TERMINOLOGIES USED IN SHIP INDUSTRY.

Before we get deeper into the vast field of naval architecture, let us first learn the
language of naval architecture. Language of naval architecture means the basic terminologies of
naval architecture that we use frequently. To understand a ship's structure and other parts of ship,
it is extremely important to know and remember the basic terminologies that are used in
Ship/Marine Industry. Hence, the Basic Terminologies used in Ship/Marine Industry are given
below, alphabetically.

Some of the terms are used by the sailors. Ship Designers and Builders may be
sometimes required to interact with them, and hence the terminologies used by them are also
included, just for understanding.

So, you can start now one by one.

Aback : Wind on the wrong side of the sails.

Abaft: Aft of any particular point on the vessel. E.g. Abaft the mast – behind the mast.

Abeam: At right angles to the line of the keel or length of the vessel.

Adrift: Loose, not on moorings or towline, vessel without means of propulsion, not under
control.

Admiralty law: The "law of the sea".

Aft: Towards the stern of the vessel.

Aground: When a vessel is in water too shallow for it to float in, i.e.: the vessel's bottom is resting
on sea bottom.

Alee: Away from the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward.

Aloft: Above the deck of the boat.

Amidships: Midway between the stem and the stern. ie near the middle of a vessel.

Anchor: 1) A heavy metal object designed such that its weight and shape will help to hold a boat
in its position when lowered to the sea bottom on a rode or chain. 2) The act of using an
anchor.

Anchor chain: A chain attached to the anchor. The chain acts partially as a weight to keep the anchor
lying next to the ground so that it can dig in better. The weight of the chain also helps to
absorb changes in the vessel's position due to waves.

Anchor light: A white light, usually on the masthead, visible from all directions, used when anchored.

Anchor locker: A locker used to store the anchor rode and anchor.

Anchor roller: Also called bow roller. A fitting with a small wheel that allows the anchor and chain to
roll over when dropping or raising the anchor. Some anchor rollers also have a provision
to store the anchor.
Anchor windlass:A windlass used to assist when raising the anchor.

Astern: Toward the stern of a vessel, or behind the vessel.

Athwartships: At right angles to the centerline of the vessel.

ASD: AZIMUTH STERN DRIVE: A particular group of propellers that are able to rotate 360
degrees. Being located at the stern of the vessel, these propellers serve as a steering
mechanism, so no separate rudder is required.

Australian ladder: A ladder made up of a set of stairs broken up at regular intervals by landings or
platforms. Commonly used on ships to ascend from or descend to the bottom of a hold
from the deck.

Autopilot: A device used to steer a ship automatically, usually electrical, hydraulic or mechanical in
nature. A similar mechanism called a self-steering gear may also be used on a sailing
vessel.

Awash: Deck level with surface of water.

Aweigh: To raise anchor.

Backstay: A stay (line or cable) used to support the mast. The backstay runs from the masthead to
the stern and helps keep the mast from falling forward.

Backwinded: The state of a sail with the wind pushing on the wrong side of it, causing it to be pushed
away from the wind.

Bail: The action of removing water from the hold of bilge of the boat.

Bale capacity: Cubic capacity of a vessel’s holds to carry packaged dry cargo such as bales/pallets

Ballast: A weight at the bottom of a vessel to keep it stable. Ballasts can be placed inside the hull
of the vessel or externally in a keel. They are heavy substances loaded in a vessel to
improve stability, trimming, sea-keeping and to increase the immersion at the propeller.
Sea water ballast is commonly' loaded in most vessels in ballast tanks, positioned in
compartments right at the bottom and in some cases on the sides, called wing tanks. On a
tanker, ballast is seawater that is taken into the cargo tanks to submerge the vessel to a
proper trim.

Barge: Flat-bottomed vessel designed to carry cargo on inland waterways, usually without
engines or crew accommodations. Barges can be lashed together and either pushed or
pulled by tugs. Small barges for carrying cargo between ship and shore are known as
lighters.

Beam (B): The breadth of the ship at the widest point or the extreme width of a ship. This dimension
must include any projections on either side of the vessel.

Beam reach: The point of sail with the wind coming from abeam.

Beaufort wind scale: Sea state scale laid down by the World Meteorological Organization.
Becket: A loop or eye made in the end of a rope or wire.

Berth: A place where a ship can be secured.

Bilge: The lowest part of the interior of the vessel where water collects.

Bilge pump: A mechanical, electrical, or manually operated pump used to remove water from the
bilge.

Bimini: A cover used to shelter the cockpit from the sun.

Binnacle: The box which houses the Mariner’s compass.

Bitts: Pair of vertical metal posts fixed on deck at the bow or stern with a horizontal cross bar to
which lines or chains are wound for securing or towing.

Bitter end: The end of a line or chain that is wound around a bitt. ie. the last part of a cable/rope left
around the “bitts” when the rest is overboard.

Block: One or more pulleys designed to carry a line and change the direction of its travel. A
housing around the pulley allows the block to be connected to a spar or to another line.
Lines used with a block are known as tackle.

Bobstay: A wire from the bowsprit to the stem of a boat, just above the waterline.

Bollard: large pillar to which a vessel's mooring lines may be tied.

Bollard Pull: A measure of a tugs pulling power. It is usually measured in tons by securing the tug to a
scale. The tug then pulls against the scale and its bollard pull in tons is recorded. Bollard
pull is determined by a combination of the tug's horse power and the type of propellers
that it uses.

Boom: A pole securing the bottom of a sail, allowing more control of the position of a sail.

Boot Top: A painted line that indicates the designed waterline.

Bosun: Also boatswain, bos'n, bo's'n, and bo'sun, all of which are pronounced "bow-sun." A crew
member responsible for keeping the hull, rigging and sails in repair.

Bosun's chair: A chair, traditionally made from a plank and rope, used to hoist workers aloft to maintain
the rigging.

Bosun's locker: A locker where tools for maintaining the hull, rigging and sails are kept.

Bow: Forward part of vessel. ie. the front part of the vessel.

Bower anchor: Main anchor carried forward in a vessel.

Bow eye: Ring fitting for securing line to bow of vessel.

Bowline: A knot used to make a loop in a line. Easily untied, it is simple and strong. The bowline is
used to tie sheets to sails.
Bowsprit: Heavy spar from deck leading forward from stem head, to which headsails are attached.
A bowsprit allows better positioning of the forestay to maximize use of the jib or genoa
sail.

Bow Thruster: A propeller at the lower sea-covered part of the bow of the ship which turns at right
angles to the fore-and-aft line and thus provides transverse thrust as a maneuvering aid.

Breakers: A wave that approaches shallow water, causing the wave height to exceed the depth of
the water it is in, in effect tripping it. The wave changes from a smooth surge in the water
to a cresting wave with water tumbling down the front of it.

Breaking seas: With sufficiently strong wind, large waves can form crests even in deep water, causing
the wave tops to tumble forward over the waves.

Breakwater: A structure built to improve a harbor by sheltering it from waves.

Breast line: Ropes forward and aft at right angles to the ship to “breast” into the dock.

Bridge: The location from which a vessel is steered and its speed controlled. "Control Station" is
really a more appropriate term for small craft.

Bridle: A rope attached to both sides of a boat or object to lift it. Lifting tackle or towing tackle.

Bulkheads: Partitions fore and aft or Athwartships, ( vertical partition ) forming separate
compartments.

Bulwarks: A vessel’s topsides that extend above the deck.

Buoy: A floating device (with distinguishing name, shape, color or light) used as a navigational
aid by marking channels, hazards and prohibited areas.

Burgee: Pennant (pointed) shaped flag with design indicating the Yacht Club or personal interest
of the vessel’s owner.

By the head: Greater draft forward than aft.

By the lee: When running under sail, if the wind blows over the same side as the mainsail.

By the stern: Greater draft aft than forward.

Cable: 1) 1/10 Nautical mile, 2) anchor chain, 3) stainless steel wire.

Capstan: A rotating drum used to haul heavy lines and chains. Similar to a winch, but mounted
vertically.

Careen: To heel a vessel over on one side by tackles, to work on her bottom.

