Professional Documents
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G L O S S A R Y
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2003
LORENZO CIMADOR
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Maritime Glossary of Terms 1
0-9
Abandon vessel (to)
To evacuate crew and passengers from a
vessel following a distress
2-digit codes
Special examples of Special Access Codes Abeam
The bearing of an object 90 degrees from
5-bit packed (also known as telex format or ITA2) ahead (in a line with the middle of the
Drift caused by bailout trajectory or aircraft A cavity framed in the openings of the
gliding distance. timbers, to admit fresh air into the ship, and
convey the foul air out of it. They are,
Aeronautical position
generally, and should be, placed in the
Initial position of a distressed aircraft at the largest openings so as to be clear for
time of re-entry, engine failure, aircrew passing the air freely. (See Figure of the Air
ejection or bailout. Funnel, on Plate I.)
Afloat Air tank
Floating. A metal air-tight tank built into a boat to
Aframax insure flotation even when the boat is
A tanker of such size as to take commercial swamped.
advantage under Worldscale (generally, Aircraft co-ordinator
tankers 80,000-119,000 DWT). A person who co-ordinates the involvement
Aft of multiple aircraft in SAR operations.
At, near, or toward the stern (back end). Aircraft glide
Aft, After Maximum ground distance an aircraft could
Toward the stern or the back of the vessel. cover during descent.
Between the stern and the midship section of Alee
the vessel. To the leeward side (away from the wind).
After Body Alert phase
That part of the ship's body abaft the A situation wherein apprehension exists as
midships or dead-flat. (See BODIES. See to the safety of an aircraft or marine vessel
also DEAD FLAT.) This term is, however and of the persons on board
more particularly used in expressing the
figure or shape of that part of the ship. (see Alerting post
BODY PLAN, Plate I.) Any facility intended to serve as an
intermediary between a person reporting an
Afterbody
emergency and a rescue co-ordination
The section of the vessel aft of amidships. centre or rescue sub-centre.
Agency Fee
algal bloom
A fee charged to the ship by the ships A rapid increase in the abundance of
agent, representing payment for services phytoplankton or benthic algae in a given
while the ship was in port. Sometimes called area
attendance fee.
alien species
Aground
A species that has been transported by
Resting on the bottom. human activity, intentionally or accidentally,
Ahoy into a region where it does not occur
A call used in hailing a vessel or boat (hey!). naturally
American Bureau of Shipping prevent the bill of the anchor from tearing the
A Classification Society. Under the ship's side. when fishing or drawing up the
provisions of the U.S. Load-Line Acts - it has anchor. (See SHEER DRAUGHT, Plate I.) It
the authority to assign load lines to vessels is only used in the navy, and many ships
registered in the U.S. and other countries. upon which it was fitted have lately had it
taken away.
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
Anchor watch
A standard alphanumeric character set, The detail on deck at night, when at anchor,
based on 7-bit codes. to safeguard the vessel (not necessarily at
the anchor; a general watch).
Amidships
Anchorage
In or towards the middle of a ship in regard
to length or breadth (center of). A place suitable for anchoring.
the Master of the vessel and the crew. A period during which the SAR system
Sometimes called ships articles. becomes aware of an actual or potential
incident.
Ashore
On the shore (on land). Awash
Level with the water (water ready to, or
Assembly station
slightly covering decks).
Place on deck, in mess rooms, etc.,
assigned to crew and passengers where Awning
they have to meet according to the muster A canvas canopy secured over the ship's
list when the corresponding alarm is deck as a protection from the weather
released or announcement made (covering).
Astern Aye, aye, sir
The bearing of an object 180 degrees from The reply to an officer's order signifying that
ahead (behind). he is understood and will be obeyed (I
understand).
Athwartships
At right angles to the fore-and-aft line of the
ATRS
vessel (sideways-across).
B
A standard of reference published by a background (level or concentration)
group of American Tanker brokers and Ubiquitous and generally very low
expressed in dollars and cents for thousands concentration of a contaminant in a defined
of possible voyages. Commonly used for marine area, resulting from historical inputs
U.S. coastwise voyages. via multiple pathways, especially through the
AUSREP atmosphere.
A vessel position-reporting system similar to Backhaul
AMVER, but operated by the Australian A deviation to move cargo on the return leg
Authorities of a voyage for the purpose of minimizing
Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue System ballast mileage and thereby reducing
transportation cost. For example, N. Europe/
E.Med./ USNH/ Carib., versus N. Europe./
a vessel position-reporting system operated
Carib.
by the U.S. Coast Guard for any merchant
vessel of 1000 grt or greater on a voyage Backing (of wind)
lasting longer than 24 hours, to and from Shift of wind direction in an anticlockwise
anywhere on the globe manner, for example from north to west
Automatic Gain Control (opposite of veering)
used to vary the radio frequency Badge
amplification of a radio receiver to keep the A sort of ornament fixed on the quarters of
signal at a usable level small vessels near the stern, and containing,
Automatic request for repeat either a sash for the convenience of the
cabin, or the representation of it. It is
The error-correction process used in store-
commonly decorated with carved work, as
and-forward messaging, by which a receiver
marine figures, martial instruments, &c.
checks for errors in received data packets
and requests the sending end to re-transmit Bag of Head Rails
those packets. The lowest part of the head-sails, or that part
Avast which partakes of the horizontal position.
(See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
An order to stop or cease hauling (stop
action at once). Bail
Awareness range To throw water out of a boat; a yoke, as a
ladder bail (rung).
Distance at which a search scanner can first
detect something different from its Balcony
surroundings but not yet recognize it. The gallery in the stern of large ships. (See
Awareness stage Sheer Draught, and Perpendicular View of
the Stern, Plate I.)
Ballast
Maritime Glossary of Terms 5
Seawater taken into a vessels tanks in order and nominal return. Charterer mans the
to submerge the vessel to proper trim. vessel and pays all operating expenses.
Ballast can be taken into cargo tanks, double
Barge
bottoms, fore and aft peak tanks and/or
segregated ballast tanks, (SBT). Also lighter. A general name given to a flat-
bottomed craft specially adopted for the
Ballast Clean transportation of bulk cargoes.
Term applied to the seawater used for
Bark
ballast when it is not contaminated by any oil
and is carried in clean tanks. A name given to small ships, especially to
<I.SQUARE-STERNEDships, having no
Ballast Dirty head-rails, and to such as have three masts
Term applied to the sea water used for without a mizen top-sail.
ballast when it is contaminated with the
Barrel
remnants or residue left in cargo tanks that
previously carried crude oil or heavy The standard unit of liquid volume in the
persistent refined oils. petroleum industry. It is equal to 42 U.S.
gallons.
Ballast Movement
Base
A voyage or voyage leg made without any
paying cargo in a vessels tanks. To maintain The foot or lowest part of a pillar; or that part
proper stability, trim, or draft, seawater is of a body over which rests, or is designed to
usually carried during such movements. rest.
small piece of rope with an eye in each end The space between decks. The name of the
to hold the feet of a sprit to the mast. In deck or decks between theceiling and main
general any small rope or strap used as a deck.
handle.
Bilge
BED or BARREL SCREWS The lower internal part of the hull where the
(See SCREWS.) vertical sides meet the bottom. This term
applies to both the inside and the outside of
Belay
the hull. The internal space can be the lower
To make fast as to a pin or cleat. To rescind part of a ships hold or the engine room and
an order (tie up). serves as a drainage area where
Belaying pin accumulated water can run into and be
A wooden or iron pin fitting into a rail upon pumped from.
which to secure ropes. Bill of Lading
BELLFRY A B/L is the basic document between a
An ornamental framing, made of stantions at shipper and a carrier and a shipper and
the after beams of the forecastle, with a consignee. It represents the contract of
covering or top, under which the ship's bell is carriage and defines the terms and
hung. In large ships the stantions are conditions of carriage. It is the final receipt
supported by knees. In small ships it is from the carrier for the goods shown on it
frequently built over the windlass. and for the condition of the goods. It
describes the nature, quantity and weight of
Bells the cargo carried. It is also the document of
Belly strap title of the goods shown.
