2H

Second Half

A/S

Alongside

AA

Always Afloat

AAAA

Always Accessible Always Afloat

AARA

Amsterdam-Antwerp-Rotterdam Area

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).

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).

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).

Abrid

A bushing plate around a hole in which a pintle works.

ABT

About

Access Holes

Holes cut in ship's structure to permit entering or leaving various compartments.

Accommodation ladder

The portable steps from the gangway down to the waterline.

Aces

Hooks for the chains.

Acorn

A solid piece of metal shaped like an acorn, and used to finish off the top of an upright in a railing contructed of pipe.

ADCOM

Address Commission

Added mass

The effective increase in mass of a hull, due to the entrained water, when in motion.

Added weight method

One method used in the calculation of a ship's damaged stability when it is partially fl ooded. It regards the water which has entered as an added weight, the basic hull envelope remaining. The other approach uses the concept of lost buoyancy.

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).

AFFF

Aqueous Film Forming Foam

AFFREIGHTMENT

The hiring of a ship in whole or part

Afloat

Floating.

Aframax

A term used for the largest dry bulkcarriers.

AFSPS

Arrival First Sea Pilot Station (Norway)

Aft

At, or towards the stern of a vessel. (Opposite to forward.)

Aft peak tank

A tank or compartment located abaft the aftmost watertight transverse bulkhead above propeller(s) and rudder (often used for fresh water or sea water ballast).

After body

The section aft of amidships.

After deck

A term applied to a deck aft to the midship portion of a vessel.

After frammes

Radiating cant frames fastened to transom plates.

After peak

A compartment just forward of the stern post. It is generally almost entirely below the load water line.

After peak bulkhead

A term applied to the first transverse bulkhead forward of the stern post. This bulkhead forms the forward boundary of the after-peak tank and should be made watertight.

After perpendicular

The vertical line through the intersection of the load water line and the after edge of the stern post. On submarines or ships having a similar stern, it is a vertical line passing through the points where the design waterline intersects the stern of the ship>

After rake

That part of the stern which overhangs the keel.

Aftermost

Nearest the stern.

Aground

Resting on the bottom.

AGW

All Going Well

AHL

Australian Hold Ladders

Ahoy

A call used in hailing a vessel or boat (hey!).

AIO

Admiralty Information Overlay

Air casing

A ring-shaped plate coaming surrounding the stack and fitted at the upper deck, just below the umbrella. It protects the deck structure from heat and helps ventilate the fireroom.

Air draught

The vertical distance from the summer waterline to the highest point in the ship, usually the top of a mast.

Air Hammer

Hammer driven by compressed air for riveting, or chipping. Sometimes called an air gun or "gun".

Air port

An opening in the side of a ship or a deck house, usually round in shape and fitted with a hinged frame in which a thick glass light is secured. The purpose of the air port is to provide light and ventilation to and vision from the interior.

Air tank

A metal air-tight tank built into a boat to insure flotation even when the boat is swamped.

Air-tight door

A door so constructed that, when closed, air cannot pass through. They are fitted in air locks.

ALARP

As Low As Reasonable Practicable

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.

Alleyway

A vessel's internal passageway or corridor.

Aloft

Above the upper deck (above).

Alongside

The position of a vessel when securely moored on a berth in port.

Altar

A step in a graving dock.

Amidship(s)

In the longitudinal, or fore-and-aft center of a ship. Halfway between stem and stern. The term is used to convey the idea of general locality but not that of definite extent.

Amidships

(1) Midway (midpoint) between port and starboard sides of a vessel. (2) The midway point between the forward and aft perpendiculars.

AMSA

Australian Maritime Safety Authority

AMVER

Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System

Anchor

A heavy steel device (of variable design) so shaped as to grip the sea bed to hold a vessel or offshore installation in a desired position.

anchor

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 billboard

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

Anchor billboard

Anchor cable

Chain or wire connecting a vessel to its anchor(s).

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 stopper

A device to hold an anchor cable so as to prevent the anchor from running out or to relieve the strain at the inboard end.

Anchor stopper

Anchor watch

The detail on deck at night, when at anchor, to safeguard the vessel (not necessarily at the anchor; a general watch).

Anchorage

A place suitable for anchoring.

Anchor's aweigh

Said of the anchor when just clear of the bottom (leaving or moving).

Angle

Same as angle bar

Angle bar

A bar of angle-shaped section used as a stiffener and on riveted ships ties floors to the shell.

Angle clip

A short piece of angle bar.

Angle collar

Angle bent to fit a pipe, column, tank or stack, intersecting or projecting through a bulkhead or deck for the purposes of making a watertight or oiltight joint.

Anneal

To heat a metal and to cool it in such a fashion as to toughen and soften it. Brass or copper is annealed by heating to a cherry red and dipping suddenly into water while hot. Iron or steel is slowly cooled from the heated condition to anneal.

Anode

Zinc or aluminium or some such alloy that is fixed to the hull of a vessel. They are "eaten" up by electrical currents moving from the vessel to the water. The anode is sacrificed to protect the metal hull of the vessel - without the anode, the hull plating would be disolved by electrolysis.

ANTHAM

Antwerp-Hamburg Range

Antifouling (paint)

A marine paint composition containing toxic ingredients preventing or retarding marine underwater growth on the hull of a vessel.

Aperture

The space provided between propeller and stern post for the propeller.

APHIS

Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

API

American Petroeum Institute

Appendage(s)

Objects protruding from the underwater section of a hull; e.g., bilge keels, rudders, stabilising fins, shaft brackets, etc.

Appendages

Relatively small portions of a vessel projecting beyond its main outline, as shown by cross-sections and water-sections. The word applies to the following parts of the stern and stern post: the keel below its shell line, the rolling keel or fin, the rudder, rudder post, screw, bilge keel, struts, bossing and skeg.

APPS

Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships

Apron plate

A plate fitted in the continuation of the shell plating above the forecastle sheer strake at the stem. These plates are sometimes fitted one in each side of the stem, and serve as foundation for the bow mooring pipes.

APS

Arrival Pilot Station

APTF

Asia Pacific Terminal Forum

ARAG

Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp-Ghent Range

Arbor

The principal axis member or spindle of a machine by which a motion of revolution is transmitted.

Arch piece

The curved portion of the stern frame over the screw aperture, joining the propeller post and stern post.

ARPA

Automatic Radar Plotting Aid

Ashore

On the shore (on land).

ASI

Annual Safety Inspection

Assemble

To fit together small parts, in making a large section, or part.

Astern

The backward direction in the line of a vessel's centreline.

ATDNSHINC

Any Time Day or Night Sundays and Holidays Included

Athwart

Same as a beam

Athwartship

Transverse or across a vessel from side to side.

Athwartships

Across the ship, at right angles to the centreline.

ATUTC

Actual Times Used to Count

Auxiliaries

Various winches, pumps motors, engines, etc., required on a ship, as distinguished from main propulsive machinery (boilers and engines on a steam installation).

Auxiliary foundations

Foundations for condensers, distillers, evaporator pumps or any of the auxiliary machinery in the engine or boiler rooms.

Auxiliary machinery

Machinery other than the ship's main engines.

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).

Back bar

Used on the opposite side of a bosom bar.

Backhaul

To haul a shipment back over part of a route that it has already traveled; return movement of cargo, usually opposite from the direction of its primary cargo destination.

BAF

Bunker Adjustment Factor. A Fuel Surcharge expressed as a percentage added or subtracted from the freight amount reflecting the movement in the market place price for bunkers.

Bail

To throw water out of a boat; a yoke, as a ladder bail (rung).

Balanced frames

The midship frames that are of equal shap and square flanged. There are thirty or more on a cargo vessel, equally divided between starboard and port sides.

Balanced rudder

A rudder with its axis halfway between the forward and after edge.

Bale capacity

Capacity in hold to edge of frames and stiffeners; refl ects the stowage of bales or boxes.

Balk

(In cerpentry) a piece of timber from 4" to 10" square.

Ballast

Any weight carried solely for the purpose of making the vessel more seaworthy. Ballast may be either portable or fixed, depending upn the condition of the ship. Fixed or permanent ballast in the form of sand, concrete, scrap or pig iron is usually fitted to overcome an inherent defect in stability or trim due to faulty design or changed character of service. Potrable ballast, usually in the form of water pumped into or out of the bottom, peak, or wing ballast tanks, is utilized to overcome a temporary defect in stability or trim due to faulty loading, damage, etc.

Ballast

Ballast keel

A heavy keel fitted to vessels to lower the center of gravity and improve stability.

Ballast tanks

Double bottoms for carrying water ballast and capable of being flooded or pumped out at will.

Barbette

Cylindrical structure built up to armor plates extending from the protected deck of a war vessel to the lower side of the turret shelf plate. They form protective enclosures in which are located the turret stools, shell stowage flats and ammunition hoisting gear for the turrets.

BAREBOAT CHTR

Bareboat Charter Owners lease a specific ship and control its technical management and commercial operations only.

Barge

A craft of full body and heavy construction designed gor the carriage of cargo but having no machinery for self-propulsion.

Barnacle

Small marine growth which attaches itself to a vessel's hull in large numbers, often greatly retarding her speed.

Base line

A horizontal fore and aft reference line for vertical measurements. This line is perpendicular to the vertical center line. A horizontal transverse reference line for vertical measurements. This is line is perpendicular to the vertical center line. A horizontal transverse reference line for vertical measuremnts. This line is perpendicular to both the vertical center line and fore-and-aft base line.

Baseline

Batten

A narrow strip of wood for fairing in lines. Also a stripof wood to fasten objects together. A strip of paulins in place. (Verb) To secure by means of battens, as to "batten down a hatch".

Batten down

To make watertight. Said of hatches and cargo (tie up or secure).

Battens, cargo

A tern applied to the planks that are fitted to the inside of the frames in a hold to keep the cargo away from the shell plating, the strips of wood or steel used to prevent shifting of cargo.

BBB

Before Breaking Bulk

BDI

Both Dates Inclusive

BDN

Bunker Delivery Note

Beachcomber

A derelict seaman found unemployed on the waterfront, especially in a foreign country (seaman without a ship).

Beam

(1) The registered breadth of a vessel, measured at the outside of the hull amidships, or at its greatest breadth. (2) A transverse structural member supporting a deck and/or strengthening a hull.

Beam

Beam knees

Angular fittings which connect beams and frames together.

Beam line

The line showing the top of the frame line.

Beam plate angles

A beam made from a flat plate, with the flange bent at right angles by an angle-bending machine.

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).

Bearer

A term applied to foundations, particularly those having vertical web plates themselves are called bearers.

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.

Bed plate

A structure fitted for support of the feet of the engine columns, as well as to provide support for crankshaft bearings. It also helps distribute engine weight and stresses to the ship's structure. The bed plate consists of a series of transverse girders, connecting fore-and-aft members or girders.

BEI

Biological Exposure Indices

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.

Bell suction

The flared open end of a cargo pipeline which is situated at close tolerances to the bottom of a liquid cargo tank.

Bells

see Ships Time

Belly strap

A rope passed around (center) a boat or other object for hanging.

Below

Undernearth the surface of the water. Undernearth a deck or decks

Bend

The twisting or turning of a rope so as to fasten it to some object, as a spar or ring.

Bending rolls

Large machine used to give curvature to plates by passage in contact with three rolls.

Bending slab

Heavy cast-iron blocks with square or round holes for "dogging down" arranged to form a large solid floor on which frames and structural members are bent and formed.

BENDS

Both Ends (Load & Discharge Ports)

BEP

Best Environmental Practice

Berth

A place for a ship. The distance from frame line to frame line. A term applied to a bed or a place to sleep. Berths, as a rule, are permanently built into the structure of the staterooms or conpartments. They are constructed singly and also in tiers of two or three, one above the other. When single, drawers for stowing clothing are often built in underneath. Tiers of berths constructed of pipe are commonly installed in the crew space.

Berth term

Shipped under a rate that does not include the cost of loading or unloading.

Between decks

The space between any two, not necessarily adjacent, decks. Frequently expressed as "Tween Decks".

Bevel

Any angle other than 90^o which one surface makes with another. Also to bevel a beam, flange, or plate for vee welding, to tilt a girder to make the sheer bevel.

Bevel square

A device that can be used to make a close bevel, less than 90^o, or an open bevel, more than 90^o.

BI

Both Inclusive

Bight

Formed by bringing the end of a rope around, near to, or across its own part.

Bilge

(1) Intersection or curved transition of bottom and sides of a hull. (2) Lowest points within hull compartments where liquids may accumulate.

Bilge

Bilge blocks

Supporting blocks used under bilge for support during construction or drydocking.

Bilge bracket

Vertical transverse plate located beneath side frames in the area of the bilge and between inner and outer bottoms.