Carry way: To continue to move through the water.

Carvel: Edge to edge planking for a vessels hull.

Catenary: The curve of an anchor cable as it lies between the anchor on the sea bottom and the
vessel which lies to it.
Cathead: A heavy piece of curved timber projecting from the bow of a ship for the purpose of
holding anchors.

Cast off: To detach mooring lines, as when leaving a dock.

Caulking: Material used to seal the seams in a wooden vessel, making it watertight.

Cavitation: The loss of effective propeller thrust caused by the blades of a propeller cutting across the
column of water sucked along by the propeller instead of working in it.

Chafe: To damage a line by rubbing or Wearing through of a line, sail, etc from rubbing.

Chafing gear: Tubing or cloth wrapping used to protect a line from chafing on a rough surface.

Chain plates: Metal strips fastened outside or inside the hull to attach standing rigging.

Chine: The location where the deck joins the hull of a vessel ie. joint of freeboard and hull
bottom.

Chine walk: Dangerously uncontrolled, side to side motion associated with high speed operation.

Chock: A fitting through which anchor or mooring lines are led. Usually U-shaped to reduce
chafe.

Classification society: A company which arranges inspections and advises on the hull and machinery of
a ship. Classification societies supervise vessels during their construction and afterward,
in respect to their seaworthiness.

Claw off: Working a vessel to windward off a lee shore.

Cleat: A two pronged device for making ropes fast. The classic cleat to which lines are belayed
is approximately anvil-shaped.

Clew: The corner of the sail where the leech meets the foot.

Close-hauled: Sailing close to the wind.

Clove hitch: A knot for temporarily fastening a line to a spar or piling.

Coaming: A vertical piece around the edge of a cockpit, hatch, etc. to prevent water on deck from
running below.

COF: Certificate of fitness

Companion: Ladder in a ship.

Compass: Instrument using the earth's magnetic field to point to the direction to the magnetic north
pole.

Container ship: Vessel carrying general cargo including high-value cargo in containers (boxes) some of
which may be refrigerated.
Coordinated universal time: A time standard that is not affected by time zones or seasons. Time
measured in coordinated universal time, labeled with the term zulu. It is used so that
people around the world can communicate about time without regard to individual time
zones.

CQR anchor: Also called a plow anchor. Short for coastal quick release anchor. An anchor that is
designed to bury itself into the ground by use of its plow shape.

Cradle: The frame erected round and under a vessel to support her out of the water.

Cringle: Rope round a thimble, worked into a sail.

Crown: Where the arms of an anchor meet the shank.

Crude oil washing (COW): A technique of cleaning tanks in oil tankers.

Cruising guides: Books that describe features of particular sailing areas, such as hazards, anchorages, etc.

Danforth anchor: Lightweight anchor with piveting flukes and no stock, hold on all types of bottoms.

Davit: Device that projects beyond the side of the vessel to raise objects from the water. Ie.
Crane for hoisting, lowering and holding boats in position in large vessels.

Dead reckoning: The position found by calculation from the course steered and the distance run over time.

Dead Rise: Measurement of the angle between the bottom of the vessel and it's widest beam. A
vessel with a 0` deadrise has a flat bottom, high numbers indicate deep V shaped hulls.

Deadweight: A common measure of ship carrying capacity. The number of tons (2240 lbs.) of cargo,
stores and bunkers that a vessel can transport. It is the difference between the number of
tons of water a vessel displaces.

Deadweight tonnage(DWT): It is the displacement at any loaded condition minus the lightship weight. It
includes the crew, passengers, cargo, fuel, water, and stores. Like Displacement, it is
often expressed in metric tons.

Deck: The surface on the top of a vessel on which people can stand.

Deckhead: Underside of a deck. The roof of a ships cabin.

Deep: Unmarked soundings of the lead line.

Depth (D): The term "depth" is where the measurement is taken from the bottom--from the keel
upward.ie. depth from bottom to the top watertight deck. So, Depth = freeboard + draft.
Though the depth of the ship varies along the length, “Depth of the ship” is taken as the
distance between the undersides of the deck amidship to the bottom of the keel.

Depth moulded: Vertical distance from the keel to the uppermost deck, taken inside the ship/s plating.

Depth Sounder: Instrument that uses sound waves to measure the distance of the bottom.

Depth Meter or Fathometer: Instrument used to determine soundings or depth of water

Derric: Lifting equipment on board a conventional vessel for loading and discharging cargo,
consisting of a post attached to the deck and an inclined spar.

Displacement (W): The weight of water of the displaced volume of the ship, which equals the weight of
the ship. The word "displacement" arises from the basic physical law, discovered by
Archimedes, that the weight of a floating object equates exactly to that of the water which
would otherwise occupy the "hole in the water" displaced by the ship. Displacement is
expressed in metric tons, and is calculated simply by multiplying the volume of the hull
below the waterline (ie. the volume of water it is displacing) by the specific gravity of the
water. (Note that the specific gravity will depend on whether the vessel is in fresh or salt
water, or is in the tropics, where water is warmer and hence less dense.) For example, in
sea water, first determine the volume of the submerged portion of the hull as follows:
Multiply its length by its breadth and the draft. Then multiply the product thereby
obtained by the block coefficient of the hull to get the hull volume. Using the SI or metric
system : displacement (in tonnes) is volume (in m³) multiplied by the specific gravity of
sea water (1.025 nominally).

Displacement, light: The weight of the ship excluding cargo, fuel, ballast, stores, passengers, crew, but
with water in boilers to steaming level.

Displacement, loaded: The weight of the ship including cargo, passengers, fuel, water, stores, dunnage
and such other items necessary for use on a voyage, which brings the ship down to her
load draft.

Displacement Hull: A type of hull that only floats, even when in motion, as opposed to a type of hull that
allows a vessel to skim of plane across the surface of the water.

Distress Signals: The following signals indicate need for immediate help:

1. An operating Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon

2. Call VHF channel 16 radio – include name, location, type of distress
3. Continuous blast of fog horn
4. Firing gun or explosions at one minute interval
5. International Code Flags “N” over “C” ( not in command )
6. Orange signal flag with black square and black ball
7. Orange smoke signals
8. Red rockets or flares
9. Slow and repeated raising of your out stretched arms
10. SOS made by any means
11. Visible open flames on the vessel (rags burning in a bucket)

Dock: Any platform where vessels can make fast. Docks are often subdivided into smaller areas
for docking known as slips.

Dolphin: A group of piles driven close together and bound with wire cables into a single structure
for mooring in harbor.

Double Hull ( Double Skin): A vessel with double hull has both an inner and an outer hull. This is a safety
feature should the vessel collide or run aground. The outer hull provides some protection
for cargo and bunker tanks, thereby reducing the chances of environmental pollution
from cargo and bunker spills. Most modern tankers have double hulls.
Downhaul: Rope or tackle used to haul down sail or yard.

DP: DP stands for Dynamic Positioning and refers to the ship board equipment that allows the
ship to maneuver with very precise positioning and control. With DP II or DPIII a ship
can maintain a very precise position, even in rough seas. DPII is considered standard
equipment for a ship engaged in over the side operations.

Draft (T): It is the depth of water occupied by a vessel at any time. Ie. the depth from waterline to
the deepest part of the ship. The depth of the vessel below the waterline measured
vertically to the lowest part of the hull, propellers, or other reference point. When
measured to the lowest projecting portion of the vessel, it is called the "draft, extreme";
when measured at the bow, it is called "draft, forward"; and when measured at the stern,
the "draft, aft"; the average of the draft, forward, and the draft, aft, is the "draft, mean,"
and the mean draft when in full load condition is the "draft, load.".

Dragging: Description of an anchor that is not securely fastened to the bottom and moves.

Drift: The boat movement leeway or sideways, can be speed of the current in knots.

Drogue: A sea anchor – a cone shaped canvas bag to which the vessel lies in heavy weather to
keep the bow pointing into the waves, or towed from the stern to slow the speed when
running.

Dry dock: A dock where a vessel can be worked on out of the water. The boat is usually sailed into
a dry dock, and then the water is pumped out.