A rope passed around (center) a boat or billion
other object for hanging.
1,000,000,000.
Below BILLS
Beneath the deck (under). The ends of compass or KNEE TIMBER.
benefit-cost analysis (cost-benefit analysis) BIMCO
Baltic and International Maritime Council
A technique to compare the relative
economic efficiency of projects or policies. A Binnacle
comparison is made between the gross The stand, usually of brass or non-magnetic
benefits of a project or policy and the material in which the compass rests and
opportunity costs (the highest value a which contains the compensating magnets
productive resource such as labour, capital (compass holder).
or a natural resource could return if placed in
BINNACLE (Formerly BITTACLE)
its best alternative use) of the action.
A wooden case, or chest, which contains the
benthic organism compasses and the lights to shew them, by
Bottom dwelling organism. night, &c. It is divided into three
compartments, with sliding shutters. Those
benthos
at the side have a compass in each, and that
Collective synonym for benthic organisms, in the middle is fitted to hold a lamp, or
but frequently also applied to the floor or candles, which emit light on the compasses
deepest part of a sea or ocean. through a pane of glass on each side. In
Berth small vessels it is sometimes fixed before
Dockage space for vessel. Sleeping the companion, and the lights put in from the
quarters. Also slang for having a crew captain's ladderway, without going upon
position on the vessel deck. On the deck of a ship of war there are
always two binnacles, one for the use of the
Berth man who steers, and the other for him who
(1) A sea room to be kept for safety around a cons, or superintends the steerage.
vessel, rock, platform, etc. (2) The place
assigned to a vessel when anchored or lying biodegradation
alongside a pier, etc The breakdown of a substance by biological
activity.
Between decks
biogenic
Produced by organisms.
Maritime Glossary of Terms 7
is fayed upon the planksheer, abreast of the from the ship. The PINNACE is of the same
mizen-mast. The block for the main-brace form as the barge, but is something smaller,
and studding sail sheet is fixed on the plank and never rows more than eight oars. It is for
sheer close aft. The blocks for the main and smaller ships, or for the use of officers of
fore lifts are kevel-headed, and are fixed subordinate rank. A YAWL is something less
either inside or out abreast their respective than the pinnace, nearly of the same form,
masts. The blocks for the dorrick and the top and used for similar purposes. They are
and lift blocks, are fixed outside, a little abaft generally rowed with six oars. The above
the mizen-mast; the former on the starboard, boats are all carvel-built. CUTTERS for ships
and the latter on the larboard side. are clincher-built, and are used for the
conveyance of seamen, or the lighter stores.
BLOCKS FOR TRANSPORTING
They are shorter and broader in proportion to
the ship, are two solid pieces of elm or oak, their length than the long boat, and
one fixed on each side of the stem, above
constructed either for rowing or sailing
the taffarel, and a snatch with a large score
cut each way in the middle. When used, the Bob-cat
hawser is hauled in through the snatch. A mini-caterpillar with push-blade used for
the careful distribution of loose goods in
Boarding arrangements
cargo holds of bulk carriers
All equipment, such as pilot ladder,
accommodation ladder, hoist, etc., BOBSTAY-HOLES
necessary for a safe transfer of the pilot Holes cut through the fore part of the knee of
the head, between the cheeks, large enough
Boarding speed
to admit the bobstay-collars, to which the
The speed of a vessel adjusted to that of a bobstays are set up for the security of the
pilot boat at which the pilot can safely bowsprit.
embark/disembark
BOILER KILN, A
Boat-fall
is shaped similar to the former, but with an
A purchase (block and tackle) for hoisting a open top. It is formed of sheets of copper
boat to its davits. rivetted togenther, and is fixed in brick work.
BOATS Under each end, or in the middle, are
Small vessels, either open or decked. furnaces to make the water boil, when the
Rowing boats are open, and others are plank is in. The upper part is covered with
generally decked over. Boats are managed shutters that are hoisted occasionally by
on the water by rowing and sailing, and are small tackles. The dimensions, &c. of a
occasionally slight or strong, sharp or flat copper boiler in one of the royal yards are,
bottomed, open or decked, plain or length, forty feet; breadth at the ends, four
ornamented, as they may be designed either feet three inches; and in the middle, six feet;
celerity or burthen, for deep or shallow depth, two feet ten inches; and weight, f i f t y -
water, for sailing in a harbor or at sea, for three cwt. three quarters, and seven pound.
convenience or pleasure. The construction Boiler Room
and the names of boats are different,
Compartment in which the ships boilers are
according to the various purposes for which located.
they are calculated, and the services
required of them. The largest that ships take Boilers
to sea is the LONG-BOAT, (Plate IV.), built Steam generating units used aboard ship to
very strongly, and furnished with masts and provide steam for propulsion or for heating
sails. The LAUNCH is a sort of LONG- and other auxiliary purposes.
BOAT, and is now generally taken to sea in
Bollard
its stead; but it is not built upon a principle of
sailing, it being more flat, is broader, and An upright, wooden or iron post to which
more useful for weighing small anchors than hawsers or mooring lines may be secured.
the LONG-BOAT. The BARGE is next in BOMB-BED-BEAMS
size, but very different from the former in its The beams which support the bomb-bed in
construction, having a slighter frame, and bomb-vessels.
being more ornamented. It is constructed for
rowing or sailing, having conveniences for BOMB-VESSEL
ten or twelve oars, and two or three masts, A vessel of war, particularly designed for
and is chiefly used for the conveyance of throwing shells from mortars. It was invented
admirals and other officers of rank to and by the French, and said to have been first
Maritime Glossary of Terms 9
used in the bombardment of Algiers. Prior to aside; as, among other advantages which
that time the throwing of shells from sea was attend the present practice, it is found that,
supposed impossible. as the method of boxing consumed an
unnecessary quantity of large timber, this
Bonded Bunkers
expence is now avoided; beside which, the
Ships stores that can be delivered under planks, without boxing, run forward to the
special arrangement direct from a bonded stem, and thereby strengthen the bow. The
warehouse to the vessel without payment of purpose of boxing is much better answered
the custom duties. by a pipe of lead let through the holes, and
Bonded Stores turned with a flap inside and out, the
Ships stores that can be delivered under undersides of which are the thickest, to allow
special arrangements direct from a bonded for the wearing of the cable.
warehouse to the vessel without payment of The term BOXING is also applied to the scarph of the
the customs duties. lower piece of stem, let flatwise into the
forefoot. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
Boom
A spar used for fore and aft sails. Boxing the compass
Calling names of the points of the compass
Boom
in order.
A general name given to a projecting spar or
pole that provides an outreach for handling BRACES
cargo. formerly called POINTERS, are also square
pieces of timber fixed diagonally across the
Boom cradle
hold, to support the bilge and prevent the
A rest for a cargo-boom when lowered for ship's working loose. (See Midship's Section,
securing for sea. Plate III.) Braces were formerly fitted to
Boot-topping extend from the bilge to the middle of the
The anti-corrosive paint used on and above beam above.
the waterline. BRACKETS
Bos'n Short crooked timbers, resembling knees, for
Shortening of the old term "boatswain," an support or ornament. The HAIR-BRACKET
unlicensed member of the crew who is the boundary of the aft part of the
supervises the work of the deck men under figurehead, and its lower part finishes with
direction of the first mate. the fore part of the upper deck. (See Sheer
Draught, Plate I.) The CONSOLE BRACKET
Bos'n's chair is a light piece of ornament, at the fore part
The piece of board on which a man working of the quarter gallery, sometimes called a
aloft is swung. CANTING-LIVRE.