Bilge keel

Non-retractable elongated longitudinal fin protruding from the bilge used to reduce rolling.

bilge keels

Bilge keel

Bilge plates

The curved shell plates that fit the bilge.

Bilge pump

Pump for removing bilge water.

Bilge strake

Line of shell plating at the bilge between bottom and side plating.

Bilge well

A bilge well is generally located in the lowest part of the compartment. It is used for drainage and is generally shaped like a box, and fitted to the underside of the inner bottom, with a strainer on top.

Bilges

The lowest portion of a ship inside the hull, considering the inner bottom where fitted as the bottom hull limit.

Bilgeway

Same a bilge

Bill of lading

A document that establishes the terms of contract between a shipper and a trasportation company. It serves as a document title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods.

Bin

A walled enclosure built on the deck of a barge for the purpose of retaining cargo; also called a pen or cargo box.

Binnacle

A stand or case for housing a compass so that it may be conveniently consulted. Binnacles differ in shape and size according to where used and the size of the compass to be accpmmodated. A binnacle for a ship's navigating compass consists essentially for a pedestal at whose upper and is a bowl-shaped receptacle having a sliding hood-like cover. This receptacle accommodates the gimbals supporting the compass. Compensating binnacles are provided with brackets or arms on either side, starboard and port, for supporting and securing the iron cylinders or spheres used to counteract the quadrantal error due to the earth's magnetization of the vessel. This type of binnacle is usually placed immediately in front of the steering wheel, having its vertical axis in the vertical plane of the fore-and-aft center-line of the vessel.

Birth marks

Same as Plimsoll marks.

Bitter end

(Nautical). The inboard end of a vessel's anchor chain which is made fast in the chain locker

Bitts

Twin stout posts welded to the deck to which mooring lines are fastened.

bitts

Bitumastic

A black, tar-like composition largely of bitumen or asphalt and containing such other ingredients as rosin, Portland cement, slaked lime, petroleum, etc. It is used as a protective coating in ballast and trimming tanks, chain lockers, shaft alleys, etc.

BL (1)

Bale

BL (2)

(Bill of Lading) A document signed by the carrier which acts as a receipt and evidence of title to the cargo.

Black gang

Member of the engine-room force, which included the engineers, firemen, oilers, and wipers.

Blank flange

A flange which is not drilled but which is otherwise complete.

Bleeders

A term applied to plugs screwed into the bottom of a ship to provide for drainage of the compartments when the vessel is in dry dock.

BLG

Bulk Liquids and Gases

Block

The name given a pulley or sheave, or system of pulleys or sheaves mounted in a frame, and used to multiply power when moving objects by means of ropes run over the sheaves. Single, double or triple-when used with the word "block" indicate the number of sheaves it contains.

Block and block

Same as two blocks.

Block and tackle

(Block and Falls). The complete unit of two or more blocks rove up with an adequate amount of rope.

BM

Beam

BMP

Best Management Practices

BNWAS

Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System

Boat-fall

A purchase (block and tackle) for hoisting a boat to its davits.

BOB

Bunker on Board

Body plan

A pair of half transverse and elevations, with a common vertical center line. The right side gives the ship as seen from ahead, the left side from astern. Water lines, buttock and bow lines, diagonal lines, etc., are shown.

Body plan

BOEMRE

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement

BOFFER

Best Offer

Boiler

Any vessel, container or receptacle that is capable of generating steam by the internal or external application of heat. There are two general classes of boilers. I.E., fire-tube and water-tube.

Boiler casing

A wall protecting the different deck spaces from the heat of the boiler room.

Boiler chocks

Stay braces which prevent fore and aft movement of boilers.

Boiler foundation

The structure upon which the boiler is secured. It generally consists of girders built up from plates and shapes. In a cylindrical boiler the athwartship girders are often called saddles.

Boiler room

A compartment in the middle or after section of a vessel where the boilers are placed.

Bollard

The equivalent of a vessel's mooring bitts used onshore.

Bollard

Bollard pull

The static pulling force of a tugboat measured in pounds.

Bolster plate

A piece of plate adjoining the hawse hole, to prevent the chafing of the ship's bow. A plate foe support like a pillow or cushion.

Bond port

Port of a vessel's initial customs entry to any country; also known as first port of call.

Bonded warehouse

A warehouse authorized by customs authorities for storage of goods on which payment of duties is deferred until the goods are removed.

Booby hatch

The cover of a scuttle-way or small hatchway, such as that which leads to the forecastle or fore peak of a vessel.

Boom

A term applied to a spar used in handling cargo, or as the lower piece of a fore-and-aft sail.

Boom cradle

A rest for a cargo-boom when lowered for securing for sea.

Boom rest

A support for a boom when the boom is not in use.

Boom step

A socket for end of boom.

Boom table

An outrigger attached to the mast, or a structure built up around a mast from the deck, to support the heel bearings for booms. Boom tables are necessary to provide working clearances when a number of booms are installd on one mast.

Boot-topping

Durable paint coating applied to a hull between the light and loaded waterlines.

Boot-topping

Special resistant paint or paints used to coat that portion of a vessel between light and load lines. Also the area to which this paint is applied.

Bort flange

A protruding flange above a port to keep drip from entering.

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 chestb

The deck chest in which the bos'n keeps his deck gear.

Bos'n's lockerb

The locker in which the bos'n keeps his deck gear.

Bosom

The inside of an angle bar.

Bosom barb

One angle fitted inside another.

Bosom plate

A plate bar or angle fitted to an angle bar to connect the ends of two angles.

Boss

The part of the propeller to which blades are attached. Also the aparture in the stern frame where propeller shaft enters.

Boss frame

A frame bent around to fit the bose in way of the stern tube or shaft.

Boss plate

The plate fitted around the boss of a propeller post or around the curved frames in way of stern tubes.

Bossingb

Hydrodynamically faired outboard portion of hull plating surrounding and supporting propeller shafting. In a single-screw vessel the bossing is integral to a centreline skeg.

Bottom plating

That part of the shell plating which is below the water line.

Bottom, outer

A term applied to the bottom shell plating in a double bottom ship.

Bounding angle

A steel angle used for reinforcement at the junction of two steel plates.

Bounding bar

A bar connecting the edges of a bulkhead to tank top, shell, decks, or another bulkhead.

Bow

The fore end or a ship.

bow

Bow door

Watertight hinged door in the fore end of a Ro-Ro vessel through which vehicles and cargo may be loaded or discharged

Bow door

Bow linesb

Curves representing a vertical section of the bow end of a ship. Similar curves in aft part of hull are buttock lines.

Bow rudderb

A rudder placed at the bottom of the forward stem and maneuvered from the fore peak.

Bow thruster

A propulsor installed near the bow to provide a transverse thrust component enhancing manoeuvrability.

Bow thruster

Bowsprit

A spar extending forward from the stem.

Boxed end

The end of a barge which is squared for the full depth and width of the hull.

Boxing the compass

Calling names of the points of the compass in order.

BPG

Bridge Procedures Guide

BPQ

Barge Particulars Questionnaire

Bracket

A steel plate, commonly with a reinforcing flange, used to stiffen or tie beam angles to bulkheads frames to longitudinals, etc.

Braze

To heat and join by means of hard solder (spelter). This may be brass, bronze, or other alloys.

Breadth

The side-to-side measurements of a vessel at any given place.

Breadth extreme

The maximum breadth measured over plating or planking, including heading or enders.

Breadth, molded

See Molded Breadth.

Breadth, registered

Measured amidships at its greatest breadth to outside of plating.

Break

Of poop or forecastle. The point at which the partial poop or forcastle deck are discontinued.

Break ground

Said of anchor when it lifts clear of the bottom.

Breakbulk

Loose, noncontainerized cargo stowed directly into a ship's hold.

Breaker

A small cask for fresh water carried in ship's boats. A sea (wave) with a curl on the crest.

Breakwater

A term applied to plates fitted on a forward weather deck to form a V-shaped shield against water that is shipped over the bow.

Breaming

Cleaning the barnacles, paint, etc., from a ship's bottom with a blow torch.

Breast beam

The transverse beam nearest to midship on the poop and forecastle deck.

Breast hook

Ahorizontal plate secured across the fore peak of a vessel to tie the fore-peak frames together and unit the bow.

Breast rail

The upper rail of a balcony on the quarter deck.

Breasthook

Horizontal plate brackets of generally triangular form connecting port and starboard side stringers and bow plating at the stem.

Bridge

Elevated centre dedicated to the control and navigation of the vessel. [Alt. Navigating bridge or wheelhouse.]

Bridge house

The erection or superstructure fitted about amidship on the upper deck of a ship. The officer's quarters, staterooms and accommodations are usually in the bridge house.

Bridge wing(s)

Lateral (open or enclosed) extension(s) to a vessel's bridge to permit direct vision beyond the hull side.

Bridge, navigating or flying

The uppermost platform erected at the level of the top of the pilot house. It generally consists of a narrow walkway supported by stan-chions, running from one side of the ship to the other and the space over the top of the pilot house. A duplicate set of navigating instruments and controls for the steering gear and engine room signals are installed on the flying bridge so that the ship may be navigated in good weather from this platform. Awnings erected on stanchions and weather cloths fitted to the railing give protection against sun and wind.

Bridges

A high transverse platform, often forming the top of a bridge house, extending from side to side of the ship, and from whick a good view of the weather deck may be had. An enclosed space called the pilot house is erected on the bridge in which are installed the navigating instruments, such as the compass and binnacle, the control for the steering apparatus, and the signals to the engine room. While the pilot house is generally entended to include a chartroom and sometimes staterooms, a clear passageway should be left around it. As the operation of the ship is directed from the bridge or flying bridge above it, there should also be clear, open passage from one side of the vessel to the other.

Bridle

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

Bridle

Bright work

Brass work, polished (also varnished wood work in yachts).

BROBb

Bunkers Remaining on Board

Broker

A person who arranges for transportation of loads for a percentage of the revenue from the load.

Brow

A small curved angle or flanged plate fitted on the outside of the shell of a ship over an air port to prevent water running down the ship's side from entering the open port. Also called a watershed.

BSG

Barge Safety Guide

BSS

Basis

BSS 1/1

Basis 1 Port to 1 Port

BT

Berth Terms

Buck frame

A transverse truss.

Buckle plateb

A plate that has warped from its original shape also a plate that is wider at the center than at the end.

Budy

A term applied to a floating object that is moored or anchored so that it remains at one place. Budys are used for marking the places on the water where a ship is sunk, where reefs are below, where the edges of the channel are, or to provide means for mooring ship at a desired position.

Budyancy

Ability to float, the supporting effort exerted by a liquid (usaually water) upon the surface of a boly wholly or partially immersed.

Building slip

An inclined launching berth where the ship is built.

Build-operate-transfer (BOT)

A form of concession where a private party or consortium agrees to finance, construct, operate and maintain a facility for a specific period and transfer the facility to the concerned government or port authority after the term of the concession. The ownership of the concession area (port land) remains with the government or port authority during the entire concession period. the concessionaire bears the commercial risk of operating the facility.

Bulb angle

Or bulb angle bar. An angle with one edge having a bulb or swell.

Bulb plate

A narrow plate generally of mild steel, rolled with a bulb or swell along one of its edges. Used for hatch coamings, built up beams, etc.

Bulb tee

A Tee bar with toe of web reinforced.

Bulge

Same as bilge.

Bulk cargo

Cargo shipped in loose condition and of a homogeneous nature.

Bulk carrier

Vessel designed for the transportation of dry loose homogeneous cargoes in bulk in self-trimming holds and constructed to sustain the heavy concentrated weight distribution of the cargoes.

Bulk carrier

Bulkhead

(1) A vertical structural partition dividing a vessel's interior into various compartments for strength and safety purposes; (termed strength bulkhead). (2) Term applied to vertical partition walls (non-structural) subdividing the interior of a vessel into compartments.

Bulkhead

Bulkhead bounding: bar

A bar used for the purpose of connecting the edges of a bulkhead to the tank top, shell, deck, or to another bulkhead. Angle bars are generally used for this purpose, as both flanges are easily calked.

Bulkhead deck

Uppermost deck at which transverse watertight bulkheads terminate

Bulkhead deck

Bulkhead sluice

An opening cut in a bulkhead just above the tank top connecting angle, and fitted with a valve which may be operated from the deck above.

Bulkhead stiffeners

A term applied to the beams or girders attached to a bulkhead for the purpose of supporting it under pressure and holding it in shape. Vertical stiffenera are most commonly used, but horizontal stiffeners or a combination of both may be used.

Bull riveting

Driving rivets by squeezing them with a high powered air or hydraulic machine.

Bullnosed bow

Bow with large rounded bow point underneath water line.

Bulwark

Barrier of stiffened plating at the outboard edge of the main or upper deck to prevent or inhibit entry of the sea. Bulwarks may be additionally employed at the forward edges of superstructure decks in lieu of safety railings as a barrier to wind and spray.