Ebb: The period when the tide falls or flows from the land.

Electronic Navigation: Use of echo sounders, radio, and various electronic satellite and land based
position finders (GPS) to determine a boat's location.

Ensign: The flag, usually carried at the stern, that denotes a vessel’s nationality.

EPIRB: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. An emergency device that uses a radio
signal to alert satellites or passing airplanes to indicate a vessel's position.

Even Keel: When a boat is floating on its designed waterline, it is said to be floating on an even keel.

Eye Spice: A permanent loop spliced in the end of a line.

Fair Lead: A line unobstructed between its terminals, such as between a bow chock and a piling

Fairway: Shipping channel, normally the center of an approach channel.

Fathom: Nautical measurement of depth of six feet or 1.83m.

Fender: A cushion hung from the sides of a boat to protect it from rubbing against a dock or
another vessel.

Fetch: The distance wind and waves can travel toward land without being blocked. In areas
without obstructions, the wind and seas can build to great strength, but in sheltered areas,
such as coves and harbors, the wind and seas can be quite calm. Fetch also is used to
describe the act of sailing to a location accurately without having to tack.
FEU: Forty Foot Equivalent Units (Containers).

FIFI: Fire Fighting Equipment

Figure eight knot: A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end of a line to prevent the line from
passing through a grommet or a block.

Fin keel: A keel that is narrower and deeper than a full keel.

FLAG STATE: The country where a particular vessel is registered.

FLAGS OF CONVENIENCE: Denotes registration of vessels in foreign nations that offer favourable tax
structures and regulations; also the flag representing the nation under whose jurisdiction a
ship is registered. Ships are always registered under the laws of one nation but are not
always required to establish their home location in that country.

Flare: A device that burns to produce a bright light, sometimes colored, usually used to indicate
an emergency.

Floor Board: The surface of the cockpit on which the crew stand.

Flotsam: Debris floating on the water surface.

Fluke: The broad flat parts of an anchor that are designed to grab and hold in the bottom.

Fluxgate Compass: Electronic compass with a remote magnetic direction sensor.

FO: Fuel oil / free out.

Foil: A wing like surface below the hull that, when moved through water, lifts the hull out of
the water, allowing greater speeds.

Folding Hatch Cover: Type of hatch cover which consists of several panels hinged together.

Fouled: Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled, or dirtied.

Fore, forward: Toward the bow of the vessel.

Fore-and-aft: From the bow to the stern. ( In line with the keel – lengthways of the ship ).

Foredeck: Forward topside part of the vessel.

Foremast: The mast nearest the bow.

Forepeak: The most forward storage area on a vessel.

Forestay: A line running from the bow of the vessel to the upper part of the mast, designed to pull
the mast forward. A forestay that attaches slightly below the top of the mast can be used
to help control the bend of the mast. The most forward stay on the boat is also called the
headstay.

Foresail: A sail placed forward of the mast, such as a jib.

Forestaysail: A sail attached to the forestay, as opposed to a jib, which is attached to the headstay.

Foretopmast: A mast above the foremast.

Frap: To bind ropes together, or bind a loose sail to prevent it flapping.

Freeboard (F): Distance between the waterline and the uppermost watertight deck.

Fresh Water Cooled: An engine that is cooled by anti-freeze run through a heat exchanger that is cooled
by sea water.

Full keel: A keel that runs the length of the vessel. Full keels have a shallower draft than fin keels.

Furl: To lower a sail. Sails are sometimes partially furled to reduce the amount of sail area in
use without completely lowering the sail. This is usually known as reefing.

Gaff: A spar or pole extending diagonally upward from the after side of a mast and supporting
a fore-and-aft sail.

Gale: A storm with a wind speed between 34 and 40 knots.

Gale force winds: Wind speeds strong enough to qualify the storm as a gale.

Galley: The kitchen area on a ship of any size.

Gallows: A frame used to support the boom.

Gangway: The area of a ship's side where people board and disembark.

Genoa: A large jib that overlaps the mast.

Gimbals: Two concentric rings to hold the compass or stove horizontal at all times.

GL: Germanischer lloyd -German classification society.

GMDSS: The global maritime distress and safety system.

GMT: Time measured in Greenwich Mean Time. Coordinated universal time is the new term. A
time standard that is not affected by time zones or seasons.

Gnomonic Projection: A chart with Longitude lines that are straight while Latitude lines are curved so
that the shortest distance between any two points is a straight line. This straight line
becomes a “Great Circle Route” on a Mercator Chart which is a curved path but the
shortest route. A Rhumb-Line course is a straight line drawn on a Mercator Chart.

GPS: Global Positioning System. A system of satellites that allows one's position to be
calculated with great accuracy by the use of an electronic receiver.

Grab Rails: Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving
around the boat.

Great circle: A circle drawn around the Earth such that the center of the circle is at the center of the
Earth. Following such a circle plots the shortest distance between any two points on the
surface of the Earth.
Grommet: A ring or eyelet normally used to attach a line, such as on a sail.

GROSS AND NET TONNAGE (GT and NT): Gross tonnage is the basis on which manning rules and
safety regulations are applied, and registration fees are reckoned. Port fees are also often
reckoned on the basis of GT and NT. GT and NT are defined according to formulas
which take account, among other things, of the volume of the vessel's enclosed spaces
(GT) and the volume of its holds (NT).

Gross register tonnage (GRT) represents the total internal volume of a vessel, where a register ton is
equal to a volume of 100 cubic feet (2.83 m³), which volume, if filled with fresh water,
would weigh around 2,800 kg or 2.8 tonnes. ( 1 GRT = 2.83 m³).

Gross Tonnage(GT): Gross tonnage is a function of the volume of all ship's enclosed spaces (from keel to
funnel) measured to the outside of the hull framing. The entire internal cubic capacity of
the ship expressed in tons of 100 cubic feet to the ton, except certain spaces which are
exempted, such as: (1) peak and other tanks for water ballast; (2) spaces above the
uppermost continuous deck, such as: open forecastle, bridge and poop, certain light and
air spaces, domes of skylights, condenser, anchor gear, steering gear, wheel house, galley
and cabins for passengers. The numerical value for a ship's GT is always smaller than the
numerical values for both her gross register tonnage and the GRT value expressed
equivalently in cubic meters.

Net registered tons(NRT): This tonnage is frequently shown on ship registration papers; it represents the
volumetric area available for cargo at 100 cubic feet = 1 ton. Net register tonnage is the
volume of cargo the vessel can carry; i.e., the gross register tonnage less the volume of
spaces that will not hold cargo (e.g., engine compartment, helm station, crew spaces, etc).
It represents the volume of the ship available for transporting freight or passengers. It
often is used by port and canal authorities as a basis for charges.

Net Tonnage(NT): The tonnage most frequently used for the calculation of tonnage taxes and the
assessment of charges for wharfage and other port dues. Net tonnage is obtained by
deducting from the gross tonnage, crew and navigating spaces and an allowance for the
space occupied by the propelling machinery. It indicates a vessel’s earning space and is a
function of the moulded volume of all cargo spaces of the ship.

Ground swells: Swells that become shorter and steeper as they approach the shore due to shallow water.

Ground tackle: The anchor and its rode or chain and any other gear used to hold a boat securely in place.

Gudgeon: A socket the pintle (pin or bolt used as a pivot) of the rudder sits in.

Gunnel, gunwale: Pronounced "gun-nel." The rail around the top end of hull sides. Smaller versions are
called toe rails.

Gunter: A sliding gunter rig is when the gaff is hoisted vertically, reducing the necessity for a tall
mast.

Guy: A rope of wire used to control a spar or derrick.

Gypsy: A windlass or capstan drum.

Halyard: A line used to hoist a sail or spar. The tightness of the halyard can affect sail shape.
Hanks: Strong clip hooks which attach head sails to the mast stays.

HANDYMAX: Dry cargo vessel about 35.000 – 50.000 dwt.

HANDYSIZE: Dry cargo vessel - about 20.000 – 35.000 dwt.

Hard Chine: An abrupt intersection between the hull side and the hull bottom of a vessel so
constructed.

