.
Green sea: A large body of water taken aboard (ship a sea).
Ground tackle: A term used to cover all of the anchor gear.
Grounding: Running ashore (hitting the bottom).
Gunwale: The upper edge of a vessel or boat's side.

Hail: To address a vessel, to come from, as to hail from some port (call).
Half-mast: The position of a flag when lowered halfway down.
Halliards or halyards: Ropes used for hoisting gaffs and sails, and signal flags.
Hand lead: A lead of from 7 to 14 pounds used with the hand lead line for ascertaining the depth of water in entering or leaving a harbor. (Line marked to 20 fathoms.)
Hand rail: A steadying rail of a ladder (banister).
Hand rope: Same as "grab rope" (rope).
Hand taut: As tight as can be pulled by hand.
Hand: A member of the ship's company.