Bulwark

Bulwark stay

A brace extending from the deck to a point near the top of the bulwark, to keep it rigid.

BUNDLING

This is the assembly of pieces of cargo, secured into one manageable unit. This is a very flexible description; a rule of thumb is to present cargo at a size easily handled by a large (20 ton) fork lift truck.

Bunk

Built-in bed aboard ship.

Bunker

Compartment for the storage of oil or other fuel.

Bunker stays

A brace extending from the deck to a point near the top of the bulwark, to keep it rigid.

BUNKERS

Name given for vessels Fuel and Diesel Oil supplies (Originates from coal bunkers)

Buoy

A stationary floating object used as an aid for navigation.

Buoyancy

Ability to float, lifting power when immersed.

Burr edge

The rough uneven edge of a punched or burnt hole or plate.

Butt joint

A joint made by fitting two pieces squarely together on their edges, which is then welded or butt strapped.

Butt strap

A bar or plate used to fasten two or more objects together with their edges butted.

Butterworth

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

Butterworth opening

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

Buttock

Counter. The rounded-in overhanging part on each side of the stern in front of the rudder, merging undernearth into the run.

Buttock lines

The curves shown by taking a vertical longitudinal section of the after part of a ship's hull, parallel to the keel.

Button

A cast or fabricated deck item, usually round, that is used to thread cables between vessels when they are made-up.

BWAD

Brackish Water Arrival Draft

By the board

Overboard (over the side).

By the head

Deeper forward (front end deepest in water).

By the Run

To let go altogether.

CAA

Clean Air Act

Cabin

The captain's quarters. The enclosed space of decked-over small boat.

Cable

A chain or line (rope) bent to the anchor.

Cable layer

Vessel designed for the laying and repair of seabed telecommunication cables.

Cable layer

Cable locker

Compartment located forward to store the anchor cable.

Cable-laid

The same as hawser-laid.

Cable-length

100 fathoms or 600 feet (6 feet to a fathom).

Cabotage

Shipments between ports of a single nation, frequently reserved to national flag vessels of that nation.

Calk

To tighten a lap or other seam with a chisel tool, either ny hand or meckanically.

Calm

A wind or force less than one knot (knot 1 nautical mile per hour).

CALM

Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring

Cam

A projecting part of a wheel or other simple moving piece in machinery, so shaped as to give predetermined variable motion to another piece against which it acts, in repeating cycles.

CAM

Court Appointed Monitor

Camber

Transverse convex curvature of exposed decks to accelerate runoff.

Camel

(In engineering) a decked vessel having great stability designed for use in the lifting of sunken vessel or structures. A submersible float used for the same purpose by submerging, attaching, and pumping out.

Cant

The inclination of an object from the perpendicular. As a verb, to turn anything so that it does not stand square to a given object.

Cant beam

Any of the beams supporting the deck plating or planking in the overhanging part of the stern of a vessel. They radiate in fan shape from the transom beam to cant frames.

Cant body

That portion of a vessel's boly either forward or aft in which the planes of the frames are not at right angles to the center line of the ship.

Cant frame

Hull side frame not aligned perpendicular to the vessel's centreline.

Cant frames

The frame (generally bulb angles) at the end of a ship which are cented, that is, which rise obliquely from the keel.

Capesize

A term applied to large cargo vessels that cannot transit either the Panama or Suez Canals. They are usually of the order of 120 000-180 000 DWT.

Capsize

A ship is said to capsize when it loses transverse stability and rolls over and sinks.

capsize

capsize

Capstan

Steel warping drum rotating on a vertical axis for the handling of mooring lines and optionally anchor cable.

Capstan

Capstan, steam

A vertical drum or barrel operated by a steam engine and used for handing heavy anchor chains, heavy hawsers, etc. The engine is usually non-reversing and transmites its power to the capstan shaft through a worm and worm sheel. The drum is fitted with pawls to prevent overhauling under the strain of the hawser or chain when the power is shut off. The engine may be disconnected and the capstan operated by hand through the medium of capstan bars.

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).

Captain of the Head

A guy who gets Head (toilet) cleaning detail.

Car carrier

Vessel designed for the delivery transportation of road vehicles.

Car carrier

CARB

California Air Resources Board

Cardinal pointsb

The four principal points of the compass North, East, South and West.

Cargo

Merchandise or goods accepted for transportation by ship.

Cargo battens

Strips of wood used to keep cargo away from the steel hull.

Cargo boom

A heavy boom used in handling cargo.

Cargo door

Watertight door in the hull side through which cargo may be loaded or discharged.

Cargo door

Cargo hatch

Large opening in the dec to permit loading of cargo.

Cargo port

An opening, provided with a watertight cover or door, in the side of a vessels of two or more decks, through which the cargo is received and discharged.

Carlines (carlings)

A short beam running fore and aft between or under transverse deck beams. Also called headers when they support the ends of interrupted deck beams.

Carrier

Any person or entity who, in a contract of carriage, undertakes to perform or to procure the performance of carriage by sea, inland waterway, rail, road, air, or by a combination of such modes.

Cartage

Intraport or local hauling of cargo by drays or trucks (also refferd to as drayage).

Carvel built

A type of plating made flush be vee butt welding or butt strap riveting.

CAS

Condition Assessment Scheme

Case joint

A kind of plate joint by which an overlap can gradually be made flush. This is done with the aid of liners, and is used on the bow and stern to give the vessel a finer trim.

Casingb

The extra case or bulkhead built around the ship's funnel to protect the decks from heat. See Air Casing.

Cast off

To let go.

Cathodic protection

Sacrificial or impressed current system of corrosion protection of hull, tanks and piping.

Cathodic protection

Caulk

To fill in the seams with cotton or oakum.

Caulker

One who caulks.

Cavitation

The formation of bubbles on an aerofoil section in areas of reduced pressure. Can occur on heavily loaded ship propellers.

Cavitation

CBA

Collective Bargaining Agreement

CBFT (or CFT)

Cubic Feet

CBM

Cubic Meter

CBP

Customs Border Protection

CCM

Corporate Compliance Manager

CCNR

Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine

CCTV

Close Circuit Television

Ceilingb

The inside skin of a vessel between decks, or in a small vessel from the deck beams to bilge.

Cellular container ship

Container vessel having specially designed vertical cell guides for the accommodation of standard size containers thereby precluding movement and lashing.

Cellular container ship

Cellular double bottomb

A term applied where the double bottom is divided into numerous rectangular compartments by the floors and longitudinals.

Center lineb

A horizontal fore- and -aft reference line for athwartship measurements, dividing the ship into two symmetrical halves. A vertical reference line in the center of the body plan, midship section or other sections.

Center line bulkhead

A fore-and-aft or longitudinal bulkhead erected on the center line or in the same plane as the keel. Also a reference line scrived on a transverse bulkhead to indicate the center of the ship.

Centre of buoyancy (CB)

That point through which the buoyancy force acts. It is defi ned in space by its longitudinal, vertical and transverse (respectively, LCB, VCB and TCB) position relative to a set of orthogonal axes. It is also the centroid of volume of the displaced water.

Centre of buoyancy (CB)

Centre of flotation (CF)

The centroid of area of a waterplane. A small weight added, or removed, from the ship vertically in line with the CF will cause a change of draught without heel or trim. For a symmetrical ship the CF will be on the centerline and its position is given relative to amidships.

Centre of flotation (CF)

Centre of gravity (CG)

The point through which the force due to gravity, that is the weight of the body, acts. Its position is defi ned in a similar way to the centre of buoyancy and is very important in calculations of stability.

Centre of gravity (CG)

Centreline

The longitudinal vertical plane of a vessel.

CFG

China Focus Group

CFOb

Chief Financial Officer

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations

CFR (or C&F)

Cost and Freight

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.

Chafing plate

A bent plate used in minimizing chafing of ropes, as at hatches.

Chain locker

The compartment for storing the anchor chains, located near the hawse pipes in the bow of the ship.

Chain locker

Chain locker manger

See Manager

Chain locker pipe

The iron-bound opening or section of pipe loading from the chain locker to the deck, through which the chain cable passes.

Chain riveting

Two or more rows of rivets spaces so that the rivets in one row are opposite those in adjacent row.

Chains

Anchor chains

Chamfer

A bevel surgace formed by cutting away the angle of two faces of a piece of wood or metal.

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.

Chart house

Small room adjacent to the bridge for charts and navigating instruments.

Chart room

A small room adjacent to the Pilot House in which charts and navigating instruments are located.

Chassis

A frame with wheels and container locking devices to secure the container for movement.

Check

To ease off gradually (go slower and move carefully).

Check lines

Used in shaping plates, etc., to make sure that the template have not changed in size by shrinking or expending

Cheeks

The bilgeways, or curve of the bilges.

Chemical carrier (Tanker)

Vessel designed specifically for the transportation of volatile, poisonous or corrosive liquids in specially constructed tanks.

Chemical carrier (Tanker)

Chief

The crew's term for the chief engineer.

Chief mate

Another term for first mate.

Chock

(In naval architecture) a small piece of wood used to make good any deficiency in a piece of tember, frame etc.

Chock

Chock boat

A cradle or support for a lifeboat.

Chock roller

A chock with a sheave to prevent chafing of ropes.

Chocks

Deck fittings for mooring line to pass through.

Choked

The falls foul in a block. The falls may be chocked or jammed intentionally for a temporary securing (holding).

CHOPT

Charterers Option

CHTRS

Charterers

CIC

Concentrated Inspection Campaign

CIF

Cost, Insurance & Freight. Seller pays all these costs to a nominated port or place of discharge.

Classification societies

Organisations which set standards for design and construction of vessels and integral machinery amongst much else. Lloyd's Register of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, Registro Italiano Navale, American Bureau of Shipping, Det Norske Veritas, Germanischer Lloyd, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, Hellenic Register of Shipping, Polish Register of Shipping, Croatian Register of Shipping, China Corporation Register of Shipping, China Classification Society, Korean Register of Shipping, Turk Loydu, Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia, Registo Internacional Naval, Indian Register of Shipping, International Naval Surveys Bureau, Asia Classification Society, Brazilian Register of Shipping, International Register of Shipping, Ships Classification Malaysia, Dromon Bureau of Shipping, Iranian Classification Society

Cleaning in transit

The stopping of articles (such as farm products) for cleaning at a point between the point of origin and destination.

Clearance

The size beyond which vessels, cars, or loads cannot pass through, under, or over bridges, tunnels, highways, and so forth.

Cleat

A metal fitting having two projecting arms or horns to which a halyard or other rope is belayed. The deck, side plating, a stanchion, or other convenient structure serves as a support for securing the cleat.

Clinchimg pan

A flat plate for clinching nails. (used in the mold loft.)

Clip

A 4" to 6" angle bar welded temporarily to floors, plates, webs, etc. It is used as a holdfast which, with the aid of a bolt, pulls objects up close in fitting. Also, short lengths of bar, generally angle, used to attached and connect the various members of the ship structure.

Clipper bow

A bow with an exterme forward rake, once familiar on sailing vessels.

Close butt

A joint fitted clese by griding, pulled tight by clips, and welded.

Club foot

The flattened, broadened after end of the stern foot.

CMG

Course Made Good

CMID

Common Marine Inspection Document

COA

Contract of Affreightment Owners agree to accept a cost per revenue ton for cargo carried on a specific number of voyages.

COACP

Contract of Affreightment Charter Party

Coaming

Strictly speaking, coamings are the fore and aft framing in hatchways and scuttles, while the athwartship pieces are called head ladges, but the name coaming is commonly applied to all raised framework about deck openings. Coamings prevent water from running below, as well as strengthen the deck about the hatches.

COB

Close of Business

Cockpit

The well of a sailing vessel, especially a small boat, for the wheel and steerman.

COD

Cash On Delivery

Coeffi cients of fineness

These relate to the underwater form and give a broad indication of the hull shape. They are the ratios of certain areas and volumes to their circumscribing rectangles or prisms.

Cofferdam

A small space left open between two bulkheads as an air space, to protect another bulkhead from heat, fidre hazard or collision.

Cofferdam

Coffin plate

The plate used on an enclosed twin bossing, named for its shape. In reality it is inverted boss plate.

COG

Course Over Ground

COGSA

Carriage of Goods by Sea Act

Coil

To lay down rope in circular turns.

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.

Collar

A ring used around a pipe or mast, or a flat plate made to fit around a girder or beam passing through a bulkhead. They serve to make various spaces watertight.

Collision bulkhead

A watertight bulkhead approximately 25′ aft of the bow, extending from the keel to the shelter deck. This bulkhead prevents the entire ship from being flooded in case of a collision.