Hawse pipes: Pipes leading down through the bows through which anchor cables are led.

Hawser: A heavy rope used for mooring, kedging, lining, towing or as a temporary anchor line.

Hatch: A sliding or hinged opening in the deck, providing access to the cabin or space below.

Head: The front of a vessel. Also a marine toilet.

Heading: The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time.

Head board: A triangular board sewn into the top of a sail, to which the halyard is attached.

Head sea: Sea from ahead, beam sea is caused by wind blowing abeam.

Heads: Toilets in a ship.

Headsail: Any sail forward of the mast, such as a jib.

Headstay: The most forward forestay. The line from the bow or bowsprit to the top of the mast. This
keeps the mast from falling toward the rear of the vessel. The headstay is the farthest
forward of all the stays on the vessel.

Head Stay: The forward motion of a boat. Opposite of sternway.

Heave: To throw or pull strongly on a line.

Heave the lead: To take soundings with a lead line.

Heave to: A sailing vessel is hove to when a headsail is backed thus reducing the way through the
water.

Heaving line: Light line, knotted on end to throw ashore when berthing, as a messenger for a larger
mooring line.

Heavy seas: When the water has large waves or breakers in stormy conditions.

Heavy weather: Stormy conditions, including rough, high seas and strong winds. Probably uncomfortable
or dangerous.

Heel: A list from the upright; the foot of a mast.

Helm: The tiller or wheel used to steer vessel.

High tide: The point of a tide when the water is the highest. The opposite of low tide.

Hitch: A knot used to secure a rope to another object or to another rope, or to form a loop or a
noose in a rope.
HO / HA: Hold – hatch.

Hold: A general name for the spaces below the main deck designated for stowage of general
cargo. A hold on a tanker is usually just forward of #1 cargo tank. Some newer tankers
have no hold.

Holding ground: The type of bottom that the anchor is set in.

Holding tank: A storage tank where sewage is stored until it can be removed to a treatment facility.

Horseshoe buoy: A floatation device shaped like a U and thrown to people in the water in emergencies.

Hounds band: A band around the mast with securing eyes for attaching the lower stays.

HR: Hellenic register of shipping.

Hull: The main structural body of the vessel, not including the deck, keel or mast. The part that
keeps the water out of the vessel.

Hull speed: The theoretical speed a vessel can travel without planning, based on the shape of its hull.
This speed is about 1.34 times the square root of the length of a vessel at its waterline.
Since most monohull sailboats cannot exceed their hull speed, longer boats are faster.

Hydrodynamic: A shape designed to move efficiently through the water.

Hydrofoil: A vessel that has foils under it's hull onto which it rises to plane across the water surface
at high speed in more comfort.

IACS: International Association of Classification Societies.

IBC Code: International Bulk Chemical Code. A code that is part of the International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). It gives standards for the safe transportation of bulk
chemicals by sea.

ICW: Intra Coastal Waterways- bays, rivers, and canals along the coasts connected so that
vessels may travel without going into the sea.

IFO: Intermediate Fuel Oil. IFO 180 -- Intermediate Fuel Oil, 180 Centistoke. IFO 380 --
Intermediate Fuel Oil, 380 Centistoke

IMDG: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.

IMO: International Maritime Organization - established in 1958 through the United Nations to
coordinate international maritime safety and related practices.

IMO I – II – III: Quality grades for tankers for the permission to transport different chemical and oil
products. IMO I are the most hazardous products, IMO III the least hazardous.

Inboard: An engine that is fitted inside a vessel.

In the Lee: Protected from the wind

Inert Gas System: A system of preventing any explosion in the cargo tanks of a tanker by replacing the
cargo, as it is pumped out, by an inert gas, often the exhaust of the ship's engine. Gas-
freeing must be carried out subsequently if worker have to enter the empty tanks.

Isophase: Navigation light where duration of light and dark are equal.

ISPS: International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. Developed in response to the
perceived threats to ships and port facilities.

Jack – Stay: A bar or rope on which anything travels e.g. a rope leading along the deck, to which
safety harnesses may be clipped.

Jack staff: Small staff in the bows from which the jack is flown.

Jacobs Ladder: A rope ladder, lowered from the deck, as when pilots or passengers come aboard.

Jetty: A manmade structure projecting from the shore. May protect a harbor entrance or aid in
preventing beach erosion.

Jib: A triangular sail attached to the headstay. A jib that extends aft of the mast is known as a
genoa.

Jib sheet: A sheet used to control the position of the jib. The jib has two sheets, and at any time one
is the working sheet and the other is the lazy sheet.

Jib stay: The stay that the jib is hoisted on. Usually the headstay.

Jib topsail: A small jib set high on the headstay of a double headsail rig.

Jibe: To change direction when sailing in such a manner that the stern of the vessel passes
through the eye of the wind and the boom changes sides. Careful control of the boom and
mainsail are required when jibing to prevent a violent motion of the boom when it
switches sides.

Jury: After losing mast or rudder, makeshift rig to get the vessel to safety (jury rig).

Kedge: A lightweight anchor for kedging or moving the vessel by pulling up to it.

Keel: The centerline of a boat running fore and aft; the backbone of a vessel. There are several
types of keels, such as fin keels and full keels.

Ketch: A sailboat with two masts. The shorter mizzen mast is aft of the main mast, but forward
of the rudder post. A similar vessel, the yawl, has the mizzen mast aft of the rudder post.

King spoke: The spoke of the steering wheel which is upright when the rudder is amidships.

KM(*): Character letters and distinguishing mark assigned to the ship or the floating facility
which was constructed in accordance with the Rules and under the supervision of Russian
Maritime Register of Shipping.

KNOT: Unit of speed in navigation which is the rate of nautical mile (6,080 feet or 1,852 meters)
per hour.

KR: Korean register of shipping

Lacing: The long line that secures the sail to a spar through eyelets.

Lanyard: A line fastened to an object, such as a bail or knife or other small object for the purpose
of securing it.

Lapstrake: Planking when one edge overlaps the other lower plank.

Lash: To tie something with a line.

Latitude: Imaginary lines drawn around the world and used to measure distance north and south of
the Equator. The North Pole is 90° north, the South Pole is 90° south, and the Equator is
at 0°. These are Lines that are parallel to the equator - Parallels of Latitude each degree is
60 (nautical) miles – each minute is 1 nautical mile.

Lay: To go, i.e. lay aft or lay aloft, lay to ( i.e. heave to) lay up, lay a course. The twisting of
strands in a rope.

Lazarette: A small storage space below the deck, usually aft, where spare parts and other items are
kept.

Lazy jack: A line running from above the mainsail to the boom to aid in the lowering of the sail.

LBP: Length Between Perpendiculars: The distance between forward and aft perpendiculars. ie.
the length of a ship measured from the forward side of the stem to the aft side of the stern
post at the height of the designed water line.

Lead: The lead weight at the end of the lead line used to find depth of water.

Lee: The direction toward which the wind is blowing. The direction sheltered from the wind.

Leeboard: A board placed alongside a berth to keep its occupant from falling out when a boat heels.

Leech: The after side of a fore and aft sail, and the outer sides of a square sail.

Lee side: The side away from the wind direction.

Lee tide: Tidal stream running with the wind.

Leeward: The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward.

Leeway: The sideways drift of a vessel from her course to leeward, due to wind pressure.

Life boat: A small boat used for emergencies, such as when the parent vessel is sinking.

Life jacket, life preserver, life vest: A device used to keep a person afloat. Also called a personal
floatation device or PFD.

Life raft: An emergency raft used in case of serious problems to the parent vessel, such as sinking.

Lifeline: A line running between the bow and stern of a boat to which the crew can attach
themselves to prevent them from being separated from the boat.

LIGHT DISPLACEMENT TONNAGE: The weight of a ship's hull, machinery, equipment and spares.
This is often the basis on which ships are paid for when purchased for scrapping. The
 difference between the loaded displacement and light displacement is the ship's
deadweight.

LIGHTER: General name for a broad, flat-bottomed boat used in transporting cargo between a vessel
and the shore.