Bos'n's chest BREAD-ROOM
The deck chest in which the bos'n keeps his A place parted off below the lower deck,
deck gear. close abaft, for the reception of the bread. It
Bos'n's locker should always be very completely covered
with tin or other metal not so liable to
The locker in which the bos'n keeps his deck
corrode. (See STORE ROOMS.)
gear.
Breadth
Bow
Beam
The forward most part of a vessel. This area
usually houses gear lockers and is the end BREADTH-SWEEPS
where anchors and mooring equipment are (See Frames.)
located.
Break ground
Bowsprit Said of anchor when it lifts clear of the
A spar extending forward from the stem. bottom.
BOXING Breaker
A projection of wood formerly left on the A small cask for fresh water carried in ship's
hawse-pieces, in wake of the hawse-holes, boats. A sea (wave) with a curl on the crest.
and which projected as far out as the plank
inside and out. This method of fitting the Break-Head
hawse-holes is now, however, generally laid The short platform at the fore-part of the
upper-deck, in large ships, placed at the
Maritime Glossary of Terms 10
height of the ports from the deck, for the sustaining the ship, or by a great strain, or
convenience of the chase-guns. Its from the weakness of construction. The latter
termination aft is the bulk-head called the is the most common circumstance,
beak-head bulk-head, which incloses the particularly in some French ships, owing
fore-part of the ship. (See Sheer Draught, partly to their great length, sharpness of
Plate I.) floor, or general want of strength in the
junction of the component parts. (See
Break-Head Beam
HOGGING.)
The same as CAT BEAM, which see under
the article BEAMS. BUCKLERS
Break-Head Carlings Pieces of elm plank barred close against the
inside of the hawse-holes, to a cant below
Large carlings which are used to frame the and under the hook above, to prevent the
beak-head instead of a collar beam. water from coming in. Those used at sea,
BREAST-RAIL denominated BLIND-BUCKLERS, have no
The upper rail of the balcony, or of the aperture; but those used in a harbor, &c.
breast-work at the fore part of the quarter when a ship is at anchor, and called
deck. (See Sheer Draught and Perpendicular RIDING-BUCKLERS, are made in two
view of the Stern, Plate I., Inboard Works, pieces, the upper piece rabbeting on the
Plate IV., and Plan of the Deck, Plate III.) lower piece at the middle of the hawse-hole,
and the two pieces, when joining, have a
BREAST-WORK hole in the middle, large enough to admit the
The stantions, with their rails, at the fore part cable.
of the quarter-deck. The breast-work fitted
on the upper deck of such ships as have no Bulbous Bow
quarter-deck serves to make a separation A large protruding bow section designed to
from the main-deck. (See Inboard Works, break water friction allowing the vessel to
Plate IV., and Plan of the upper Deck, Plate make better speeds.
III.) BULGEWAYS
Bridge (See BILGEWAYS.)
A general term referring to that area of a Bulk Cargo
vessel where the wheel house and chart Usually a homogeneous cargo stowed in
room are located. It is the navigating section bulk, and not enclosed in any container.
of a vessel.
Bulkhead
Bridge AFT
A partition in a ship that divides the interior
Vessels with no midship house. All quarters space into various compartments in the walls
with Bridge are contained in one of a vessels tanks.
superstructure at after end of vessel.
BULKHEADS
Briefing
The various partitions which separate one
Concise explanatory information to crew part of a ship from another. Those in the hold
and/or passengers are mostly built with rabbetted or cyphered
BRIG or BRIGANTINE plank, as are those of the magazine, to keep
A merchant vessel, having two masts, with the powder securely from the cargo, ballast,
the mainsail fore and aft, and not or stowage in the hold. Thus likewise are the
athwartships as in ships. In the Royal Navy, fish and bread-room bulkheads. Those upon
when cutter-built vessels are thus rigged, the decks are mostly to separate the officers
they are called CUTTER-BRIGS. from the seamen; as the ward-room
bulkhead, which is composed of doors and
Bright work panels of joiner's work. Thus, also, the cabin
Brass work, polished (also varnished wood and screen bulkheads, in large ships, inclose
work in yachts). the cabin from the walk abaft, or balcony;
BROKEN-BACKED or HOGGED and, forward, the gallery is inclosed by the
beak-head bulk-head.
The condition of a ship when the sheer has
departed from that regular and pleasing Bum Boat
curve with which it was originally built. This is A small open rowboat employed in carrying
often occasioned by the improper situation of supplies for sale to vessels in a harbor.
the centre of gravity, when so posited as not
to counterbalance the effort of the water in BUM-KIN, or more properly BOOM-KIN [bumkin,
boomkin]
Maritime Glossary of Terms 11
A projecting piece of oak or fir, on each bow One byte is comprised of eight bits.
of a ship, fayed down upon the false-rail, or Depending on circum- stances, one byte
upper rail of the head, with its heel cleated may represent one alphanumeric character,
against the knight-head in large, and the bow or numeric information collected by the
in small ships. It is secured, outwards, by an terminal, or signalling data used by the
iron strap, and rod or rope lashing, which Inmarsat-C system. Typically, in the
confine it downwards to the knee or bow. It is Inmarsat-C system, fifteen bytes are
ueed for the purpose of hauling down the contained in one packet.
fore-tack of the fore-sail.
C
Bunk
Built-in bed aboard ship.
Bunker Cabin
Compartment for the storage of oil or other The captain's quarters. The enclosed space
fuel. of decked-over small boat.
Bunkers Cable
Fuel for a vessel. The type will vary A chain or line (rope) bent to the anchor.
depending upon the propulsion mode of the
vessel. Steamships will use a heavy fuel oil, Cable
diesels use a range of fuels from heavy to (1) Chain connecting a vessel to the
light, and gas turbines generally use anchor(s). (2) Wire or rope primarily used for
kerosene. mooring a ship. (3) (Measurement) one
hundred fathoms or one tenth of a nautical
Buoy mile.
A floating object employed as an aid to
Cable-length
mariners to mark the navigable limits of
channels, their fairways, sunken dangers, 100 fathoms or 600 feet (6 feet to a fathom).
isolated rocks, telegraph cables, and the like. Call Letters
BUSHED The letters assigned to the ship's radio
Cased with harder metal, as that inserted (station).
into the holes of braces or sheaves to CALLIPERS (calipers)
prevent their wearing, and, consequently, to Compasses with circular legs, for taking
take off friction.
correctly the diameter or size of the timber.
Butterworth Tank Cleaning System There is a smaller sort for taking the
A mechanical device used for the purpose of diameter of bolts or any thing cylindrical.
cleaning oil tanks by means of high pressure Calm
jets of hot water. The apparatus basically
A wind or force less than one knot (knot: 1
consists of double opposed nozzles which nautical mile per hour).
rotate slowly about their horizontal and
vertical axis and project two streams of water CALVES TONGUE
through all possible angles against all inside (See TONGUE.)
surfaces of the space being cleaned. The
Camber
tank washing machines can deliver sprays of
water at various temperatures and pressures The arching of the deck upward measured at
that are dictated by the type of cargoes the centerline in inches per foot beam.
carried and the reasons for cleaning (Quick Camel
bottom wash through gas-freeing and tank A wooden float placed between a vessel and
entry for hot work). a dock acting as a fender.
By the board Canceling Date
Overboard (over the side). A stated date after which, if a vessel is not
By the head ready to load, the intending charterers have
the option of canceling the charter. The
Deeper forward (front end deepest in water).
passing of the canceling date leaves the
By the run owners obligation unimpaired unless the
To let go altogether. charterer releases him.