Collision bulkhead

Collision mat

A large mat used to close an aperture in a aperture in a vessel's side resulting from a collision.

Colors

The national ensign.

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.

Coming around

To bring a sailing vessel into the wind and change to another tack. One who is influenced to a change of opinion.

Companion

A covering over the top of a companionway.

Companionway

A set of steps or ladder leading up to a deck from below.

Compartment

A subvision of space or room in a ship.

Compass, magnetic

The compass is the most important instrument of navigation in use on board ship, the path of a ship through the water depending upon the efficient.

Composite vessel

A vessel with a steel frame and wooden hull and decks

COMSAR

Sub-Committee on Radiocommunciations and Search and Rescue

CONCAWE

The Oil Companies' European Organisation for Environment, Health and Safety

Concession

An arrangement whereby a private party (concessionaire) leases assets from an authorized public entity for an extended period and has responsibility for financing specified new fixed investments during the period and for providing specified services associated with the assets; in return, the concessionaire receives specified revenues from the opration of the ssets; the assets revert to the public sector at expiration of the contract.

Conning tower

Protective structure built up of armor plates and having verious shapes and sizes.

CONS

Consumption

Conservancy

In some countries, this fee is levied to retain upkeep of the approaches to waterways and canals.

Consolidation

Cargo consisting of shipments of two or more shippers or suppliers. Container load shipments may be consolidated for one or more consignees.

Container vessel

Vessel designed specifically for the transportation of standard size containers within the hull and on deck.

Contraband

Cargo that is prohibited.

COP

Custom Of Port

Cork fenders

A fender made of granulated cork and covered with woven tarred stuff.

Corrugated

Having a series of wrinkles or grooves arranged so as to produce stiffness.

Corrugated bulkhead

A bulkhead made from plates of corrugated metal or by flat plates alternately attached to the opposite flanges of the bulkhead stiffeners. Corrugated metal bulkheads are used around staterooms and quarters. Corrugated cargo hold bulkheads are generally constructed of flat plate alternately attached to opposite flanges of the stiffeners.

COTP

Captain of the Port

Counter

The part of a ship's stern which overhangs the stern post.

Counter

Countersunk hole

A hole tapered or beveled around its edge to allow a rivet or bolt head to seat flush with or below the surface of the bolts object.

Countersunk rivet

A rivet driven flush on one or both sides.

Cowl

The hood shaped top of a ventilator pipe.

CP (or C/P)

Charter Party

CPA

Closest Point of Approach

CPD

Charterers Pay Dues

CPR

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation

CPT

Carriage Paid To

CQD

Customary Quick Dispatch

Cradle

A framing built up on the ways and in which the ship rests while being launched.

Crater

A cup-shaped depression in a weld. The are tends to push the molten metal away from the center of the point being welded, thus forming the crater.

Crew's gangway

Used on oil tankers. A elevated runway from poop to midship, and midship, and midship to forecastle deck. It affords means of safe passage for crew members when deck is awash in stormy weather.

Cribbing

Foundations of heavy blocks and timbers for supporting a vessel during construction.

CRN

Crane

CROB

Cargo Remaining on Board

Cross curves of stability

A series of curves showing how a ship's transverse stability varies, with displacement, for a range of heel angles. Curve of statical stability. A plot showing how the righting lever experienced by a ship varies with angle as the ship is rotated about a fore and aft axis. It defi nes a ship's stability at large angles. Also known as the GZ curve.

Crossheader

A pipeline that crosses over a tank providing a transit for cargo without tying into the vessel.

Crossing the line

Crossing the Equator.

Cross-spall

A temporary horizontal timber brace to hold a frame in position. Cross-spalls are replaced later by the deck beams.

Crown

Term sometimes used denoting the round-up or camber of a deck. The crown of an anchor is located where the arms are welded to the shank.

Crown's nest

A lookout station attached to or near the head of a mast.

Crow's nest

The platform or tub on the mast for the look-out.

Crutches

Same as breast hooks, but fitted at the after end.

CSC

Convention for Safe Containers

CSM

Cargo Securing Manual

CSR

Continuous Synopsis Record

CSSC

Code of Safe Practice for Stowage & Securing Cargo

CST

Centistoke

CTF

Carbon Task Force

CTR

Container Fitted

CTU

Cargo Transport Unit

Custom broker

A person or firm, licensed by the customs authority of their country when required, engaged in entering and clearing goods through customs for a client (importer).

Customhouse

A govenrment office where duties are paid, documents filed, and so forth, on foreign shipments.

Cutwater

The forward edge of the stem or prow of a vessel at the water level.

Cut-water

The foremost part of the stem, cutting the water as the vessel forges ahead.

CWA

Clean Water Act

Cyclodial propulsion system

A system of vertical blades that have taken the place of propellers for propulsion in some applications. Generically referred to as a "tractor system".

D&A

Drug & Alcohol

Dagger

A piece of timber that is fastened to the poppets of the bilgeway and crosses them diagonally to keep them together. Dagger applies to anything that stands in a diagonal position.

Dagger plank

One of the planks whick unite the headsof the poppets or stepping-up pieces of the cradle on which the vessel rests in launching.

Dakum

A material made of tarred rope fibers obtained from scrap rope, used for calking seams in a wooden deck. It is also used for calking around pipes.

DAPS

Days all Purposes (Total days for loading & discharging)

Davit

A curved metal spar for handling a boat or other heavy objects.

Davit(s)

Davits

A set of cranes or radial arms on the gunwale of a ship, from whick are suspended the lifeboats.

DDC

Deck Decompression Chamber

DDP

Delivered Duty Paid.

DDU

Delivered Duty unpaid.

DE

Design and Equipment

Dead ahead

Directly ahead on the extension of the ship's fore and aft line.

Dead flat

The flat-surfaced midship section of a vessel on the sides above the bilge, or on the bottom below the bilge.

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.

Deadlight

Dead rise

The upward slope of a ship's bottom from the keel to the bilge. This rise is to give drainage of oil or water toward the center of the ship.

Deadlifht

A shutter placed over a cabin window in stormy weather to protect the glass against the waves.

Deadlight

Steel or alloy cover plate fitted internally to portholes for protection against water ingress in case of glass failure.

Deadman

An object, such as an anchor, piling, or concrete block, buried on shore.

Deadrise

Transverse inclination of the hull bottom from keel to bilge. [Alt rise of floor.]

Deadweight

The total weight of cargo, fuel, water, stores, passengers and crew and their effects that a ship can carry when at her designed full-load draft.

Deadweight tonnage

The cargo capacity of a vessel.

Deck

A platform or horizontal floor which extends from side to sede of a vessel.

Deck beam dimensions

The molding of a deck beam is its vertied dimension. Its siding is its horizontal dimension.

Deck button

A round, steel fitting affixed to a vessel's deck, designed to secure or guide cables for making up barge tows.

Deck button

Deck height

Vertical distance between moulded lines of 2 adjacent decks. [Alt deck interval.]

Deck house

A small house on the after or midship section of a vessel.

Deck lashing strap

A steel deck fitting normally used as an attachment for cargo tie down lines.

Deck stringer

The strip of deck plating that runs along the outer adge of a deck.

Declivity

Inclination of shipways to provide for launching.

Deconsolidation point

Place where cargo is ungrouped for delivery.

Deep floor

A term applied to any of the floors in the forward or after end of a vessel. Due to the converging sides of ships in the bow and stern, the floors become much deeper than in the main body.

Deep frame

A web frame or a frame whose athwartship dimension is over the general amount.

Deep tank

Tank (usually for fuel) having significant depth (typically spanning more than 1 deck interval).

Deep tanks

These usually consist of ordinary hold compartments, but strengthened to carry water ballast. They are placed at either or both ends of the engine and boiler space. They are placed at either or both ends of the engine and boiler space. They are placed st either or both ends of the engine and boiler space. They usaually run from the tank top up to or above the lower deck.

DEM

Demurrage

Demurrage

A penalty charge against shippers or consignees for delaying the carrier's equipment beyond the allowed free time. The free time and demurage charges are set forth in the charter party or freight tariff.

Derelict

A vessel obandoned and drifting aimlessly at sea.

Derrick

A device consisting of a kingpost, boom with variable topping lift, and necessary rigging for hoisting heavy weights, cargo, etc.

DESP

Dispatch

DET

Detention

Development

The method of drawing the same lines on a flat surface which have already been drawn on a curved surface. The shapes and lines produced by development are the same as though the curved surface from which they are taken were a flexible sheet which could be spread out flat without change of area or distortion.

DHDATSBE

Dispatch Half Demurrage on Actual Time Saved Both Ends

DHDWTSBE

Dispatch Half Demurrage on Working Time Saved Both Ends

Diagonal line

A line cutting the body plan diagonally from the frames to the middle line in the loft layout.

Diesel generator

Alternator (generator) directly powered by a diesel prime mover producing AC electrical power. 9kw marine diesel generator

Diesel generator

Dip

A position of a flag when lowered part way in salute (method of salute between vessels, like planes dipping wings).

DISCH

Discharge

Displacement

The weight in tons of the water displaced by a ship. This weight is the same as the total weight of the ship when afloat. Displacement may be expressed either in cubic feet or tons, a cubic foot of sea water weighs 64 pounds and one of fresh water weighs 62.5 pounds, consequently one ton is equal to 35 cubic feet of sea water or 35.9 feet of fresh water. The designed displacement of a vessel is her displacement when floating at her designed draft.

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.

DK

Deck

DLOSP

Dropping Last Outwards Sea Pilot (Norway)

DMLC

Decleration of Maritime Labour Convention

DNRSAOCLONL

Discountless and Non-Returnable Ship and/or Cargo Lost or Not Lost

DO

Diesel Oil

DOB

Date of Birth

Dock

A basin for the reception of vessels. "Wet" docks are utilized for the loading and unloading of ships.

Docking plan

Detailed structural plan and profile of the lower hull structure required for correct location of the vessel in dry docking.

Docking plan

Docking plan

Dog

A hold fast, a short metal rod or bar fashioned to form a clamp or clip and used for holding watertight doors, manholes, or pieces of work in place.

Dog shores

The last supports to be knocked away at the launching of a ship.

Doldrums

The belt on each side of the Equator in which little or no wind ordinarily blows.

Dolly bar

A heavy bar to hold against a rivet, to give backing when riveting.

Dolphin

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

DOLSP

Dropping Off Last Sea Pilot (Norway)

Donkey engine

A small gass, stem or electric auxiliary engine, set on the deck and used for lifting, etc.

DOP

Dropping Outward Pilot

DOT

Department of Transport

Double bottom

A tank whose bottom is formed by the bottom plates of a ship, used to hold water for ballast, for the storage of oil, etc. Also a term applied to the space between the inner and outer bottom skins of a vessel. Also applied to indicate that a ship has a complete inner or extra envelopeof watertight bottom plating. A double bottom is usually fitted in large ships extending from bilge to bilge and nearly the whole length fore-and-aft.

Double bottom

Double skin

Double watertight hull construction, usually referring to hull sides but may include double bottom structure.

Double up

To double a vessel's mooring lines.

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.

Doubler

Doubler

Doubling plates

Extra plates (bars or stiffeners, added to strengthen sections where holes have been cut for hawse pipes, machinery, etc. Also placed where strain or wear is expected.

Dowel

A pin of wood inserted in the edge or face of two boards or pieces to secure them together.

Dowse

To take in, or lower a sail. To put out a light. To cover with water.

DR

Dead Reckoning

Draft

The distance from the surface of the water to the ship's keel (how deep the ship is into the water).

DRAFT

Depth to which a ship is immersed in water. The depth varies according to the design of the ship and will be greater or lesser depending not only on the weight of the ship and everything on board, but also on the density of the water in which the ship is lying.

DRAFT (DRAUGHT) (of a vessel)

The depth of a vessel below the waterline measured vertically to the lowest part of the hull, propellers or other reference points.

Draft , extreme

Draft measured to the lowest projecting portion of the vessel

Draft marks

Numbers marked on the hull side forward, aft (and amidships on large vessels) indicating the draft.

Draft marks

Draft(or draught)

Depth to which a hull is immersed.

Draft, aft

Draft measured at the stern.

Draft, forward

Draft measured at the bow.

Draft, load

Draft at load displacement.

Draft, marks

The numbers which are placed in a vertical scale at the bow and the stern of a vessel to indicate the draft at each point.

Draft, mean

The average between draft measured at bow and at stern, or for a vessel with a straight keel, the darft measured at the middle length af waterline.

Drag

The amount that the aft end of the keel is below the forward end when the ship is afloat with the stern end down.

Drain well

The chamber into which seepage water is collected and pumped by drainage pumps into sea through pump dales.

Dredger

Vessel designed for the removal of sea bed alluvial sediment. Deepen access channels, provide turning basins for ships, and maintain adequate water depth along waterside facilities.