Lightweight anchor: An anchor that has pivoting flukes that dig into the ground as tension is placed on the
anchor. It does not have a stock.

Line: Nautical name for rope. A rope in use aboard a vessel.

LINER: A cargo-carrying ship which is operated between scheduled, advertised ports of loading
and discharge on a regular basis.

Length Overall (LOA): The extreme length of the ship. Ie. the total length of the ship from one end to the
other, including bow and stern overhangs.

Longitude: Imaginary lines drawn through the North and South Poles on the globe, used to measure
distance east and west. Greenwich, England, is designated as 0°, with other distances
being measured in degrees east and west of Greenwich.

LORAN: An electronic instrument using radio waves from various stations to find one's position.
The LORAN system is being replaced by the GPS system and will be obsolete in a few
years. Many LORAN stations have already stopped providing service.

Low tide: The point of a tide at which the water is the lowest. The opposite of a high tide.

LT: Long Ton = 1016.05 kilogram ( 2240 lbs. ).

Lubber's Line: A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating the direction forward parallel to the
keel when properly installed.

Luff: To keep closer to the wind; forward edge of a sail.

LWL: Length on Waterline: This is the length at the waterline in the ship's design loaded
condition. It is the distance measured between the intersections points of the bow and the
after end with the summer load waterline. In case it is not mentioned, the length of the
summer load waterline is taken into consideration as the length of the waterline.

Main mast: The tallest (possibly only) mast on a vessel.

Mainsail: The main sail that is suspended from the main mast.

Main sheet: The line used to control the mainsail.

Main topsail: A topsail on the main mast.

Make fast: To attach a line to something so that it will not move.

Marline spike: A tool for opening the strands of a rope while splicing.

Marina: A place where boats can find fuel, water and other services. Marinas also contain slips
where boats can stay for a period of time.
Mast: Any vertical pole on the boat that sails are attached to. If a boat has more than one mast,
they can be identified by name.

Masthead: The top of a mast.

Mast head rig: The headstay is rigged to the top of the mast.

Mayday: An internationally recognized distress signal used on a radio to indicate a life-threatening

situation. Mayday calls have priority over any other radio transmission and should be
used only if there is an immediate threat to life or vessel. More urgent than security call.

MDO: Marine diesel oil.

Mercator Chart: Takes a globe and flattens it out so that Lat – Long lines intersect at 90°.

Meridian: A longitude line. Line running from North to South Poles that cross the equator at right
angles.

Messenger: Line run through a single block, used to carry an object, such as another line, aloft.

Midships: Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern.

Miss stays: To stay up in the wind when tacking.

MOA: Memorandum of agreement, A contract specifiying the terms and conditions covering the
sale and purchase of a merchant ship.

Monohull: A boat that has only one hull, as opposed to multihull boats such as catamarans or
trimarans.

Moor: To moor is to lie with two anchors down. Vessels are said to moor to a dock when well
made fast with several mooring lines.

Mooring: An arrangement for securing a vessel to a mooring buoy or a pier.

Mooring buoy: A buoy marking the location of a mooring. Usually attached to an anchor by a small
pendant.

Mooring line: A line used to secure a boat to an anchor, dock or mooring.

Morse code: A code that uses dots and dashes to communicate by radio or signal lights.

MULTIPURPOSE SHIP: Any ship capable of carrying different types of cargo which require different
methods of handling. There are several types of ships falling into this category, for
example, ships which can carry roll on/roll off cargo together with containers.

Mushroom anchor: A type of anchor with a heavy, inverted mushroom-shaped head. Mushroom anchors
are used to anchor in mud and other soft ground.

Nautical mile: Distance at sea is measured in nautical miles, which are about 6,067.12 feet, 1.15 statute
miles or exactly 1,852 meters. Nautical miles have the unique property that 1 minute of
latitude is equal to 1 nautical mile. (There is a slight error, because the earth is not
perfectly round.) Measurement of speed is done in knots, where 1 knot equals 1 nautical
mile per hour. A statute mile is used to measure distances on land and is 5,280 feet.
NEOBULK: Shipments consisting entirely of units of a single commodity, such as cars, lumber, or
scrap metal.

Net registered tons(NRT): This tonnage is frequently shown on ship registration papers; it represents the
volumetric area available for cargo at 100 cubic feet = 1 ton. Net register tonnage is the
volume of cargo the vessel can carry; i.e., the gross register tonnage less the volume of
spaces that will not hold cargo (e.g., engine compartment, helm station, crew spaces, etc).
It represents the volume of the ship available for transporting freight or passengers. It
often is used by port and canal authorities as a basis for charges.

Net Tonnage(NT): The tonnage most frequently used for the calculation of tonnage taxes and the
assessment of charges for wharfage and other port dues. Net tonnage is obtained by
deducting from the gross tonnage, crew and navigating spaces and an allowance for the
space occupied by the propelling machinery. It indicates a vessel’s earning space and is a
function of the moulded volume of all cargo spaces of the ship.

Occulting: Navigational light with duration of light more than dark and total eclipse at regular
intervals.

OIL TANKER: A ship designed for the carriage of oil in bulk, her cargo space consisting of several or
many tanks.

OPEN HATCH: Open hatch vessel in which the hatches extend the full reach of the holds (no overhang).

OUTBOARD: Toward or beyond the vessel's sides. A detachable engine mounted on a boat's stern.

Outhaul: A line used to apply tension on the foot of a sail, used to maintain proper sail shape.

Outrigger: A floatation device attached to one or both sides of the hull to help prevent capsizing.

Out of trim: Sails that are not properly arranged for the point of sail that the vessel is on. The sails
may have improper sail shape, or the boat may be heeling too much. These conditions
will slow the vessel down.

OVERBOARD: Over the side or out of the vessel.

Painted water line: A painted line on the side of a boat at the waterline. The color usually changes above
and below the waterline, and the boat is painted with special anti-fouling paint below the
waterline.

Painter: A line attached to the bow of a dinghy, used to tie it securely or to tow it.

Pan pan: An urgent message used on a radio regarding the safety of people or property. A mayday
call is used when there is an immediate threat to life or property. A pan pan situation may
develop into a mayday situation. Pan pan and mayday messages have priority on radio
channels and should not be interrupted. In the case of a less urgent safety message, the
security signal is used.

Pantaloon Covers: Type of hatch cover, Panel type.

Pennant: A small signal flag.

Personal floatation device, PFD: A device used to keep a person afloat. Also called a life jacket, life
preserver or life vest.
Petcock : Often used to describe the sea water drain valves an inboard motor.

Pier: A place extending out into the water where vessels may dock. Usually made out of wood
or cement.

PIGGY-BACK HATCH COVER: Arrangement of weather deck hatch covers whereby one panel of a
two panel hatch cover is stowed on top of the other when opened hydraulically operated.
One panel is raised vertically and the second panel slides underneath it. Both panel are
then rolled to the side on the end of the hatchway depending on the design of the ship.
This type of hatch cover found on bulk carriers and multipurpose ships.

Pile, piling: A pole embedded in the sea bottom and used to support docks, piers and other structures.

Pilot: An individual with specific knowledge of a harbor, canal, river or other waterway,
qualified to guide vessels through the region. Some areas require that boats and ships be
piloted by a licensed pilot.

Piloting: The act of guiding a vessel through a waterway.

Pinch: Steering a sailboat too close to the eye of the wind, causing the sails to flap.

Pintle: A vertical pin on which the rudder is shipped.

Pitch: A fore and aft rocking motion of a boat.

Pitch Pole: Riding down such a steep wave that the bow plows into the wave trough and the wave
pushes the stern up and over.

Pitching: Vertical motion when bow rises and falls.

PLANING HULL: A type of hull shaped to glide easily across the water at high speed.

Plow anchor: Also called a CQR or coastal quick release anchor. An anchor that is designed to bury
itself into the ground by use of its plow shape.

Point of sail: The position of a sailboat in relation to the wind. A boat with its head into the wind is
known as "head to wind" or "in irons." The point of sail with the bow of the boat as close
as possible to the wind is called close-hauled. As the bow moves further from the wind,
the points of sail are called: close reach, beam reach, broad reach and running. The
general direction a boat is sailing is known as its tack.