Byte Cancellation Clause
Maritime Glossary of Terms 12
A clause in a charter party whereby the A plan giving the quantities and description
charterer reserves the right to cancel the of the various grades carried in the ships
charter if the ship fails to arrive, ready to cargo tanks.
load, on a specified date at a named port.
Cargo Pump
CANTING Pump used on tankers for discharging cargo
The act of turning any thing completely over, and loading or discharging ballast. Located,
so that the under surface shall lie upwards. It at the bottom of the pump room, these
is otherwise said to be half or quarter canted. pumps are usually of the common duplex
type, or turbine type of which the centrifugal
CANTING LIVRE
is the most common.
The same as console bracket. (See
BRACKETS.) Cargo Quantity Option Certificate
Capacity Plan A certificate signed by vessel and shore
representatives acknowledging the amount
A general plan or inboard profile which gives of cargo intended to load.
all data relating to the capacity of cargo
spaces, tanks, bunkers and storerooms. Cast off
To let go.
Capping
Routing a vessel around the Cape of Good CAST, TO
Hope, South Africa. To stretch over any thing, as [CAST-KNEES]
Capsize (to) CAST-KNEES,
To turn over or those hanging-knees which croak or arch
over the corner of a gun-port, rider, &c.
Capstan
The vertical barrel device used to heave in Casualty
cable or lines case of death in an accident or shipping
disaster
Capstan-bar
A wooden bar which may be shipped in the catadromous
capstan head for heaving around by hand (to A form of life cycle in some fishes (e.g.,
heave up anchor or heavy objects by freshwater eels) in which maturity is attained
manpower). in the fresh water, and the adults descend
treams and rivers to spawn in the ocean.
Captain
(see also ANADROMOUS)
Master of a ship or pilot-in-command of an
aircraft, commanding officer of a warship or CAT-BEAM, THE, or BEAK-HEAD BEAM
an operator of any other vessel is the broadest beam in the ship, generally
made in two breadths, tabled and bolted
Captain of the Head
together. The fore-side is placed far enough
A guy who gets Head (toilet) cleaning detail. forward to receive the heads of the stantions
Cardinal buoy of the beak-head bulk-head. (See Inboard
A seamark, i.e. a buoy, indicating the north, Works, Plate IV., and Half-breadth Plan,
east, south or west, i.e. the cardinal points Plate I.)
from a fixed point such as a wreck, shallow CATS-TAIL
water, banks, etc.
The inner part of the cathead, that fays down
Cardinal points upon the cat beam, in large ships, and under
The four principal points of the compass: the forecastle beams of smaller ships.
North, East, South and West. Catwalk
Cardinal points A raised bridge running fore and aft from the
The four main points of the compass: north, Midship House, and also called "walkway." It
east, south and west affords safe passage over the pipelines and
other deck obstructions.
Cargo Hose
Caulk
A hose usually of 6 to 10 inches in diameter
used for the transfer of cargo from ship to To fill in the seams with cotton or oakum.
shore and vice versa. Center Tanks
Cargo Plan Cargo tanks located on the vessels
centerline.
Centerline
Maritime Glossary of Terms 13
A horizontal fore-and-aft reference line for To ease off gradually (go slower and move
athwartship ship measurements, dividing the carefully).
vessel into two symmetrical halves.
Check (to)
Centrifugal Pump (1) To make sure that equipment etc. is in
A pump consisting of a shaft to which vanes proper condition or that everything is correct
are attached and which rotates in a circular and safe. (2) To regulate motion of a cable,
casing. Water or liquid flows into the casing rope or wire when it is running out too fast
near the center of the rotating shaft and is
Checksum digit
propelled outward along the vanes by
centrifugal force. It escapes through a A digit which is appended to a numeric data
discharge pipe at the circumference of the element and used to verify its accuracy.
casing. Checksum digits are computed by adding
the digits of the data element.
Chafing gear
CHEEKS
A guard of canvas or rope put around spars,
mooring lines, or rigging to prevent them (1) Knees of oak timber which support the
from wearing out by rubbing against knee of the head, and which they also
something. ornament by their shape and mouldings.
They form the basis of the head, and
Chain locker connect the whole to the bows, through
The compartment for storing the anchor which and the knee they are bolted. (See
chains, located near the bow of the ship. Sheer Draught, Plate I.) (2) are also the
circular pieces on the aftside of the carrick
Charley Noble
bitts. (See Windlass, in Plate IV.)
The galley smoke-pipe (cook's stove pipe),
named after The English sea captain who CHESTREES
was noted for the scrupulous cleanliness and Pieces of oak timber, fayed and bolted to the
shine of the brass aboard his ship. topsides, one on each side, abaft the fore-
channels, with a sheave fitted in the upper
Charter Party
part for the convenience of hauling home the
A document of contract, or agreement, by main-tack. Its true situation is half the length
which a ship- owner agrees to lease, and a of the main-yard before the centre of the
charterer agrees to hire, an entire ship, or all man-mast. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
or part of the cargo space to carry cargo for
an agreed sum under certain conditions. Chief
The crew's term for the chief engineer.
Charter Rates
The tariff applied for chartering tonnage in a Chief mate
particular trade. Another term for first mate.
Charterer Chock
The company or person given the use of the A heavy wooden or metal fitting secured on
vessel for the transportation of cargo or a deck or on a dock, with jaws, used for the
passengers for a specified time. lead or to guide lines or cables.
CHASE CHOCKS or ROWLOCK CHOCKS OF BOATS
A score cut lengthwise for a tenon to be fixed
in, as the tenon at the heels of pillars, &c. are a sort of cleat, fastened on the gunwale
Ledges may be chased-about into the to support the sholes [sic]. WINDLASS
carlings, or the carlings into the beams, by CHOCKS are fastened inside the bows of
cutting the score or chase large enough at small craft, to support the ends of the
one end for it to sweep about into its place. windlass.
CHASE PORTS Choked
The ports at the bows, and through the stern The falls foul in a block. The falls may be
of the ship. The former are made for the chocked or jammed intentionally for a
purpose of firing at an enemy a-head, and temporary securing (holding).
are called bow-chasers. The latter for the
clarifier
purpose of firing upon an enemy in pursuit,
or for dismasting an enemy that may lie A fine-tune control to enable accurate tuning
athwart the stern, in order to rake the ship. to the required signal, especially for single-
sideband (ssb) receivers
Check
Classification of Petroleum
Maritime Glossary of Terms 14
Classes "A-C" of petroleum are considered A stem curving up and forward in graceful
flammable and have a flash point of 80 F or line.
below. Examples of these classes range
Close up (to)
from very light napthas (Class A) to most
crude oils (Class C). Class D cargoes such To decrease the distance to the vessel
as kerosene and heavy crudes are ahead by increasing ones own speed
considered combustible and have a flash Close-coupled towing
point above 80 F but below 150 F. Class E A method of towing vessels through polar ice
cargoes are the heavier fuel oils and by means of icebreaking tugs with a special
lubricating oils and have a flash point above stern notch suited to receive and hold the
150 F. bow of the vessel to be towed
Classification Society Closed Gauging System
The professional organizations which class A method of obtaining measurements of the
and certify the strength and seaworthiness of tank contents without opening the tank. This
vessel construction. Class and certification may be accomplished by using automatic
issued to each vessel may be required for tank gauges or by taking measurements
insurance purposes. American Bureau of through a pressure/vapor lock standpipe.