Dredger

Dredger

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).

Drift angle

The angle between a ship's head and the direction in which it is moving.

Drift pin

A conical-shaped pin gradually tapered from blunt point to a diameter a little larger than the rivet holes in which it is to be used. The point is inserted in rivet holes that are not fair, and the other end is hammered until the holes are forced into line.

Drill ship

Vessel designed for sea bed drilling operations.

Drill ship

Drill ship

Drip pan

An open container, located on deck under the ends of a pipeline header to retain cargo drippage.

DRK

Derrick

Drop strake

A strake discontinued near the bow or stern.

Dry bulk

Cargo shipped in a dry state and in bulk; e.g., grain, cement.

Dry bulk

Dry bulk

Dry dock

(1) Large basin with sealing caisson for the repair and maintenance of vessels. (2) General term for basin dry docks, floating docks or lift platforms for the maintenance and repair of vessels.

Dry dock

Dry dock

Dry docks

A dock into which a vessel is flated, the water than being removed to allow for the construction or repair of ships.

DSC

Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers

Duct

Vertical or horizontal large cross-section conduit through which piping, cabling, or fluids may be conducted.

Duct keel

Longitudinal passage within the double bottom, usually on the centreline, extending from the collision bulkhead to the engine room, through which ballast, bilge, fuel and hydraulic piping may be conducted and providing access to double-bottom spaces.

Ductility

That property of a metal which permits its being drawn out into a thread or wire.

Dumb vessel

A vessel without means of self-propulsion.

Dungarees

Blue working overalls.

Dunnage

Any materials used to block or brace cargo to prevent its motion, chafing, or damage and to facilitate its handling.

DUNNAGE

Materials of various types, often timber or matting, placed among the cargo for separation, and hence protection from damage, for ventilation and, in the case of certain cargoes, to provide space in which the forks of a lift truck may be inserted.

Duplicating pipe

A piece of tubing, generally brass, used with paint to transfer rivet hole layout from template to plate. The end pf the pipe is dipped in paint, and while still wet is pushed through each template hole, leaving an impression on the plate.

Dutchman

A piece of steel fitted into an opening to cover up poor joints, or the crevices caused by poor workmanship.

DWAT (or DWT)

Deadweight. Weight of cargo, stores and water, i.e. the difference between lightship and loaded displacement.

Eagle Flies

Pay day

Easy

Carefully (watch what you're doing).

EBL

Electronic Range Line

EC

East Coast

ECDIS

Electronic Chart Display & Information System

ECSA

European Community Shipowners Association

EDI - Electronic data interchange

Transmission of transactional data between computer systems.

EDIFACT

Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Trade. International data interchange standards sponsored by United Nations.

EEDI

Energy Efficient Design Index

EETF

Eastern European Terminal Forum

EEZ

Exclusive Economic Zone

EHQ

Emergency Head Quarters

EIU

Even if Used

Electrode

A pole or terminal in an electrical circuit. See Polarity.

Electro-hydraulic

Term given to hydraulic actuation systems where the hydraulic pressure is produced by electrically driven pumps and controlled via solenoids.

ELVENT

Electric Ventilation

EMR

Effective Mooring Revision

EMS

Environmental Management System

EMSA

European Maritime Safety Authority

ENC

Electronic Navigational Chart

End seizing

A round seizing at the end of a rope.

End-for-end

Reversing the position of an object or line.

Endurance

Maximum time period (indicated in hours or days) that a vessel can operate unreplenished while performing its intended role.

Engine control room

Space adjacent to engine room from where engine room systems may be controlled and monitored.

Engine control room

Engine room

Space where the main engines of a ship are located.

Engine room

ENOA

Electronic Notice of Arrival

Ensign

(1) The national flag. (2) A junior officer.

Entrance

The forward under-water portion of a vessel at and near the bow.

EOS

Engine Operating Station

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

Estimated Position

EPIRB

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. EPIRB is a small hand-held battery-operated transmitter, actuated by water, for use in locating vessels in distress. EPIRBs are devices that trasmit a digital signal on the international distress signal frequency 406 MHz. Designed to work with satellites, EPIRBs are detectable by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, which orbit the poles, and by the GEOSAR system which consists of GOES weather satellites and other geostationary satellites. There are two types of EPIRBs, Category I or Category II. Category I EPIRBs float-free and are automatically activated by immersion in water, and they are detectable by satellite anywhere in the world. Category II EPIRBs are similar to Category I, except in most cases they are manually activated, however some models can be automatically activated.

EPIRB

EPIRB

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons

Erection

The process of hoisting into place and joining the various parts of a ship's hull, machinery, etc.

ESPH

Evaluation of Safety and Pollution Hazards

ETA

Estimated Time of Arrival

ETC

Estimated Time of Completion

ETD

Estimated Time of Departure

ETOPS

Emergency Towing-off Pennant System

ETS

Environmental Tags System

ETS

Estimated Time of Sailing

Even keel

When a boat redes on an even keel, its plane of flotation is either coincident or parallel to the designed water line.

EVTMS

Enhanced Vessel Traffic Management System

EXCOM

Executive Committee

Expansion joint

A term applied to a joint which permits linear movement to take up the expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature.

Expansion trunk

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

Expansion trunks

Trunkways extending a short way into oil tanker compartments from the hatches. When the compartment is filled, the trunk is partly filled, and thus cuts down the free surface of the cargo, improving stability. Free space at the top is left for any expansion of the oil.

EXW

Ex Works

Eye

The forward end of the spacs below the upper decks of a ship which lies next abaft the stem, where the sides approach very near to each other. The hawse pipes are usually run down through the eyes of a ship.

Eye bolt

A bolt having either a head looped to form a worked eye, or a solid head with a hole drilled through it forming a shackle eye. Its use is similar to that of a pad eye.

Eye plate

Fitting used for mooring arrangements.

Eye plate

Fabricate

To shape, assemble and secure in place the component parts in order to form a complete job.

Face plate

A narrow stiffening plate welded alone the edge of any web frame or stiffener.

Factory ship

High endurance vessels designed for processing and packing whale or fish resources off-loaded by smaller whaling or fishing vessels.

Fair

To fair a line means to even out curves, sheer lines, deck lines etc., in drawing and mold loft work.

Fairing or Fairing up

Correcting or fairing up a ship's lines or structural members; assembling the parts of ship so that they will be fair, that is, without kinks, bumps, or waves.

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.

Fairlead

Fairwater

Plating fitted, in the shape of a frustrum of a cone, around the ends of shaft tubes and struts to prevent an abrupt change in the stream lines. Also any casting or plate fitted to the hull for the purpose of preserving a smooth flow of water.

Fake

A single turn of rope when a rope is coiled down.

Fake down

To fake line back and forth on deck.

FAL

Facilitation Committee

Fall

Commonly the antire length of rope used in a tackle, though strictly it means only the end to which the power is applied.

Fantail

The overhanging stern section of a vessel, from the stern post aft.

FAS

Free Alongside Ship. Seller delivers goods to appropriate dock or terminal at port of embarkation and buyer covers costs and risks of loading.

Fathom

Six feet. A sea-going measure of length.

Fay

To unite closely two planks or plates, so as to bring the surfaces into nitimate contact.

Faying surface

The contact surface between two adjoining parts.

FD

Free of Dispatch

FDD

Freight Demurrage Deadfreight

FDIS

Free Discharge

Feeder service

Transport service whereby loaded or empty containers in a regional are transferred to a "mother ship" for a long-haul ocean voyage.

Felloes

Pieces of wood which from the rim of a wheel.

Fend off

To push off when making a landing.

Fender

This term is applied to various devices fastened to or hung over the sides of a vessel for the purpose of preventing rubbing or chafting. On small craft, such as tug boats, it consists of a timber or steel structure running fore and aft along the outside of the vessel above the water line. On the wearing surface. a strip of iron bark or a piece of flat bar iron is attached.

Fender

Ferry

Vessel used to convey passengers and/or vehicles on a regular schedule between 2 or more points.

FEU

Forty foot container equivalency unit Standard 40′ Container

FHEX

Fridays/Holidays Excluded

FHINC

Fridays/Holidays Included

Fid

A tapered wooden pin used to separate the strands when splicing heavy rope.

Fidley

Framework built around a deck hatch ladder, leading below.

Fidley deck

A partially raised deck over the engine and boiler rooms, usually around the smokestack.

Field day

A day for general ship cleaning.

Figurehead

The bust, often of a woman, on the bow of a vessel, just under the bowscript.

Fillet

The rounded edge of a rolled steel angle or bar.

FILO

Free In/Liner Out. Seafreight with which the shipper pays load costs and the carrier pays for discharge costs.

Fin

A projecting keel.

FIO

Free In/Out. Freight booked FIO includes the sea freight, but no loading/discharging costs, i.e. the charterer pays for cost of loading and discharging cargo.

FIOS

Free In/Out Stowed. As per FIO, but includes stowage costs.

FIOSLSD

Free In/Out Stowed, Lashed, Secured and Dunnaged. As per FIO, but includes cost of lashing securing and dunnaging cargo to Masters satisfaction.

FIOST

Free In/Out and Trimmed. Charterer pays for cost of loading/discharging cargo, including stowage and trimming.

FIOT

Free In/Out and Trimmed. As per FIOS but includes trimming the leveling of bulk cargoes

Fish plate

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

Fish plate

FIT

Free In Trimmed

FIW

Free In Wagon

Fixed costs

Costs that do not vary with the level of activity. Some fixed costs continue even if no cargo is carried; for example, terminal bases, rent, and property taxes.

FIXING

Chartering a Vessel

Flag State

The nation in which a vessel is registered and which holds legal jurisdiction as regards operation of the vessel, at home or abroad.

Flagstaff

Flag pole, usually at the stern of a ship, carries the ensign.

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.

Flange

The turned edge of a shape or girder, which acts to resist bending strain.

Flare

Outward curvature or widening of the hull above the waterline present in the bow section (of a conventional bow) to avoid shipping water.

Flare

The spreading out from the central vertical plane of the body of a ship with increasing rapidity as the section rises from the waterline to the rail.

Flared bow

A bow with an extreme flare at the upper and forcastle deck.

Flat

A small partial deck, built level, without curvature.

Flemish down

To coil flat down on deck, each fake outside the other, beginning in the middle and all close together.

Floating drydock

A U-shaped dock with double skins which is filled by opening up the sillcocks, and allowed to settle sothe middle section will be lower than the keel of the ship so that repairs can be made on her hull.

Floodable length

The length of the hull, at any point, that can fl ood without immersing the margin line. Important in studying the safety of ships.

Floor

Vertical transverse full-breadth plating between inner bottom and bottom shell plating.

Floor plan

A horizontal section, showing the ship as divided at a water or deck line.

Floors

Vertical flat plates running transverse of the vessel, connecting the vertical keel with the margin plates or the frames to which the tank top and bottom shell is fast-ened.

Flotsam

The parts of a wrecked ship and goods lost in shipwreck, both found floating.

FLT

Full Liner Terms Shipowner pays to load and discharge the cargo

Fluke

The palm of an anchor. The broad holding portion which penetrates the ground.

Flush deck

A deck running from stem without being broken by forecastle or poop.

Flush deck hatch

Hatch in a deck with no coaming.

Flush deck ship

Vessel having an upper deck extend continuously from bow to stern.

Flux

A substance such us as borax, used in welding to help in the melting of the metal. Flux also serves to stabilize the electric arc, steady the flow of the filler metal into the weld and protect the weld from oxidation.

FMC

Federal Maritime Commission US government agency

FMS

Fathoms 6 feet

FO (IFO)

Fuel Oil/Intermediate FO

FOB

Free on Board. Seller sees the goods "over the ship's rail" on to the ship which is arranged and paid for by the buyer

Fo'c'sle

A modem version of the old term "forecastle," or bow section of the ship, where the crew lived.

Fodley hatch

Hatch around smokestack and uptake.

FOFFER

Firm Offer

FOG

For Our Guidance

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.

FOQ

Free On Quay

FOR

Free On Rail

Force majeure

The tittle of a common clause in contracts, exempting the parties from nonfulfillment of their obligations as a result of conditions beyond their control, such as earthquakes, floods, or war.

FORCE MAJEURE

Clause limiting responsibilities of the charterers, shippers and receivers due to events beyond their control.

Fore and aft

Parallel to the ship's centerline.

Fore peak

The narrow extremity of a vessel's bow. Also the hold space within it.

Fore peak tank

Tank (often for ballast/trimming) forward of the collision bulkhead.

Fore peak tank

Fore peak tank

Fore rake

The forward part of the bow which overhangs the keel.

Fore, forward

Toward the stem. Between the stem and amidships.

Forebody

That part of a hull forward of amidships.

Forecastle

Raised and enclosed forward superstructure section of the hull.