Poop deck: A boat's aft deck.

Pooped: A wave that breaks over the stern of the vessel.

Porpoise (Porpoising): The rhythmic bouncing of the nose of a planing vessel, often caused by over-trim
or hull irregularities.

Port: The left side of the boat from the perspective of a person at the stern of the boat, looking
toward the bow. The opposite of starboard. Port Side Bow Light is Red – Starboard side
bow light is green.
Port tack: A sailboat sailing on a tack with the wind coming over the port side and the boom on the
starboard side of the vessel. If two vessels under sail are approaching, the one on port
tack must give way to the vessel on starboard tack.

Porthole: A window in the side of a vessel, usually round or with rounded corners. Sometimes
portholes can be opened; sometimes they are fixed shut. They are Water tight window in
the ships side or superstructure for ventilation and light.

Position by Line of Soundings : Measure distance between sounding depths and make scale drawing to
use to match chart soundings near plotted course to determine approximate position.

Pram: A type of dinghy with a flat bow.

Prime meridian: The longitude line at 0°, which runs through Greenwich, England.

PRIVELEGED VESSEL: A vessel which, according to the applicable Navigation Rule, has right-of-way
(this term has been superseded by the term "stand-on").

Propeller: An object with two or more twisted blades, designed to propel a vessel through the water
when spun rapidly by the ship's engine. Right hand propeller spins clockwise, left hand
spins counter clockwise. Most single screw driven vessels are right hand props pulls the
stern to starboard in forward and to port in reverse, mostly affects reverse.

Propeller shaft: The spinning shaft from the engine to which the propeller is attached.

Prow: The part of the bow forward of where it leaves the waterline.

PSPC: Performance Standard for Protective Coatings for dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all
types of ships and double-side skin spaces of Bulk Carriers.

PSV: Platform Supply Vessel.

Quarter: The side of a boat aft of the beam.

Quay: A section parallel to the shore for docking and unloading vessels.

RACON: Beacon giving characteristic signal when triggered by ship’s radar set.

Radar: An electronic instrument that uses radio waves to find the distance and location of other
objects. Used to avoid collisions, particularly in times of poor visibility.

Radio: An instrument that uses electromagnetic waves to communicate with other vessels. VHF
(very high frequency) radios are common for marine use, but are limited in range. SSB
(single sideband) radios have longer ranges.

Radio beacon: A navigational aid that emits radio waves for navigational purposes. The radio beacon's
position is known and the direction of the radio beacon can be determined by using a
radio direction finder.

Radio Direction Finder (RDF): Instrument used to obtain a bearing to a marine radio beacon. Radio
beacons identified on the chart with signal frequency. Locate direction when signal is
null, can be 5° to 10° off.
Raft: A small flat boat, usually inflatable.

Rafting: Two or more vessels made fast side by side, boats are held by first anchor, rafted boats
should set their own anchor 45° off the first boat to allow them to swing free later on
their own anchor.

Rail: The edge of a boat's deck.

Rake: The inclination of the mast in the fore and aft line from the vertical.

Range Lights: Two lights one above the other that line up with center of channel steer toward lower
light to re-gain alignment.

Ratlines: Horizontal ropes as steps affixed to the shrouds to facilitate climbing.

Reef: To partially lower a sail so that it is not as large. This helps prevent too much sail from
being in use when the wind gets stronger.

REEFER: Refrigerator ship; a vessel designed to carry goods requiring refrigeration, such as meat
and fruit. A reefer ship has insulated holds into which cold air is passed at the
temperature appropriate to the goods being carried.

Reefing lines: Lines used to pull the reef in the sail.

Rhumb line: A line that passes through all meridians at the same angle. When drawn on a Mercator
chart, the rhumb line is a straight line, because the Mercator chart is a distortion of a
spherical globe on a flat surface. The rhumb line results in a longer course than a great
circle route.

Ride out: To weather a storm, either at sea or at anchor.

Riding sail: Also called a stability sail. Any small sail set to help the boat maintain its direction
without necessarily moving, as when at anchor or in heavy weather.
Rigging: The wires, lines, halyards and other items used to attach the sails and spars to the boat.
The lines that do not have to be adjusted often are known as standing rigging. The lines
that are adjusted to raise, lower and trim the sails are known as running rigging.

Rigid inflatable: A small inflatable boat that has a solid hull but has buoyancy tubes that are inflated to
keep it afloat.

Roaring Forties: A region between 40° South and 50° South where westerly winds circle the earth
unobstructed by land.

Rode: A line or chain attached to an anchor.

Roll: A side-to-side motion of the vessel, usually caused by waves. ( Sidewise rotational
motion of vessel).

Roller furling: A method of storing a sail, usually by rolling the jib around the headstay or rolling the
mainsail around the boom or on the mast.

Roller reefing: A system of reefing a sail by partially furling it. Roller furling systems are not necessarily
designed to support roller reefing.
Rolling Hitch: Clove Hitch with two wraps around the bar or rope before knotting.

Rope: In general, cordage as it is purchased at the store. When it comes aboard a vessel and is
put to use it becomes line.

RO/RO SHIP: Freight ship or ferry with facilities for vehicles to drive on and off (roll-on roll-off); a
system of loading and discharging a ship whereby the cargo is driven on and off on
ramps. Equipped with large openings at bow and stern and sometimes also in the side, the
ship permits rapid loading and discharge with hydraulically operated ramps providing
easy access. Fully loaded trucks or trailers carrying containers are accommodated on the
deck.

Round turn: To put a turn around a bollard to hold the strain on a rope under tension.

ROV: Remotely operated underwater vehicle.

Row: A method of moving a boat with oars. The person rowing the boat faces backward,
bringing the blade of the oars out of the water and toward the bow of the boat, then
pulling the oars through the water toward the stern of the boat, moving the boat forward.

Rowboat: A small boat designed to be rowed by use of its oars. Some dinghies are rowboats.

Royal mast: The small mast next above the topgallant mast.

Rub rail, rub strake, rub guard: A rail on the outside of the hull of a boat to protect the hull from rubbing
against piles, docks and other objects.

Rudder: A flat surface attached behind or underneath the stern, used to control the direction the
vessel is traveling.

Rudder post: The post that the rudder is attached to. The wheel or tiller is connected to the rudder post.

Run aground: To take a boat into water that is too shallow for it to float in; the bottom of the boat is
resting on the ground.

Runner: Also known as running backstay. Adjustable stay used to control tension on the mast.

Running along a Depth Curve: Guiding a boat parallel to a shore line by following a single depth, can use
to help locate a buoy in known depth.

Running backstay: Also known as a runner. Adjustable stay used to control tension on the mast.

Running bowline: A type of knot that tightens under load. It is formed by running the line through the
loop formed in a regular bowline.

Running lights: Navigational lights that are required to be used when a vessel is in motion during nights.

Running rigging: The rigging used to raise, lower and adjust the sails.

Sail: The act of using the wind to propel a sailboat.

Sailboat: A boat which uses the wind as its primary means of propulsion.
Sailcloth: A fabric, usually synthetic, used to make sails.

Sail shape: The shape of a sail, with regard to its efficiency. In high winds, a sail would probably be
flatter, in low winds rounder. Other circumstances can cause a sail to twist. Controls such
as the outhaul, halyards, sheets and the bend of the main mast all can affect sail shape.

Sail trim: The position of the sails relative to the wind and desired point of sail. Sails that are not
trimmed properly may not operate efficiently. Visible signs of trim are excessive heeling
and the flow of air past telltales.

Sampson post: A strong post used to attach lines for towing or mooring.

Satellite navigation: A form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with
sophisticated on-board automatic equipment.

SBT: Segregated Ballast Tanks. Tanks that are only used for ballast with independent pumping
and piping systems

Schooner: A sailboat with two or more masts. The aft mast is the same size as or larger than the
forward one(s).

Scope: Too little scope can cause the anchor to drag. Technically, the ratio of length of anchor
rode in use to the vertical distance from the bow of the vessel to the bottom of the water.
A scope of 7:1 is usually used, depending on the holding ground ( seven to one for calm
weather and more scope in storm conditions).