Shipping (ABS) and Lloyds Register of This type of gauging is done extensively on
Shipping are two of the most well known vessels with inert gas systems. Such a
classification societies in the world today. system that allows no vapors to be lost to the
Clean Ballast Tanks atmosphere is a true closed system while
Cargo tanks dedicated to carrying ballast. other types that allow minimum vapors to be
Unlike SBT (see below), CBT do not require lost to the atmosphere are called "restricted
separate pipes and pumps for ballast systems."
handling. CLOSE-QUARTERS
Clean Service Strong barriers, or bulkheads, stretching
Tanker transportation of products lighter than athwart a merchant ship, in several places,
residual fuels, e.g. distillates, including No. 2 and behind which the crew may retreat when
boarded by an enemy. They are therefore
Heating Oil.
fitted with several loop-holes, through which
Clean Ship the small arms may be fired, with other
Refers to tankers that have their cargo tanks conveniences for the defense of the ship,
free of traces of dark persistent oils that and the annoyance of the adversary.
remain after carrying crudes and heavy fuels
Closest Point of Approach/Time to Closest Point of
oils.
Approach
Cleat Limit as defined by the observer to give
A fitting of wood or metal, with horns, used warning when a tracked target or targets will
for securing lines (tying up). close to within these limits
CLINCHER-BUILT COACH or COUCH
A term applied to the construction of some An apartment before the captain's cabin.
vessels and boats, when the planks of the
Coaming
bottom are so disposed, that the lower edge
of every plank overlays the next under it, and The raised frame work around deck
the fastenings go through and clinch or turn openings, and cockpit of open boats (hatch
upon the timbers. It is opposed to the term coaming).
CARVEL WORK. COAMING CARLINGS
CLINCHING or CLENCHING Those carlings that inclose the bomb-beds of
bomb-vessels, and which are called carlings
Spreading the point of a bolt upon a ring, &c.
by beating it with a hammer, in order to because they are shifted occasionally.
prevent its drawing. Coast earth station
Clingage Maritime name for an Inmarsat shore-based
The residue that adheres to the inside station linking ship earth stations with
surface of a container, such as a ships tank terrestrial communications networks.
or shore tank, after it has been emptied. coastal area
Clipper bow An entity of land and water affected by the
biological and physical processes of both the
Maritime Glossary of Terms 15
sea and land and defined broadly for the now generally substituted in its place. (See
purpose of managing the use of natural Inboard Works, Plate IV.)
resources.
Colors
Coastal, Small, Harbor/Lake Tankers The national ensign.
Under 16,500 DWT.
These small ships supply terminals with a COME UP, TO
variety of products from heating oils To cast loose the forelocks or lashings of a
gasolines and kerosene, to more exotic fuels sett, in order to take in closer to the plank.
and chemicals. They are predominantly Coming around
product carriers and are also are used
To bring a sailing vessel into the wind and
extensively for bunkering service in harbors
change to another tack. One who is
and busy ports.
influenced to a change of opinion.
COBOOSE (CABOOSE)
Comit Consultatif International Tlgraphique et
A small shifting kind of shed or galley, to Tlphonique
cover the fire place of some merchant ships.
an advisory committee to the International
It generally stands against the barricade on
Telecommunica- tion Union (ITU). Now
the fore-part of the quarter-deck, or shifts
called the ITU Telecommunication
occasionally.
Standardization Sector (ITU-T).
COCK PIT
Commence search point
That part of the after platform, under the
Point, normally specified by the SMC, where
lower deck, between the store-rooms, where
a SAR facility is to begin its search pattern.
the wounded are taken down to be dressed
in time of action, and where the surgeon has COMPANION
a repository for his medicines, &c. In ships of war, the framing and sash lights
Cockpit upon the quarter-deck or round-house,
through which the light passes to the
The well of a sailing vessel, especially a
commander's apartments; and, from the
small boat, for the wheel and steerman.
upper deck to the gun or messroom in
Cofferdam frigates. In merchant ships it is the birthing or
The space between two bulkheads set close hord [sic] round the ladder-way, leading to
together, especially between fuel tanks (two the master's cabin, and in small ships is
walls separated to use for drainage or chiefly for the purpose of keeping the sea
safety). from beating down. (See Inboard Works,
Plate IV. and Plan, Plate III.)
Cofferdam
The narrow, empty space between two Company Inspector
adjacent watertight or oiltight compartments. A Company employee given the
This space is designed isolate the two responsibility of determining the quantity
compartments from each other and/or and/or the quality of a volume of oil being
provide additional buoyancy. It prevents any moved or stored.
liquid contents of one compartment from Compatibility (of goods)
entering the other in the event of a bulkhead
Indicates whether different goods can be
failure. In oil tankers, cargo spaces are
safely stowed together in one cargo space or
usually isolated
in an adjacent hold.
Coiled Ship
Compressed and expanded
Refers to a tanker that is equipped with
a description of a type of voice
heating coils in the cargo tanks to permit the
communication channel, for use over long
heating of cargo if necessary.
distances, in which the signal to noise ratio is
COLLAR-BEAM, THE improved by compressing the initial signal,
is the beam upon which the stantions of the using to an algorithm that amplifies low
beak-head bulk-head stand. The upper side signal levels and attenuates high levels, to
of it is kept well with the upper side of the produce a transmitted signal with a mean
upper deck port-sills, and lets down upon the level; this signal is expanded at the receiver,
spirketting at the side. But its casting over using the same algorithm. The circuitry at the
the bow-sprit, in the middle, giving it a form transmit end of the link is called a
which in timber is not to be gotten without compressor and that at the receive end an
difficulty, a framing of two large carlings, and expander. An uncompanded channel is one
a stantion on each side of the bowsprit, is in which the compressor and expander are
Maritime Glossary of Terms 16
part of the knee of the head, above the Area in where it is estimated that the search
cheeks. (See Inboard Works, Plate IV. on object is most likely to be located.
which the cutting down line is represented as
Datum line
limiting the depth of every floor timber at the
middle line, and also the height of the upper A line, such as the distressed craft's
part of the deadwood afore and abaft.) intended track line or a line of bearing, which
defines the centre of the area where it is
Cutwater estimated that the search object is most
The knee of the head. (See that Article.) likely to be located.
Cut-water Datum marker buoy
The foremost part of the stem, cutting the Droppable floating beacon used to determine
water as the vessel forges ahead. actual sea current, or to serve as a location
reference.
D
Datum point
A point, such as a reported or estimated
position, at the centre of the area where it is
Dagger estimated that the search object is most
A piece of timber that faces on to the likely to be located.
poppets on the bilgeways, and crosses them
diagonally to keep them together. The plank Davit
that secures the heads of the poppets is A curved metal spar for handling a boat or
called the dagger plank. The dagger seems other heavy objects.
to apply to any thing that stands diagonally Davit
or aslant.
A short beam of fir, trimmed eight square
Dagger knees towards the outer-end, and used as a crane,
Knees to supply the place of hanging knees. whereby the flukes of the anchor are hoisted
Their side arms are brought up aslant, or to the gunwale without injuring the planks of
nearly to the underside of the beams the side.
adjoining. They are chiefly used to the lower Davits
deck beams of merchant ships, in order to
A set of arms on a ship from which its
preserve as much stowage in the hold as
lifeboats are suspended.
possible. Any straight hanging knees, not
perpendicular to the side of the beam, are in Dead ahead
general termed dagger knees. (See Inboard Directly ahead on the extension of the ship's
Works, Plate IV.) fore and aft line.
Dagger plant Dead freight
(See DAGGER, above.) Non-utilization of cargo carrying capacity on
Damage control team a vessel.
A group of crew members trained for fighting Dead light
flooding in the vessel Steel disc, that is dogged down over a
Data Terminal Equipment porthole to secure against breakage of the
glass and to prevent light from showing
a component part of an SES, used primarily
through.
for storage and interfacing the SES to
external devices (such as a keyboard or Dead reckoning
monitor) Determination of position of a craft by adding
Datum to the last fix the craft's course and speed for
a given time.