Forecastle

Forecastle

A short structure at the forward end of a vessel formed by carrying up the ship's shell plating a deck height above the level of her uppermost complete deck and fitting a deck over the length of this structure.

Forecastle deck

A deck over the main deck at the bow.

Foredeck

Foremost section of exposed main deck.

Forefoot

The forward end of a vessel's stem which is stepped on the keel.

Forehook

Or breast hook.

Forepeak bulkhead

The bulkhead nearest the stem, which forms the after boundary of the forepeak tank. When this bulkhead is extended from the bottom of the ship to the weather deck, it is also called the collision bulkhead.

Forest product carrier

Vessel designed for the transportation of processed timber with large hatchways simplifying stowage and transfer of cargo.

Forest product carrier

Forging

A mass of metal worked to a special shape by hammering, bending, or pressing while hot.

Fork beam

A half beam to support a deck where hatchways occur.

Formal safety assessment (FSA)

A process for assessing the safety of a ship by studying the risks, their likelihood and consequences.

Forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU)

Unit of measurement equivalent to one forty-foot container. Two twenty foot containers (TEUs) equal on FEU.

Forward

Towards or at the fore end of a vessel. (Abbr. Fwd or For'd.)

Forward perpendicular

A line perpendicular to the keel line, and intersecting the forward side of the stem at the designed load water line.

FOT

Free On Truck

Foul

Jammed, not clear.

Fouled hawse

Said of the anchor chain when moored and the chain does not lead clear of another chain.

Found

To fit and bed firmly. Also, equipped.

Founder

To sink (out of control).

FOW (1)

First Open Water

FOW (2)

Free On Wharf

FPD

Fall Preventing Device

FPSO

Floating production, storage and offloading vessel.

FPSO

Frame

Vertical structural component supporting and/or stiffening hull side plating and maintaining the transverse form.

Frame

Frame head

The section of a frame that rises above the deck line.

Frame lines

Lines of a vessel as laid out on the mold loft floor, showing the form and popsition of the grames. Also the line of intersection of shell with heel of frame.

Frame spacing

The fore-and-aft distances between frames, heel to heel.

Frame station(s)

Points at which transverse frames (or floors) are located, indicated on the baseline, numbered from zero at the aft perpendicular and terminating at or beyond the forward perpendicular. Stations abaft the aft perpendicular are numbered negatively.

Frames

The ribs of a ship.

FRC

Fast Rescue Craft

FREE OUT

Free of discharge costs to Owners

Freeboard

Vertical measurement from the vessel's side amidships from the load waterline to the upperside of the freeboard deck.

Freeboard

Freeboard

Freeboard deck

The uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea, which has permanent means of weathertight closing of all openings in the exposed part, and below which all openings in the vessel's sides are fitted with permanent means of watertight closing.

Freefall lifeboat

Some ships have freefall lifeboats, stored on a downward sloping slipway, dropping into the water as holdback is released. Such lifeboats are considerably heavier to survive the impact with water. Freefall lifeboats are used for their capability to launch nearly instantly and high reliability, and since 2006 are required on bulk carriers that are in danger of sinking too rapidly for conventional lifeboats to be released. Tankers are required to carry fireproof lifeboats, tested to survive a flaming oil or petroleum product spill from the tanker. Fire protection of such boats is provided by insulation and sprinkler system, which has pipe system on top, through which water is pumped and sprayed to cool the surface. This system, while prone to engine failure, allows fireproof lifeboats to be built of fiberglass and not only metal.

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.

Freeing port

Freeing ports

Heles in the bulwark or rail, which allow deck wash to drain off into the sea. Some freeing ports have swing gates which allow water to drain off but which aytomatically close from sea water pressure.

Freight, demurrage, and defence

Class of insurance provided by a protection and indemnity (P&I) club that covers legal costs incurred by a shipowner in connection with claims arising from the operation of the ship.

Freighter

A ship designed to carry all types of general cargo, or "dry cargo."

FSE

Free Surface Effect

FSG

Floating Systems Group

FSI

Flag State Implementation

FSS

Fire Safety Systems

FSU

Floating Storage Unit

Funnel

External fairing through which exhaust ducting is conducted.

Funnel

Furrings

Strips of timber or boards fastened to frames, joists, etc., in order to bring their faces to the required shape or level, for attachment of sheating, ceiling, flooring etc.

FWAD

Fresh Water Arrival Draft

FWDD

Fresh Water Departure Draft

FYG

For Your Guidance

FYI

For Your Information

G.I.

Anything of Government Issue.

GA

General Average

Gadget

A slang term applied to various fittings.

Gage

A standard of measure.

Galley

Kitchen compartment aboard a vessel.

Galvanizing

The process of coating one metal with another, ordinarily applied to the coating or iron or steel with zinc. The chief purpose of galvanizing is to prevent corrosion.

Gang board

Same as gang plank.

Gang plank

A board with cleats forming a bridge reaching from a gengway of a vessel to the wharf.

Gangway

The opening in the bulkwarks of a vessel through which persons come on board of disembark. Also a gang plank.

Gantline

A line rove through a single block secured aloft.

Gantry

High level structure supporting a traversing lifting appliance.

Gantry

Garboard strake

Strake (line) of shell plating immediately adjacent to the keel (centreline) plating.

Garboard strake

A strake which ends before reaching the stem or stern post. Such strakes are laid at or near the middle of the ship's sides to lessen the spiling of the plating.

Gas carrier

Tanker designed for the transportation of liquefied gases.

Gas carrier

Gas free

The process of removing all hazardous gases and residues from the compartments of a vessel

Gasket

An elastic packing material used for making joints watertight.

Gaskets

Packing materials, by which air, water, oil, or steam tightness is secured in such places as on doors, hatches, steam cylinders, manhole covers, or in valves, between the flanges of pipes, etc. Such materials as rubber, canvas, asbestos, paper, sheet lead and copper, soft iron, and commercial products are extensively used.

Gateway

A point at which freight moving from one territory to another is interchanged between trasportation lines.

Gather way

To attain headway (to get going or pick up speed).

Gauge

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

GBS

Goal Based Standard

Gear

The general name for ropes, blocks and tackles, tools, etc. (things).

General arrangement

Highly detailed plan drawings of the general layout of a vessel.

General arrangement

GHG

Green House Gas

Gib

A metal fitting that holds a member in place, or presses two members together.

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.

Girder

(1) Longitudinal continuous member with a vertical web providing support of deck beams. (2) Longitudinal continuous vertical plating on the bottom of single- or double-bottomed vessels.

Girth

The distance measured on any frame line, from the intersection of the upper deck with the side, around the body of the vessel to corresponding point on the opposite side. The half gith is taken from the center line of the keel to the upper deck beam end.

GISIS

Global Integrated Shipping Information System

Glass

Term used by mariners for a barometer.

Glory hole

Steward's quarters.

GLS

Gearless

GMDSS

Global Maritime Distress Safety System. The GMDSS is an internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment, and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircraft. GMDSS consists of several systems, some of which are new, but many of which have been in operation for many years. The system is intended to perform the following functions: alerting (including position determination of the unit in distress), search and rescue coordination, locating (homing), maritime safety information broadcasts, general communications, and bridge-to-bridge communications. Specific radio carriage requirements depend upon the ship's area of operation, rather than its tonnage. The system also provides redundant means of distress alerting, and emergency sources of power.

GMDSS

GMPHOM

Guide to Manufacturing & Purchasing Hoses for Offshore Moorings

GN (or GR)

Grain (capacity)

GNSS

Global Navigation Satellite Systems

GO

Gas Oil

Go adrift

Break loose.

Golden Slippers

Tan work shoes issued to U.S. Maritime Service trainees

Gooseneck

A return, or 180^o bend, having one leg shorterthan the other. An iron swivel making up the fastening between a boom and a mast. It consists of a pintle and an eyebolt, or clamp.

Gouge

Atool with an half round cutting edge used to cut grooves.

GPC

General Purposes Committee

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.

Grating

An open iron lattice work used for covering hatchways and platforms.

Graveyard watch

The middle watch.

Graving docks

A dry dock. The vessel is floated in, and gates at the entrance closed when the tide is at ebb. The remaining water isthen pumped out, and the vessel's bottom is graved, or cleaned.

GRD

Geared

Green sea

A large body of water taken aboard (ship a sea).

Grids

Metal protective bars of sea chests and propeller thrusters.

Gripe

The sharp forward end of the dished keel on which the stem is fixed.

Grommet

A reing of fiber usually soaked in red lead or some other packing material, and used under the heads of bolts and nuts to preserve tightness.

Gross registered tonnage

A formula-derived measure of the internal (enclosed) volume of a vessel less certain excluded spaces. (Stated in volumetric tons where 1 ton = 100 ft3 , 2.8317 m3.) (Abbr. grt.)

Gross tons

The volume measurement of the internal voids of a vessel wherein 100 cu. ft. equals one ton.

Ground tackle

A term used to cover all of the anchor gear.

Grounding

Running ashore (hitting the bottom).

Groundways

Large pieces of timber laid across the ways on which the keel blocks are placed. Also the large blocks and plans which support the cradle on which a ship is launched.

Groupage

The grouping together of several compatible consignments into a full container load. Also referred to as consolidation.

GRP

Glass Reinforced Plastic

GRT

Gross Registered Tonnage

GSB

Good Safe Berth

GSP

Good Safe Port

GTEE

Guarantee

Gudgeon

A metallic eye bolted to the stern post, on which the rubber is hung.

Gunwale

The upper edge of a vessel or boat's side.

Gunwale (gunnel)

That part of a barge or boat where the main deck and the side meet.

Gunwale bar

A term applied to the bar connecting a stringer plate on a weather deck to the sheer strake.

Gusset

A steel plate used for reinforcing or bracing the junction of other steel members.

Gusset

Gusset plate

A tie plate, used for fastening posts, frames, beams, etc., to other objects.

Gutter ledge

A bar laid across a hatchway to support the hatches.

Gutterway

The sunken trough on the shelter deck outer edge which disposes of the water from the deck wash.

Guys

Wire or hemp rope or chains to support nooms, davits, ets., laterally. Guys are employed in pairs. Where a span is fitted between two booms, for example, one pair only is required for the two.

GZ

The distance from the centre of gravity to the line of action of the buoyancy force. It is a measure of a ship's ability to resist heeling moments.

HA

Hatch

HAEMHF

Hose Ancillary Equipment & Managing Hoses in the Field

Hail

To address a vessel, to come from, as to hail from some port (call).

Half deck

A short deck below the main deck.

Half model

A modle of one side of a ship, on which the plate lines are drawn in.

Half-breadth plan

A plan or top view of half of a ship divided longitudinally. It shows the water lines, bow and buttock lines, and diagonal lines of construction.

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

A member of the ship's company.

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-over

Term used in contracts, meaning the process of providing exclusive, unencumbered, peaceful, and vacant possession of and access to a concession area and the existing operational port infrastructure and also all rights, title and interest in all the movable assets and all the facilities by the government or the port authority on the hand over date for the conduct of terminal operations.

Handybilly

A watch tackle (small, handy block and tackle for general use).

Handymax

Dry bulk carrier of 35 - 50,000 tonnes deadweight, popular for full efficiency, flexibility and low draft (<12 m).

Handysize

A term applied to bulk carriers of 40 000-65 000 DWT.

Hang from the yards

Dangle a man from one of the yard arms, sometimes by the neck, if the man was to be killed, and sometimes by the toes, if he was merely to be tortured. A severe punishment used aboard sailing ships long ago. Today, a reprimand.

Hard patch

A plate riveted over another plate to cover a hole or break.

Harpings

The fore parts of the wales of a vessel which compass her bows and are fastened to the stem, thickened to withstand plunging.

Hatch

Opening in a deck providing access for cargo, personnel, stores, etc.

Hatch

Hatch bars

The bars by which the hatches are fastened down.

Hatch coaming

Raised rim of vertical plating around a hatchway to prevent entrance of water, the upper edge of which forms a sealing surface with the hatch-lid or cover.

Hatch coaming

Hatchway

One of the large square openings in the deck of a ship through which freight is hoisted in or out, and access is had to the hold. There are four pieces in the frame of a hatchway. The fore-and-aft pieces are called coaming and those athwartship are called head ledges. The head ledges rest on the beams and the carlines extending between the beams. There may be forward, main and after hatcheays, according to the size and character of the vessel.

Hawse

The part of a ship's bow in which are the hawse holes for the anchor chains.

Hawse buckler

An iron plate covering a hawse hole.

Hawse hole

A hole in the boow through which a cable or chain passes. It is a cast steel tube, having rounded projecting lipe both inside and out.

Hawse pipe

Steel pipe duct through which the anchor cable is led overboard.

Hawse pipe

Hawse plug or block

A stopper used to prevent water from entering the hawse hole in heavy weather.