Screw: A propeller.

Scud: To run before the wind in a storm.

Scull; A method of moving a boat by using a single oar at the stern.

Scupper: An opening through the toe rail or gunwale to allow water to drain back into the sea.

Scuttle: Deliberately sink a ship. A cask lashed in a convenient part of the ship to hold water for
daily use.

Sea anchor: A device designed to bring a boat to a near stop in heavy weather. Typically, a sea anchor
is set off the bow of a boat so that the bow points into the wind and rough waves.

Sea buoy: The last buoy as a boat heads to sea.

Sea Cock: A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel's interior
and the sea.

Securite: A message transmitted by radio to warn of impending storms, navigational hazards and
other potential problems that are not an immediate threat to life or property. Less serious
than mayday and pan pan messages.

SELF-SUSTAINING SHIP: A containership which has her own crane for loading and discharging
shipping containers enabling the ship to serve ports which do not have suitable lifting
equipment.
SELF-TRIMMING SHIP: A ship whose holds are shaped in such a way that the cargo levels itself.

SELF-UNLOADER: A bulk carrier which is equipped with gear for unloading cargo.

Sentinel: Extra weight attached to the rode that is lowered halfway down to pull the anchor line
further down.

Sextant: A navigational instrument used to determine the vertical position of an object such as the
sun, moon or stars. Used with celestial navigation.

Shackle: A metal U-shaped connector that attaches to other fittings with the use of a pin that is
inserted through the arms of the U.

Shear pin: A pin attaching one part to another that is designed to break if excessive loads are applied; for
example, to connect the propeller to the propeller shaft so that the pin can break if the
propeller strikes something, preventing damage to the propeller and engine.

Sheathing: A covering to protect the bottom of a boat.

Sheave: A wheel used to change the direction of a line, such as in a block or at the top of the
masthead.

Sheer: The fore and aft curvature of the deck.

Sheer strake: The upper line of plating or planking on the hull.

Sheet: A line used to control a sail's trim. The sheets are named after the sail, as in jib sheet and
main sheet.

SHEQ: Safety, Health, Environment and Quality

Shoal: Shallow water.

SHORT TON: 907.18 kg.

Shroud: Part of the standing rigging that helps to support the mast by running from the top of the
mast to the side of the boat. Sailboats usually have one or more shrouds on each side of
the mast.

Side lights: Green and red lights on the starboard and port sides of the boat, required for navigation at
night. Each light is supposed to be visible through an arc of 112.5°, beginning from
directly ahead of the boat to a point 22.5° aft of the beam. (Port side bow is red light -
Starboard side bow is green light).

Sideslip: The tendency of a boat to move sideways in the water instead of along its heading due to
the motion of currents or winds.

Signal halyard: A halyard used to hoist signal flags.

Single sideband: A type of radio carried on a boat to transmit long distances.

Skeg: Any flat protrusion on the outside of the hull that is used to support another object, such
as the propeller shaft or rudder.

Skin: The outside surface of a boat. Usually used when describing a fiberglass or other molded
hull.

Skiff: A small boat.

Slack: A line that is loose.

Slack in stays: When vessel is slow in coming about.

Slide: Also called a lug. Metal or plastic pieces attached to the forward edge of a sail to allow
easy hoisting of a sail.

Sling: Lines used to hoist heavy or awkward objects.

Slip: A space between two docks or piers where a boat can be moored.

Sloop: A style of sailboat characterized by a single mast with one mainsail and one foresail.

Slot: The opening between the jib and the mainsail. Wind passing through this opening
increases the pressure difference across the sides of the mainsail, helping to move the
boat forward.

Snap hook: A metal fitting with a arm that uses a spring to close automatically when connected to
another object.

Snatch block: A block that can be opened on one side, allowing it to be placed on a line that is already
in use.

Snub: To suddenly stop or secure a line.

Snubber: A stretchable line attached between two long pieces of rode to absorb anchor line strain
and soften the impact of waves or tidal pull.

SOLAS: International conventions concerned with Safety of Life at Sea.

Sole: The floor of a cabin or cockpit.

Sound: To measure the depth of water by lead line or electronic means.

Sounding: The depth of the water as marked on a chart.

Spar: A pole used as part of the sailboat rigging, such as masts and booms.

Spinnaker: A very large, lightweight sail used when running or on the point of sail known as a broad
reach.

Spinnaker halyard: A halyard used to raise the spinnaker.

Spinnaker pole: Sometimes spinnaker boom. A pole used to extend the foot of the spinnaker beyond the
edge of the boat and to secure the corner of the sail.

Spinnaker pole lift: Also spinnaker lift. A line running from the top of the mast, used to hold the spinnaker
pole in place.

Spitfire: A storm jib. A small jib made out of heavy cloth for use in heavy weather. Sometimes
brightly colored.

Splice: To join rope by tucking the strands together.

Spreaders: Small spars extending toward the sides from one or more places along the mast. The
shrouds cross the end of the spreaders, enabling the shrouds to better support the mast.

Spring: A mooring rope to prevent a vessel moving fore and aft when tied up alongside a dock ,
e.g. after spring is attached to the stern of the vessel and led to a bollard on the dock
forward of the vessel to prevent it moving astern.

Spring lines: Docking lines that help keep a boat from moving fore and aft while docked.

Spring tides: Tides when moon is full or new, when range of tide is greatest.

Squall: A sudden intense wind storm of short duration, often accompanied by rain. Squalls often
accompany an advancing cold front.

SQUARE KNOT: A knot used to join two lines of similar size. Also called a reef knot.

Square rigged: A sailboat having square sails hung across the mast.

Square sail: A square sail hung from a yard on the mast. Best used when sailing downwind.

SS: Special survey.

SSB: Single sideband radio. A type of radio used on a boat to transmit for long distances.
(often a new option on VHF radios )

SSW: Summer Salt Water, maximum allowable immersion in summer saltwater conditions.

Stability: Ability of a boat to keep from heeling or rolling excessively, and the ability to quickly
return upright after heeling.

Stability sail: Also riding sail or steadying sail. Any small sail set to help the boat maintain its direction
without necessarily moving, as when at anchor or in heavy weather.

Staff: A vertical pole on which flags can be raised.

Stanchion: A post near the edge of the deck, used to support lifelines.

Starboard: The right side of a vessel, from the perspective of a person at the stern of the vessel and
looking toward the bow. The opposite of port.

Starboard Side: A boat's right side.

Starboard tack: A sailboat sailing on a tack with the wind coming over the starboard side and the boom on
the port side of the boat. If two boats under sail are approaching, the one on port tack
must give way to the boat on starboard tack.

Statute mile: A mile as measured on land, 5,280 feet or 1.6 kilometers. Distances at sea are measured
in nautical miles.

Stay: Lines running fore and aft from the top of the mast to keep the mast upright. Also used to
carry some sails. The backstay is aft of the mast, and the forestay is forward of the mast.

Staysail: A triangular sail similar to the jib, set on a stay forward of the mast and aft of the
headstay.

Stem: The forward edge of the bow. The forward continuation of the keel to which the
planking at the fore end of the boat is affixed.

Step: A fitting for the bottom of the mast.

Stern: The aft part of a boat.

Stern light: A white running light placed at the stern of the boat. The stern light should be visible
through an arc of 135°, to the rear of the boat.

Stern line: A line running from the stern of the boat to a dock when moored.

Stern post: The after continuation of the keel to which the planking at the after end is affixed, or in
the case of boats with a transom, the transom.
Stern Sheets: The platform extending aft from the aftermost thwart.

Stiff: Said of a vessel that is not easily heeled and when heeled returns quickly to the vertical.

Storm jib: Sometimes called a spitfire. A small jib made out of heavy cloth for use in heavy
weather. Sometimes brightly colored.

Storm sail: The storm jib and storm trysail. Small sails built from heavy cloth for use during heavy
weather.

Storm trysail: A very strong sail used in stormy weather. It is loose footed, being attached to the mast
but not the boom. This helps prevent boarding waves from damaging the sail or the
rigging.