A geographic point, line, or area used as a
reference in search planning. Dead-door
Datum Doors made of whole deal, with slit deal
lining, fitted in a rabbet to the outside of the
(1) The most probable position of a search
gallery doors, and bolted withinside, to
target at a given time. (2) The plane of
prevent the water from flowing into the ship
reference to which all data as to the depth on
in case the quarter gallery should be carried
charts are referenced
away. [same idea as DEAD-LIGHTS. (CM)]
Datum area
Dead-eyes
Maritime Glossary of Terms 20
Oblate pieces of elm, fixed at the outer water, because, by the rounding or arching
edges of the channels, with three holes in of such vessels abaft, the water more easily
each of them, through which the laniards of recovers its state of rest.
the shrouds are reeved. (See Sheer
Deadweight Scale
Draught, Plate I. and Midship Section, Plate
III.) A table that is part of the vessel plans and
indicates the draft the vessel will be down to
Dead-flat at any particular phase of loading.
A name given to that timber or frame which
Deadweight Tonnage
has the greatest breadth and capacity in the
ship, and which is generally called the The lifting or carrying capacity of a ship
midship bend. In those ships where there are when fully loaded. This measure is
several frames or timbers of equal breadth or expressed in long tons when the ship is in
capacity, that which is in the middle should salt water and loaded to her marks. When
be always considered as dead-flat, and loaded to her summer marks the value is for
distinguished as such by the character ['+' her summer deadweight (SWDT). It includes
surrounded by a circle]. The timbers before cargo, bunkers, water, (potable, boiler,
dead-flat are marked A, B, C, &c. in order; ballast), stores, passengers and crew.
and those abaft dead-flat by the figures 1, 2, Dead-wood
3, &c. The timbers adjacent to dead-flat, and That part of the basis of a ship's body,
which have no rising, are distinguished by forward and aft, which is formed by solid
the characters (A) (B) &c. and (1) (2) &c. pieces of timber scarfed together lengthwise
(See Sheer Draught, Plate I.) on the keel. These should be sufficiently
Dead-lights sided to admit of a stepping or rabbet for the
heels of the timbers, that the latter may not
Shutters for the stern and gallery lights, to
prevent the water from gushing into the ship be countinued downwards to sharp edges;
in a high sea. They are made of whole deal, and they should be sufficiently high to seat
with slit deal linings, fitted on the outside, the floors. Afore and abaft the floors the
and bolted or otherwise fastened within, in deadwood is continued to the cutting-down
bad weather. line, for the purpose of securing the heels of
the cant-timbers. (See Sheer Draught, Plate
Dead-rising or Rising line of the floor I.)
Those parts of the floor or bottom throughout
Dead-work
the ship's length, where the sweep or curve
at the head of the floor timber is terminated, (See SUPERNATANT.)
or inflects to join the keel. Hence, although Deals
the rising of the floor at the midship flat is but Fir wood, of similar thickness to plank.
a few inches above the keel at that place, its
height forward and aft increases according to Deck
the sharpness of form in the body. Therefore A platform or horizontal floor that extends
the rising of the floor in the sheer plan, is a from side to side of a ship. The main deck is
curve [sic] line drawn at the height of the the highest complete deck on a ship (the one
ends of the curve of the floor timbers, and which runs the full length of the ship).
limited at the main frame, or dead-flat, by the Deck Log
dead-rising; appearing in flat ships nearly
Also called Captains Log, scrap logbook or
parallel to the keel for some timbers afore
rough logbook. A full nautical record of a
and abaft the midship frame; for which
ships voyage, written up at the end of each
reason these timbers are called flats: but in
watch by the deck officer on watch. The
sharp ships it rises gradually from the main
principle entries are: course steered;
frame, and ends on the stem and post.
distance run; compass variations, sea and
Dead-water weather conditions; ships positions, principal
The eddy-water which the ship draws after headlands passed; names of lookouts, and
her at her seat, or line of floatation in the any unusual happenings such as fire,
water, particularly close aft. To this particular collision, and the like.
great attention should be paid in the Deck Officer
construction of a vessel, especially in those
As distinguished from engineer officer, refers
with square tucks, for such being carried too
to all officers who assist the master in
low in the water, will be attended with great
navigating the vessel when at sea, and
eddies or much dead-water. Vessels with a
supervise the handling of cargo when in port.
round buttock have but little or no dead-
Maritime Glossary of Terms 21
Decks detritus
The decks are in a ship what floors are in a The particulate, organic remains and waste
house. They are to support the artillery, of organisms. It constitutes a major food
stores, &c. and, with the beams, to connect source in marine ecosystems.
the ship together. Their names arise from Deviation
their situation, as Lower Deck, Middle Deck, A departure from a voyage pattern on either
Upper Deck, and Quarter Deck. When a the forward or return leg of a voyage.
deck stretches fore and aft upon one line,
without any falls or intervals, it is called a DGPS
Flush Deck. The space before the foremast (Differential) Global (satellite) Positioning
bulkhead, under the quarter-deck, is often System
called the Half Deck; and, in some north Diagonal line
country ships, the steerage is frequently
A line cutting the body-plan diagonally from
called by this name.
the timbers to the middle line. It is square
Deep waisted with, or perpendicular to, the shape of the
A term signifying that the height of the timbers, or nearly so, till it meets the middle
topsides is much above the upper deck, as line. (See Body plan, Plate I.)
they are in most vessels in the Royal Navy. Diagonal ribband
Deep Water Route A narrow plank, made to a line formed on the
A designated area within definite limits which half-breadth plan, by taking the intersections
has been accurately surveyed for clearance of the diagonal line with the timbers in the
of sea bottom and submerged obstacles to a body-plan to where it cuts the middle line in
minimum indicated depth of water. its direction, and applying it to their
respective stations on the half-breadth plan,
Demise Charter which forms a curve to which the ribband is
Also called bareboat charter in which the made as far as the cant body extends and
bare ship is chartered without crew; the the square frane adjoining. (Sed
charterer, for a stipulated sum, taking over RIBBANDS.)
the vessel with a minimum of restrictions
usually for 10 or more years. See Bareboat diarrhetic shellfish poisoning
Charter. see gastroenteritis
Demurrage dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
A fixed sum, per day or per hour, agreed to A potent, slowly degradable insecticide still
be paid for the detention of the vessel under widely used in many parts of the world.
charter at the expiration of laytime allowed. Diffuse Sources of Pollution (Also Called Non-Point
Depth in the hold Sources) Multiple, Not Easily Identifiable Sources of
The height between the floor and the lower Pollution (Eg, Agriculture, Urban Area
deck. This is one of the principal dimensions An organic compound containing sulphur
given for the construction of a ship. It varies that is produced in the ocean by certain
according to the height at which the guns are phytoplankton species and is a precursor for
required to be carried from the water; or some cloud condensation nuclei in the
according to the trade for which a vessel is atmosphere.
designed. Digital Selective Calling
depuration A technique using digital codes which
The process by which pathogens are enables a radio station to establish contact
removed from contaminated live seafood with, and transfer information to, another
(shellfish in particular) by holding it in clean station or group of stations.
water for a period of time dinoflagellates
Derelict A group of marine phytoplankton, some of
An abandoned vessel at sea (a danger to which produce biotoxins
navigation). Dip
Maritime Glossary of Terms 22
An iron implement used by shipwrights, The distance from the surface of the water to
having a fang at one, or sometimes at each the ship's keel (how deep the ship is into the
end, to be driven into any piece for water).
supporting it while hewing, &c. Another sort
Draft
has a fang in one end and an eye at the
other, in which a rope may be fastened, and The depth of a ship in the water. This
used to haul any thing along. distance is measured from the bottom of the
ship to the surface of the water. Draft marks
Dog shore are cut into or welded on the surface of a
A shore particularly used in launching. ships plating. They are placed forward and
aft on both sides of the hull and also
Doldrums
amidships. At the midships draft we will also
The belt on each side of the Equator in f ind the authorized Load Line markings
which little or no wind ordinarily blows. which designate maximum drafts allowed for
Dolphin mooring post vessels under various conditions.