Hawse-pipes

A pipe lead-in for anchor chain through ship's bow.

Hawser

A large circumference rope used for towing or mooring a vessel or for securing it at a dock.

Hawser

Hawser

Hawser-laid

Left-handed rope of nine strands, in the form of three three-stranded, right-handed ropes.

HCFC

Hydro Chloro Fluoro Carbons

HDWTS

Half Dispatch Working Time Saved

Head

(1) The bow of a vessel. (2) Term given to toilet facilities usually in the smaller craft context.

Head ledges

See Hatchway

Head of navigation

The uppermost limit of navigation from the mouth of a waterway.

Head room

The height of the decks, below decks.

Headlog

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

Heart

The inside center strand of rope.

Heave

The vertical movement of a ship, as a rigid body, in a seaway.

Heave

Heave around

To revolve the drum of a capstan, winch or windlass. (Pulling with mechanical deck heaving gear).

Heave away

An order to haul away or to heave around a capstan (pull).

Heave in

To haul in.

Heave short

To heave in until the vessel is riding nearly over her anchor.

Heave taut

To haul in until the line has a strain upon it.

Heave the lead

The operation of taking a sounding with the hand lead (to find bottom).

Heave to

To bring vessel on a course on which she rides easily and hold her there by the use of the ship's engines (holding a position).

Heaving line

A small line thrown to an approaching vessel, or a dock as a messenger.

Heavy-lift vessel

Vessel designed specifically for the loading/discharge and transportation of very heavy cargoes.

Heavy-lift vessel

Heavy-lift vessel

Heel

Inclination of a vessel to one side. [Alt list.]

Heel

Heel

Height

Vertical distance between any two decks, or vertical distance measured from the base line to any water line.

Helm

A term applied to the tiller, wheel, or steering gear, and also the rubber.

Helm port

The hole in the counter of a vessel through which the rubber stock passes.

Hemp

Rope made of the fibers of the hemp plant and used for small stuff or less than 24 thread (1.75 inch circumference). (Rope is measured by circumference, wire by diameter.)

HGWG

Mercury Working Group

High, wide and handsome

Sailing ship with a favorable wind, sailing dry and easily. A person riding the crest of good fortune

Hip towing (hipping)

A method of towing whereby the vessel being towed is secured along-side the towboat

hip-towing-hipping

HMS

Heavy Metal Scrap

HNS

Hazardous and Noxious Substances

HO

Hold

Hog

A scrub-broom for scraping a ship's bottom under water.

Hog frame

A fore-and-aft frame, forming a truss for the main frames of a vessel, to prevent bending.

Hog sheer

The curve of the deck on a vessel constructed so that the middle is higher than the ends.

Hogged

A ship that is damaged or strained so that the bottom curves upward in the middle opposite of sagged.

Hogging

A ship is said to hog when the hull is bent concave downwards by the forces acting on it. Hogging is the opposite of sagging.

Hogging

Hoist away

An order to haul up.

Hold

That part of a ship where cargo or supplies are carried.

Hold beams

The beams that support the lower deck in a cargo vessel.

Hold fast

A dog or brace to hold objects rigidly in place.

Holiday

An imperfection, spots left unfinished in cleaning or painting.

Holy stone

The soft sandstone block sailors use to scrub the deck, so-called, because seamen were on their knees to use it.

Hood

A covering for a companion hatch, scuttle or skylight.

Hooding-end

The endmost plate of a complete strake. The hooding-ends fit into the stem or stern post.

Hopper barge

Barge designed with a single hopper type hold for the transport of bulk cargo and where the cargo is discharged (dumped) through the bottom of the vessel.

hopper barge

Hopper tank

Lower side ballast tank in a bulk carrier, shaped and positioned to create a hopper form to the cargo hold.

Hopper tank

Horn cleat

A fitting, usually with two horn-shaped ends, to which lines are made fast. The classic cleat is almost anvil-shaped.

Horn cleat

Horn cleat

Horning

Setting the frames of a vessel square to the keel after the proper inclination to the vertical due to the declivity of the keel has been given.

Horse latitudes

The latitudes on the outer margins of the trades where the prevailing winds are light and variable.

Horsepower

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

Horseshoe plate

A small, light plate fitted on the counter around the rubber stock for the purpose of preventing water from backing up into the rudder trunk. Frequently it is made in two pieces.

Hounding

That portion of a mast between the deck and the hounds.

Hounds

The mast head projections which support the trestle trees and top. Also applied in vessels without trestle trees to that portion at which the hound band for attaching the shrouds is fitted.

House

To stow or secure in a safe place. A top-mast is housed by lowering it and securing it to a lowermast.

House flag

Distinguishing flag of a merchant marine company flown from the mainmast of merchant ships.

Housing

That portion of a mast below the surface of the upper deck.

Hovercraft

Vessel designed to ride on a cushion of air formed by downthrusting fans.

Hovercraft

HP

Horse Power

HRU

Hydrostatic Release Unit

HSSC

Harmonised System of Survey and Certification

Hug

To keep close.

Hulk

A worn out vessel.

Hull

The main body or primary part providing global strength, buoyancy and hydrodynamic qualities of a vessel.

Hull

Hull down

Said of a vessel when, due to its distance on the horizon, only the masts are visible.

Hull girder

Combined hull structure contributing to the longitudinal global strength of a hull treated as analogous to a girder.

Hurricane

Force of wind over 65 knots.

Hurricane deck

Same as bridge.

HW

High Water

HWP

Hot Work Permit

Hydrofoil

High-speed craft with immersed foils for developing hydrodynamic lift at speed and a consequential reduction in resistance.

hydrofoil

Hydrofoil

Hydrographic vessel

Vessel designed for the survey of seabed topography, currents, etc., relevant to marine navigation.

Hydroplane

Rotatable lateral fin providing vertical directional control for submersible craft.

Hydrostatic test

A pressure test employing a static head of water applied to various compartments or components of a vessel.

IAAP

International Air Pollution Prevention

IACS

International Association of Clasification Societies

IADC

International Association of Drilling Contractors

IAMSAR

International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual

IAPH

International Association of Ports and Harbors

IATA

International Air Transport Association

IBC

Intermediate Bulk Container

I-Beam

A structural shape with cross section resembling the letter I.

IBTS

Integrated Bilge Treatment System

Ice breaker

Vessel designed for transiting sea ice or for the purpose of creating a channel in polar or winter ice for the passage of other vessels.

Ice breaker

Ice-bound

Caught in the ice.

ICS

International Chamber of Shipping

ICSW

International Committee on Seafarers' Welfare

Idolphin

A term applied to several piles that are bound together situated either at the corner of a pier or out in the stream and used for docking and warping vessels.

IEA

International Energy Agency

IFO

Intermediate Fuel Oil

IFSMA

International Federation of Shipmaster's Association

IHO

International Hydro graphic Organization

IIP

International Ice Patrol

ILG

Industry Lifeboat Group

IMB

International Maritime Bureau

IMDG

International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

IMHA

International Maritime Health Association

IMO

International Maritime Organisation

IMOSAR

IMO Search & Rescue manual

IMPA

International Marine Purchasing Association

IMSBC

International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargo Code

Inboard

Towards the center line of a ship (towards the center).

Inboard profile

A plan representing a longitudinal section through the center of the vessel, showing heights of decks, location of transverse bulkheads, assignment of various spaces and all machinery, etc., located on the center or betweenthe center and the shell on the port side.

IND

Indication

Inducement

Placing a port on a vessel's itinerary because the volume of cargo offered by that port justifies the cost of routing the vessel.

Inert Gas

A gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen that is used to make an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Inerted tanks are useful for preserving cargo integrity and reducing the explosive potential of cargo tanks.

Inerted

Implies that a tank is filled with an inert gas.

INF

Irradiated Nuclear Fuel

Innage

A measurement of liquid cargo in a tank. It is the distance from the top of the cargo to the bottom of the tank. It is the opposite of ullage.

Inner bottom

The tank top.

Inner Shell

A plated surface or "shell" inside the outer shell plating, used as additional protection in case of collision or other accidents. The space between the inner and outer shells is often used as a storage space for liquid ballast or cargo.

Inserted packing red lead

Soaked canvas strip placed between connections that cannot be caulked successfully; stop waters.

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.

Intercostals

Plates which fit between floors to stiffen the double bottom of a ship. Intercostal comes from the Latin words inter, meaning between, and costa, meaning rib.

Intermodal

Movement of cargo containers interchangeably between trasport modes where the equipment is compatible within the multiple systems.

INTERMODAL

Carriage of a commodity by different modes of transport, i.e. sea, road, rail and air within a single journey.

IOPC

International Oil Pollution Compensation

IPIECA

International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association

Irish pennant

An untidy loose end of a rope (or rags).

IRTC

International Recommended Transit Corridor

ISAN

Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria

ISCC

International Ship Security Certificate

ISGOTT

International Oil Tanker & Terminal Safety Code

Isherwood system

A method of framing a vessel which employs closely spaced longitudinals, with extra heavy floors spaced further apart.

ISOA

International Stability Operations Association

ISPPC

International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate

ISTEC

Intertanko Technical Committee

ISWG

Intersessional Working Group on Maritime Security

ITC

International Tonnage Certificate

ITF

International Transport Federation

ITOPF

International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation

IU

If Used

IUATUTC

If Used, Actual Time Used To Count

IUHATUTC

If Used, Half Actual Time Used To Count

IWL

Institute Warranty Limits

Jack

The flag similar to the union of the national flag.

Jack ladder

A ladder with wooden steps and side rops

Jack Tar

Sailors were once called by their first names only, and Jack was their generic name. Tar came from seamen's custom of waterproofing clothing using tar.

Jackstaff

Flagpole at the bow of a ship.

Jacob's ladder

A ladder of rope with rungs, used over the side.

Jam

To wedge tight.

Jetsam

Items that are thrown overboard from a vessel in distress. Discarded cargo that washes ashore.

Jettison

To throw goods overboard.

Jetty

A landing wharf or pier; a dike at a river s mouth.

Jews harp

The ring bolted to the upper end of the shank of an anchor and to which the bending shackle secures.

Jib

The arm or boom of a crane providing the reach (working radius).

Jib

Joggle

The lap a joint by keeping one edge straight and bending the other, in order to leave both surface even on one side.

Jolly Roger

A pirate's flag carrying the skull and cross-bones.

Journal

That portion of a shaft or other revolving member shich transmits weight directly to end is in immediate contact with the bearing in which it turns.

Jumbo derrick

A derrick designed with a very high lifting capacity, often installed on heavy-lift vessels.

Jumboising

The conversion of a vessel to increase displacement by means of a mid-length transverse cut and the installation of a new section.

Jump ship

To leave a ship without authority (deserting).

Jury

A term applied to temporary structures, such as masts, rubbers, etc., used in an emergency.

Jury rig

Makeshift rig (emergency rig).

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.

Keel (plate)

Lowest longitudinal strake of plating along the bottom centreline of the hull.

Keel (plate)

Keel block(s)

Support block(s) located beneath the keel strake which are employed during dry-docking of a vessel.

Keel blocks

Blocks on which the keel of a vessel rests when being built, or when she is in a drydock.

Keel bracket

A bracket, usually a triangular plate, connecting the vertical keel and flat keel plates, between the frames or floors of a ship.

Keel docking

In dry docking, the weight of a ship is carried almost entirely on the keelson provide the means of distributing the pressure on the center line and docking keels composed of doubling strips of plate or built-up girders are sometimes fitted on the bottom at a distance from the center line corresponding to the best position for the bilge block. The docking keels are fitted in a fore-and-sft direction, generally parallel or nearly so to the keel.

Keel line

An imaginary line describing the lowest portion of a vessel's hull.

Keel rider

A plate running along the top of the floors and connecting to the vertical keel.

Keel-haul

To tie a rope about a man and, after passing the rope under the ship and bringing it up on deck on the opposite side, haul away, dragging the man down and around the keel of the vessel. As the bottom of the ship was always covered with sharp barnacles, this was a severe punishment used aboard sailing ships long ago. Today, a reprimand.

Keelson

Longitudinal vertical member above the keel to which frames are attached. (Wooden construction.)

Keep a sharp look-out

A look-out is stationed in a position to watch for danger ahead. To be on guard against sudden opposition or danger.

Kenter shackle

A detachable shackle which is used to join two forged anchor chain links together.

Kenter shackle

Kentledge

Pig iron used either as temporary weight for inclining a vessel or as permanent ballast.

Kerf

In joiner work, a slit or cut made by a saw. Kerfs are made where timber joints require adjusting. Also applied to the channel burned out by a cutting torch.

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.

kevel

King posts

The main center pillar posts of the ship. May be used as synonym for samson post.