Stow: To put something away.

Stowing: Proper way to store gear on vessel.

Strake: Contour added to the outside hull bottom, to aid in performance.

Stringer: The internal hull bottom ribs used for structure.

Stuffing Box: Fitting that seals and lubricates the propeller shaft where it protrudes through the hull>

Sumlog (Knotmeter): Electronic boat speedometer that also gives distance covered.
Surf: The breaking waves and resulting foam near a shore.

Surge: To allow a rope to slip on a power windlass while it is revolving; to allow a rope under
tension to slip while on a cleat or bollard.

Swab: A mop made from rope.

Swallow: The place between the sheave and housing of a block, through which a line is run.

Swamp: To fill with water.

Swell: Large smooth waves that do not break. Swells are formed by wind action over a long
distance.

Tabernacle: A box –like structure on deck to hold the foot of the mast when this does not run through
the deck. Usually opening aft to allow mast to be lowered.

Tack: The direction that a boat is sailing with respect to the wind.

Tacking: To change a boat's direction, bringing the bow through the eye of the wind.

Tackle: Lines used with blocks in order move heavy objects.

Tail: A line attached to the end of a wire to make it easier to use.

Taff-rail: A rail around stern of vessel.

Telltale: A small line free to flow in the direction of the breeze. It is attached to sails, stays in the
slot and in other areas, enabling the helmsman and crew to see how the wind is flowing.
Proper use of the telltales can help sailors improve their sail trim.

TEU: Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit (containers).

Thimble: Curved metal/nylon plate to prevent chafing of rope eyes at ends.

Thwartships: At right angles to the centerline of the vessel.

Tide: The predictable, regular rising and lowering of water in some areas due to the pull of the
sun and the moon. Tidal changes can happen approximately every six or 12 hours,
depending on the region. To find out the time and water levels of different tides, you can
use tide tables for your area. The period of high water level is known as high tide, and the
period of low water level is known as low tide.

Tide rode: Said of an anchored vessel that is lying to the tide rather than the wind.

Tiller: An arm attached to the top of the rudder to steer a small boat. If the helmsman wants to
steer to starboard, he pushes the tiller to port. Larger boats usually use a wheel instead of
a tiller.

TnT: Power Trim n Tilt.

Toe rail: A small rail around the deck of a boat. The toe rail may have holes in it to attach lines or
blocks. A larger wall in place of the rail is known as a gunwale.

Toggle: A wooden pin with one end of a line seized to its middle to make fast to an eye.

Tonnage: It is a measure of the size or cargo carrying capacity of a ship. In modern maritime usage,
"tonnage" specifically refers to a calculation of the volume or cargo volume of a ship.

Topgallant: Situated above the topmast and below the royal mast on a sailing vessel.

Topmast: A mast on top of another mast.

Topsail: On a square-rigged vessel, a sail directly above the lowest sail on a mast.

Topsail schooner: A fore-and-aft-rigged schooner carrying a square topsail and a topgallant sail on the
foretopmast.

Topsides: The sides of the hull above the waterline and below the deck.

Tow: To pull a boat with another boat, such as a tugboat towing a barge.

TOWAGE: Charges for the services of tugs assisting a ship or other vessels in ports or other
locations; the act of towing a ship or other objects from one place to another.

Towing light: Running lights that should be used by boats when towing to indicate that a tow is in
progress.

Trade wind: Winds in certain areas known for their consistent strength and direction. Trade winds are
named because of their reliability, allowing for planned voyages along the routes favored
by those winds.

Trailing edge: The aft edge of a sail, more commonly called the leech.

Transit: Also called a range. Two navigational aids separated in distance so that they can be
aligned to determine that a boat lies on a certain line. Transits can be used to determine a
boat's position or to guide it through a channel.

Transom: Flat area across stern.

Traveller: A bar with an attached block, allowing more controlled adjustment of sail trim.

Trick: A period at the wheel.

Trim: Fore and aft and side to side balance of a boat.

Trimaran: A boat with a center hull and two smaller outer hulls called amas.

Trim Fin: Small fin mounted to the gear case that helps reduce steering torque.

Trim Tab: Flat horizontal adjustable plate mounted to the transom that helps adjust bow up and bow
down angle.
Trip Line: Line attached to the crown of an anchor to pull a suck anchor loose.

Trip line: A line attached to the end of an anchor to help free it from the ground.

Tropical cyclone: An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and maximum
sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots or higher in the Southwest Indian Ocean.
In other parts of the world, they are known as hurricanes, typhoons and severe tropical
cyclones.

Trough: Bottom section of a wave.

True Speed or Speed Made Good (SMG): Actual speed which includes effect of current.

Trysail: Also called storm trysail. A very strong sail used in stormy weather. It is loose footed,
being attached to the mast but not the boom. This helps prevent boarding waves from
damaging the sail or the rigging.

Tugboat: A small, powerful boat used to help move barges and ships in confined areas.

Tumble home: Where a ship’s sides are inclined inwards above the water line.

Turnbuckle: A metal fitting that is turned to tighten or loosen the tension on standing rigging.

TWEENDECKER: T/D - A vessel of two or more decks for the carriage of general cargo including
bagged and/or mixed general cargoes and containers. Most tweendeckers are also suitable
for bulk cargoes.

Typhoon: An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and maximum
sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots or higher in the Northwest Pacific Ocean
(west of the International Date Line). In other parts of the world, they are known as
hurricanes, tropical cyclones and severe tropical cyclones.

ULCC: Ultra Large Crude Carrier. Tanker larger than 300,000 dwt 320,000 DWT - 550,000
DWT.

UMS: Unmanned machinery spaces.

Underway: Vessel in motion, moving under own power.

Unfurl: To unfold or unroll a sail. The opposite of furl.

Upwind: To windward, in the direction of the eye of the wind.

Variation: The angular difference between the magnetic meridian and the geographic meridian at a
particular location.

V Bottom: A hull with the bottom section in the shape of a "V".

Veer: A shifting of the wind direction, clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, counter-
clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
VHF: Very High Frequency radio waves. A radio that transmits in the VHF range. VHF radios
are the most common communications radio carried on vessels, but their range is limited
to "line of sight" between the transmitting and receiving stations.

VLCC: Very Large Crude Carriers .200,000 DWT-315,000 DWT.

Visibility Table: Lists the distance from a light appearing on horizon for each foot of height. Square root of
height times 117.

Wake: Waves generated in the water by a moving vessel.

Waterline: The line where the water comes to on the hull of a boat. Design waterline is where the
waterline was designed to be. Load waterline is the waterline when the boat is loaded.
The painted waterline is where the waterline was painted. Actual waterline is where the
waterline really is at any given time.

Way: Movement of a vessel through the water such as headway, sternway or leeway.

Weatherside: Side facing wind or sea.

Wear ship: Changing tacks by turning a ship around before the wind, keeping the sails full (the
opposite to tacking).

Wharf: A quay. A section parallel to the shore for docking and unloading vessels.

Whip: To bind the strands of a line’s end with yarn or cord.

Whisker pole: A spar used to help hold the jib out when sailing off the wind.

Winch: A device used to give a mechanical advantage when hauling on the lines.

Windlass: A mechanical device ( rotating drum ) used to pull in cable or chain, such as an anchor
rode.

Wind rode: Where an anchored vessel is lying to the wind rather than the tide.

Windvane: A system of lines, pulleys, paddles and clamps that work together with the wind to hold a
sailboat on course.

Windward: Toward the direction from which the wind is coming.

Yacht: A sailboat or powerboat used for pleasure, not a working boat.

Yard: A spar attached to the mast and used to hoist square sails.

Yaw: Swinging off course, usually in heavy seas. The bow moves toward one side of the
intended course by wave action or other force.

Yawl: A two-masted sailboat with the shorter mizzen mast placed aft of the rudder post. A ketch
is similar, but the mizzen mast is forward of the rudder post.
Zulu: Used to indicate times measured in Coordinated Universal Time, a successor to
Greenwich Mean Time, both of which are time standards not affected by time zones or
seasons.

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