A cluster of piles for mooring. Drag
Double bottom A sea anchor contrived to keep a vessel's
A general term used for all watertight spaces head to the wind and sea.
contained between the outside bottom Dragging (of anchor)
plating, the tank top and the margin plate.
Moving of an anchor over the sea bottom
Double bottoms are usually sub-divided into involuntarily because it is no longer
a number of separate tanks and can be used preventing the movement of the vessel
to hold clean ballast, potable or boiler feed
water, or fuel. They also provide a measure Draught
of protection for cargo tanks if bottom plating The drawing or design of the ship, upon
is damaged in the event of grounding. paper, describing the different parts, and
Chances of pollution may be diminished due from which the ship is to be built. it is mostly
to this protection. drawn by a scale of one quarter of an inch to
a foot, so divided or graduated that the
Double up
dimensions may be taken to one inch. (See
To double a vessel's mooring lines. Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
Doubling Draught (or draft)
Planking of ships' [sic] bottoms twice. It is Depth in water at which a vessel floats
sometimes done to new ships when the
original planking is thought to be too thin; Draught of water
and, in repairs, it strengthens the ship, The depth of water a ship displaces when
without driving out the former fastenings. she is afloat. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
Dove-tail Dressing ship
A score at the end of a piece of wood A display of national colors at all mastheads
resembling the end of a dove's tail, and into and the array of signal flags from bow to
which a corresponding piece is fitted. It is cut stern over the masthead (for special
larger within than without for the purpose of occasions and holidays).
holding the two pieces together the more
Drift
firmly. (See Perpendicular View of the Stern,
Plate I.) Movement of a search object caused by
environmental forces.
Dove-tail plates
Drift error
Metal plates, formed like dove-tails, and
used to confine the heel of the stern-post See TOTAL DRIFT ERROR
and keel together. Drifting
Dowse Being driven along by the wind, tide or
current
To take in, or lower a sail. To put out a light.
To cover with water. Drift-pieces
Dowsing chocks Solid pieces, fitted at the drifts, to form the
scroles. They are commonly mitered into the
Pieces fayed athwart the apron and lapped
on the knight-heads or inside stuff above the gunwale, but should rather be let in with
upper deck. square butts, as the caulking will stand
better. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
Draft
Maritime Glossary of Terms 24
economic value is expressed in monetary commonly appears fair to the eye in but one
terms (see environmental valuation). direction. The EKEING is also the piece of
carved work under the lower part of the
ecosystem
quarter-piece, at the aft part of the quarter
A community or several communities of gallery. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
organisms together with their physical
environment. A conceptual view of El Nio
interaction within and independence among A warm current that usually appears around
species and communities emphasising the Christmas off the coast of Ecuador and Peru.
nature of the flow of material and energy In this report the term is used to refer to
among these parts and the feedback loops episodic (3-5 year) events when the current
from one part to another. is particularly intense and dominates the
local population of organisms (the
ecotoxicology
abundance of fish in particular). Such events
The science of poisons and toxic substances lead to wider regional or global ocean-
occurring in the environment and their atmospheric perturbations whose
effects. manifestations range from increased sea
Edging of plank surface temperatures in the tropical East
Sawing or hewing it narrower. Pacific to aberrant rainfall patterns. (see also
ENSO)
Effective Isotropically Radiated Power,
a measured transmitted power El Nio / Southern Oscillation
A cyclical, large-scale changes in
Effort factor atmospheric and ocean patterns in which,
(1) For point datums, the effort factor is the among other things, warm surface water in
square of the total probable error of position the Pacific moves further to the east than
(E). fZp=E2. (2) For line datums, the effort normal. (see also El Nio)
factor is the product of the total probable
error of position (E) and the length of the line Electronic mail
a global message-handling system whereby
(L). fZl =E6L.
subscribers to commercial E-mail services
EGC FleetNETsm can interchange messages and electronic
This service is provided by FIeetNETsm data files between computers. E-mail
Information Providers, to distribute services are provided by some Inmarsat-C
commercial information to SESs belonging to CESs, and by some private organizations.
a F/eetNETsm group, identified by an unique Access to E-mail services may be by PSTN
ENlD code or PSDN networks.
EGC network identification code Elevation
See EGC FLeetNETsm The orthographic draught, or perpendicular
plan of a ship, whereon the heights and
EGC receive capability lengths are expressed. It is called by
This is a capability provided on a Class 2 or shipwrights the SHEER DRAUGHT. (See
Class 3 Inmarsat-C SES to receive ECC Plate I.)
broadcasts
Elongated spreader
EGC SafetyNETsm
step of a pilot ladder which prevents the
This service is provided by SafetyNETsm ladder from twisting
Information Providers to distribute Maritime
Safety Information (MSI) to SESs fitted with Embark (to)
an ECC receive capability To go aboard a vessel
Ekeing Emergency locator transmitter
Making good a deficiency in the length of Aeronautical radio distress beacon for
any piece, by scarphing or butting, as at the alerting and transmitting homing signals.
end of deck-hooks, cheeks, or knees. The Emergency phase
ekeing at the lower part of the supporter
A generic term meaning, as the case may
under the cat-head, is only to continue the
be, uncertainty phase, alert phase or distress
shape and fashion of that part, being of no
phase
other service. We make this remark,
because, if the supporter were stopt short Emergency position-indicating radio beacon
without an ekeing, it would be better, as it
[the ekeing] causes the side to rot, and it
Maritime Glossary of Terms 26
Ensign ETD
(1) The national flag. (2) A junior officer. Estimated Time of Departure
Ensign eutrophication
The flag carried by a ship as insignia of her Increased primary production caused by the
anthropogenic enrichment of a water body
nationality.
with nutrients. In the context of the present
enteroviruses report the term is used only when the
Viruses that cause disease, mainly in the increased production results in negative
intestinal tract of mammals. (see also impacts such as harmful algal blooms,
pathogens) oxygen deficiency, or the overgrowth of
corals by seaweeds. (see also primary
Entrance
production and nutrients)
A term applied to the fore part of a ship
under the load-water line, expressive of its Even keel
figure; as, "she has a fine entrance," &c. Floating level (no list).
environmental impact assessment Even Keel
A process by which the consequences of The existing conditions of a vessel whose
planned development projects are evaluated fore and aft drafts are equal.
as an integral part of planning the project.
Even Keel
The analysis of biological, physical, social
and economic factors to determine the A ship is said to swim on an even keel when
environmental and social consequences of a she draws the same quantity of water abaft
proposed development action. The goal of as forwards.
the EIA is to provide policy makers with the EYE-BOLT
best available information in order to (See BOLTS.)
minimise economic costs and maximise
Maritime Glossary of Terms 27
F
ship should strike the ground, the false keel
will give way, and thus the main keel will be
saved; and it will be the means of causing
FACE-PIECE the ship to hold the wind better. (See Sheer
A piece of elm, generally tabled on to the Draught, Plate I.)
fore part of the knee of the head, to assist
the conversion of the main piece, and FALSE-POST
likewise to shorten the upper bolts, and A piece tabled on to the aft part of the heel of
prevent the cables from rubbing against the main part of the stern post. It is to assist
them as the knee gets worn. the conversion and preserve the main post,
should the ship tail aground. (See Sheer
FACING Draught, Plate I.)