King-spoke

The upper spoke of a steering wheel when the rudder is amidships, usually marked in some fashion (top spoke of neutral steering wheel).

Kink

A twist in a rope.

Knee

Outdated term for a bracket connecting a deck beam and side frame.

Knock off

To stop, especially to stop work.

Knocked down

The situation of a vessel when listed over by the wind to such an extent that she does not recover.

Knot

One nautical mile per hour (1.852 km/h, 0.5144 m/s).

Knot (rope)

A twisting, turning, tying, knitting, or entangling of ropes or parts of a rope so as to join two ropes together or make a finished end on a rope, for certain purpose.

Knuckle

Abrupt change in direction of hull surface or structure.

Knuckle line

A line on the stern of a ship, on the cant frames, which divides the upper and lower parts of the stern.!

Knuckle plate

A plate bent to form a knuckle.

Kort nozzles

A steel tube that surrounds a propeller, directing the water and improving efficiency.Kort nozzles are engineered to improve the flow around the propellers. They are similar in some ways to an airplane propeller.

KPI

Key Performance Indicator

Labor

A vessel is said to labor when she works heavily in a seaway (pounding, panting, hogging and sagging).

Ladder

A metal, wooden or rope stairway.

Lame duck

Term for disabled vessel that had to fall out of a convoy and thus became easy prey for submarines.

Landing

The spaced distance from the edge of a bar or plate to the center of the rivet holes.

Landing craft

Flat-bottomed shallow-draft vessel designed to beach, with a bow and/or stern ramp for the transfer of cargo/payload.

Landing edge

Opposite of sight edge, which see.

Landing ship dock

Large naval vessel capable of carrying small landing craft and amphibious vehicles, despatched via a floodable stern dock within the hull.

Landing strake

The second strake from the gunwale.

Landlubber

The seaman's term for one who does not go to sea.

LANE METER

A method of measuring the space capacity of Ro/Ro ships whereby each unit of space (Linear Meter) is represented by an area of deck 1.0 meter in length x 2.0 meters in width.

Lanyard

A rope made fast to an article for securing it (knife lanyard, bucket lanyard, etc.), or for setting up rigging.

Lap

A term applied to the distance that one pieces is laid over the other in making a lap joint.

Lapstrake

Applied to boats built on the clinker system, in which the starkes overlap each other. The top strake always laps on the outside of the strake underneath.

LASH

Abbreviaton for "lighter aboard ship". A specially constructed vessel equipped with an overhead traveling gantry crane for lifting specially designed barges out of water and stowing them into the cellular holds of the vessel as well.

LASH (1)

To hold goods in position by use of Ropes, Wires, Chains or Straps etc.

LASH (2)

Lighter Aboard Ship a vessel that loads small barges direct from the water

Lashing

A passing and repassing of a rope so as to confine or fasten together two or more objects; usuafly in the form of a bunch.

LAT

Latitude

Launch

To place in the water.

Lay aloft

The order to go aloft (go up above).

Laying out

Placing the necessary instructions on plates, shapes, etc., for planing, shearing, punching, bending, flanging, beveling, rolling, etc., from the templates made in the mold loft or taken from the ship.

Lazaretto

A low headroom space below decks used for provisions or spare parts, or miscellaneous storage.

Lazy guy

A light rope or trackle by which a boom is prevented from swinging around.

LDL

Limiting Danger Line

Lee shore

The land to the leeward of the vessel (wind blows from the ship to the land).

Leeward

The direction away from the wind.

LEG

Legal Committee

Length between perpendiculars

The length of a ship measures from the forward side of stem to the aft side of the stern post at the height of the designed water line.

Length over all

The length of a ship measured from the foremost point of the stem to the aftermost part of the stern.

Liberty

Permission to be absent from the ship for a short period (authorized absence).

Lifeboat

Rigid-hulled survival craft deployed from a parent vessel.

Lifeboat

Life-line

A line secured along the deck to lay hold of in heavy weather; a line thrown on board a wreck by life-saving crew; a knotted line secured to the span between life-boat davits for the use of the crew when hoisting and lowering.

Lift a template

Is to construct a template to the same size and shape as the part of the ship involved. To lay aot a template is to transfer the size and shape into the material and work it into the fabricated object.

Lifting

Transferring marks and measurements from a drwing, model, etc., to a plate or other object, by templates or other means.

Lifting gear

The lifting equipment (i.e., cranes) for loading and discharging operations.

Light load line

The water line when the ship rides empty.

Light, fixed

A thick glass, usually circular in shape, fitted in a frame fixed in an opening in a ship's side, deck house, or bulkhead to provide access for light. The fixed light is not hinged.

Lightening hole

Large hole cut in a structural member to reduce its weight.

Lightening hole

Lighter

A full-bodied, heavily built craft, usually not self-propelled, used in bringingmarchandise or cargo alongside or in transferring same from a vessel.

Lightship

The vessel condition without any form of deadweight aboard (incl.fuel and ballast).

Limber chains

Chains passing through the limber holes of a vessel, by which they may be cleared of dirt.

Limber hole

Small hole or slot cut in a structural member to permit the drainage of liquid.

Limber holes

Holes in the bottoms of floors throught which bilge water runs through tank sections to a seepage basin, where it is then pumped out. The row of holes constitutes the limber passage.

Limber strake

The strake on the inner skin of a vessel which is nearest to the keel.

Line

A general term for light rope.

Line haul

The movement of freight over the tracks of a transportation line from one location (port or city) to another.

Liner

Vessel (over 1000 grt) operating on a regular route between ports according to a particular schedule.

Lines

The ropes or cables used on a vessel for towing, mooring, or lashing.

Lines plan

Plans indicating the hull form via the inclusion of waterlines, buttock lines and section lines shown on profile, plan and end views.

Lines plan

List

To learn to one side.

LL

Load Line

LMAA

London Maritime Arbitrators Association

LNG

Liquefied Natural Gas

LNG carrier

Vessel designed to transport natural gas in liquefied form.

LNG carrier

LOA

Length Overall of the vessel

Load eater line

The water line when the ship is loaded.

Load line markings

Markings on the ship's side defi ning the minimum freeboard allowable in different ocean areas and different seasons of the year. Also known as Plimsol mark.

Load line markings

Locker

A storage compartment in a ship.

Loftsman

A man who lays out the ship's lines in the mold loft and makes the molds or templates therefrom.

Log book

A continuous operating record of a ship kept by one of its officers. In it are recorded daily all important events occurring on board, also the condition of the weather, the ship's position and other data.

Loll

A ship which is slightly unstable in the vertical position will heel until the GZ curve becomes zero. It is said to loll and the angle it takes up is the angle of loll.

Lo-lo (lift on-lift-off)

Cargo handling method by which vessels are loaded or unloaded by either ship or shore cranes.

Longitudinal

A line in the fore and aft direction parallel to the centreline. Also refers to a longitudinal stiffener running parallel (or nearly parallel) to the centreline.

Longitudinal bulkhead

A partition wall of planking or plating running in a fore-and-aft direction. Oil tankers are required to have at least one fore-and-aft bulkhead in the cargo oil space. Fore-and-aft bulkheads are very common on warships.

Longitudinal centre of buoyancy (LCB)

The fore and aft location of the centre of buoyancy.

Longitudinal centre of buoyancy (LCB)

Longitudinal centre of gravity (LCG)

The fore and aft location of the centre of gravity.

Longitudinal stability

The stability of a ship for rotation (trim) about a transverse axis.

Longshoreman

A laborer who works at loading and discharging cargo.

Lookout

The man stationed aloft or in the bows for observing and reporting objects seen.

Loom

The part of an oar between the blade and handle. The reflection of a light below the horizon due to certain atmospheric conditions.

Loose

To unfurl.

LOP

Lines of Position

Louver

A small opening to permit the passage of air for the purpose or ventilation, which may by partially or completely closedby the operation of overlapping shutters.

LOW

Last Open Water

LPG

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

LPG carrier

LPG carrier

Vessel designed to transport petroleum gas in a form of butane or propane.

LRIT

Long Range Identification & Tracking of Ships

LS (or LUMPS)

Lumpsum

LSA

Life Saving Appliances

LSD

Lashed Secured Dunnaged

LT

Liner Terms

LTI

Lost Time Injury

LTIF

Loss Time Injury Frequency

Lubber line

The black line parallel with ship's keel marked on the inner surface of the bowl of a compass, indicating the compass direction of the ship's head.

Lug pad

A projection on deck with hole for fastening a block for a lead.

Lurch

The sudden heave of the ship.

LW

Low Water

LWC

Lost Workday Case

LYCN

Laycan (Layday Canceling Date)

Lyle gun

A gun used in the life-saving services to throw a life line to a ship in distress or from ship to shore and used when a boat cannot be launched.

M/V

Motor Vessel

Machinery

Term covering main engines, auxiliary engine room machinery(e.g.,pumps, compressors, etc.,) in addition to other installed plant (e.g., hydraulics, air-conditioning plant, lift machinery, etc.,) and deck machinery (e.g., mooring winches, windlasses, etc.).

Madeye

A steel fitting formed by a flat doubler plate and vertical steel member containing a circular opening.

Magazine

Internal space dedicated to the storage of munitions (shells, surface-to-air missiles, etc.) in a naval vessel.

MAIB

Marine Accident Investigation Branch

Main beam

The main longitudinal beam on a ship, running down the center line and supports as a rule by king posts. Sometimes there are two main beams, on each side of the center line.

Main body

The hull exclusive of all deck erections spars, streaks, etc., the naked hull.

Main breadth line

The greatest width of a ship amidships. If a ship's sides tumble home, the main breesth line will be considerably below the bulwarks.

Main deck

The main continuous deck or principal deck of a vessel

Main mast

The principal mast of a vessel.

Main mast

Make colors

Hoisting the ensign at 8 a.m. and down at sunset.

Make the course good

Steering; keeping the ship on the course given (no lazy steering).

Make the land

Landfall. To reach shore.

Make water

To leak; take in water.

Malacca-max

Maximum size of container and bulk vessels (in terms of draught) that can cross the Malacca Straits. The Malacca-max reference is believed to be today the absolute maximum possible size for future container vessels (approximately 18,000 TEU).

Man ropes

Ropes hung and used for assistance in ascending and descending.

Manger

The perforated. Elevated bottom of the chain locker which prevents the chains from touching the main locker bottom, and allows see page water to flow to the drains.

Manhole

A hole in a tank, boiler or compartment on a ship, designed to allow the entraned of a man for examination, cleaning and repairs.

Manhole

Manhole

A framed opening in the deck of a vessel which primarily provides access for a man.

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.

Manhole cover

Manifold

A casting or chest containing several valves. Suction or discharge pipes from or to the various compartments, tanks, and pumps are led to it, making it possible for several pumps to draw from or deliver to a given place through one pipe line.

Manila

Rope made from the fibers of the abaca plant.

Margin plate

A longitudinal plate whick closes off the ends of the floors along the widship section

Marlinspike

Pointed iron implement used in separating the strands of rope in splicing, marling, etc.

Maroon

To put a person ashore with no means of returning.

Marry

To join two ropes ends so that the joint will run through a block, also to place two ropes alongside each other so that both may be hauled on at the same time.

Mast

A spar or hollow steel pipe tapering smaller at the top, placed on the center line of the ship with a slight after rake. Masts support the yards and gaffs. On cargo vessels they support cargo booms.

Mast hole

A hole in the deck ti receive a mast. The diameter of the hole is larger than the mast for the purpose of receiving two rows of founded wedges to hole the mast in place.

Mast step

The frame on the keelson of boat (does not apply on ships) to which the heel of a mast is fitted.

Mast table

A structure built up around a mast as a support for the cargo boom pivots.

Master

A term for the captain, a holdover from the days when the captain was literally, and legally, the "master" of the ship and crew. His word was law.

Masthead

The top part of the mast.

Masthead light

The white running light carried by steam vessel underway on the foremast or in the forepart of the vessel.

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

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.

MB

Merchant Broker

MBL

Minimum Breaking Load

MBM

Multi-Buoy Moorings

MCA

Maritime Coastguard Agency (United Kingdom)

MDO (DO)

Marine Diesel Oil

MEPC

Maritime Environment Pollution Comittee

MERSAR

Merchant Ship Search & Rescue Manual

Mess gear

Equipment used for serving meals.

Messenger

A light line used for hauling over a heavier rope or cable.

Messman

A member of the steward's department who served meals to officers and crew.

Messroom

A space or compartment where members of the crew eat their meals, a dining room in which officers eat their neals is called a wardroom messroom.

Metacentre

The intersection of successive vertical lines through the centre of buoyancy as a ship is heeled progressively. For small inclinations the metacentre is on the centreline of the ship.

Metacentre

Metacentric diagram

A plot showing how the metacentre and centre of buoyancy change as draught increases.

Metacentric diagram