Letting one piece, about an inch in thickness,
on to another, in order to strengthen it. FALSE-RAIL
A rail fayed down upon the upperside of the
facsimile main or upper rail of the head. It is to
See fax strengthen the head-rail, and forms the seat
FAIR of ease at the after end next the bow.
A term to denote the evenness or regularity Fantail
of a curve or line. After deck over counter. The part of a
Fairway rounded stern which extends past the
rearmost perpendicular.
Navigable part of a waterway
FASHION PIECES
Fairway speed
The timbers so called from their fashioning
Mandatory speed in a fairway
the after part of the ship in the plane of
Fake projection, by terminating the breadth and
A single turn of rope when a rope is coiled forming the shape of the stern. They are
down. united to the ends of the transoms and to the
dead-wood.
Fake down
To fake line back and forth on deck. Fathom
Six feet. Comes from the Dutch word
FALL
"fadom" which was the distance between
The descent of a deck from a fair curve
lengthwise, as frequently in the upper deck Fathom
of yachts, or merchant ships, to give height A measure of 6 feet
to the commander's cabin, and sometimes fax
forward at the hawse-holes.
Abbreviation for facsimile, a device used to
FALLING-HOME, or by some, TUMBLING-HOME transmit a facsim- ile copy of an original
document. The Inmarsat-A, -B and -M
The inclination which the topside has within systems support two-way fax transmissions.
a perpendicular. (See FLAIRING.) The Inmarsat-C system is limited in the ship-
to-shore direction to allowing an SES to send
False alarm text messages only (no graphics) to a fax
Distress alert initiated for other than an terminal and in the shore-to-ship direction to
appropriate test, by communications a fax terminal using a third- party fax bureau
equipment intended for alerting, when no service to send text messages only (no
distress situation actually exists. graphics) to an Inmarsat-C SES.
False alert FAY (TO)
Distress alert received from any source, To join one piece so close to another that
including communications equipment there shall be no perceptible space between
intended for alerting, when no distress them.
situation actually exists, and a notification of
distress should not have resulted. Fend off
To push off when making a landing.
FALSE-KEEL
A second keel, composed of elm-plank, or Fender
thick-stuff, fastened in a slight manner under Canvas, wood or rope used over the side to
the main keel, to prevent it from being protect a vessel from chafing when
rubbed. Its advantages also are, that, if the alongside another vessel or a dock.
Maritime Glossary of Terms 28
perpendicular. Its uses are, to shorten the The inflected curve that terminates the floor
cathead, and yet keep the anchor clear of next the keel, and to which the floor hollow
the bow. It also prevents the sea from mould is made. (See Long-Boat on Plate IV.)
breaking in upon the forecastle. (See Fore
FLOOR-RIBBAND
Body Plan, Plate I.)
The ribband next below the floor-heads
Flame Screen (or Arrester) which supports the floors. This ribband
A device comprised of a fine wire gauze that should be well shored, and great pains
is fitted into the discharge end of a vent line. should be taken to keep it fair and level, as
It prevents the passage of flame, but will the whole fabric depends very much thereon.
allow vapor to pass through. Flame screens (See RIBBANDS.)
are also fitted to removable ullage plugs
FLOORS, or FLOOR-TIMBERS
used to cover ullage holes on cargo tank
tops. The timbers that are fixed athwart the keel,
and upon which the whole frame is erected.
FLATS They generally extend as far forward as the
A name given to the timbers a-midships that fore-mast, and as far aft as the after square
have no bevelings, and are similar to dead- timber; and, sometimes, one or two cant-
flat, which is distinguished by these floors are added. (See FRAMES. See also
characters ['+' surrounded by a circle], (A) Midship Section on Plate III.)
(B) (1) (2) &c. (See DEAD FLAT. See also
FLOOR-SWEEPS
Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
The radii that sweep the heads of the floors.
Fleet Coordinators (See FRAMES. See also Sheer Draught and
Vessel dispatchers who coordinate vessel Body Plan, Plate I.)
movements, bunkers, cargo, etc.
FLUSH
Flemish down With a continued even surfce; as a FLUSH
To coil flat down on deck, each fake outside DECK, which is a deck upon one continued
the other, beginning in the middle and all line, without interruption, from fore to aft.
close together.
FLY-UP
FLEXURE Is a term similar to the article FLIGHT,
The binding or curving of a line or figure. signifying a sudden deviation upwards from
(See Inflected Curves.) a sheer line, as the clamps of the lower deck
f l y -up abaft to prevent their great sny.
FLIGHT
A sudden rising, or a greater curve than Fo'c'sle
sheer, at the cheeks, catheads, &c. A modem version of the old term
"forecastle," or bow section of the ship,
Flight information centre
where the crew lived.
A unit established to provide flight
information and alerting services Fog horn
A sound signal device (not necessarily
FLIGHT OF THE TRANSOMS
mechanically operated).
As the ends or arms of the transoms, being
gradually closed in proportion to their Fog-bound
distance from the wing transoms Said of a vessel when forced to heave to or
downwards, become more narrow as they lie at anchor due to fog.
approach the keel, the general figure or
FOOT SPACE RAIL
curve which they thus describe, similar to the
rising of the floors, is called the flight of the The rail that terminates the foot of the
balcony, and in which the balusters step, if
transoms.
there be no pedestal rail. It rabbets over the
Flooding ends of the deals of the deck. (See Sheer
Major uncontrolled flow of seawater into the Draught and Perpendicular View of the
vessel Stern, Plate I.)
FLOOR footprint (of a satellite)
The bottom of a ship, or all that part on each The area on the earths surface (sea or land)
side of the keel, which approaches nearer to within which an antenna can obtain line-of-
a horizontal than a perpendicular direction, sight communications with a satellite. In the
and whereon the ship rests when aground. Inmarsat systems this area corresponds to
FLOOR-HOLLOW
Maritime Glossary of Terms 30
product and crude oil vessels and serve Tan work shoes issued to U.S. Maritime
mostly coastwise terminal trades. Service trainees
GI GOOGINGS or GUDGEONS
Anything of Government Issue. The hinges upon which the rudder traverses.
(See Rudder, in Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
Gilguy
Also the metal pieces upon which a windlass
A term used to designate an object for which works.
the correct name has been forgotten.
GOOSE-NECK
Gipsey
A large iron hook, fixed with a strap at the
A drum of a windlass for heaving in line. after end od the main channel, to stow the
Give way studding sail boom in.
To keep out of the way of another vessel GRAIN-CUT
Glass Cut athwart the grain; as when the grain of
Term used by mariners for a barometer. the wood does not partake of the shape
required; for instance, if a knee be cut out of
Glass Pipe Installation a broad straight-grained plank, it is evident
Special equipment for visual inspection of oil that the grain, being cut across, would be
content in water and monitoring of water very short in one or both arms.
cleaning efficiency.
Grapnel
global disease burden A small anchor with several arms used for
A term used by the World Health dragging purposes.
Organisation to numerically estimate the
relative world-wide or global health impact of Grating
diseases. The estimate is made in terms A wooden lattice-work covering a hatch or
of DALYs. (see also DALY) the bottom boards of a boat; similarly
designed gratings of metal are frequently
Global maritime distress and safety system
found on shipboard.
A global communications service based
upon automated systems, both satellite- GRATINGS
based and terrestrial, to provide distress The lattice coverings of the hatchways,
alerting and promulgation of maritime safety which are made with openings to admit air,
information for mariners. or light, by cross battens and ledges. The
openings should never be so large as to
Global Navigation Satellite System
admit the heel of a man's shoe, as they may
World-wide position and time determination otherwise endanger those that pass over
system that includes one or more satellite them.
constellations and receivers.
Graveyard watch
Global positioning system
The middle watch.
A specific satellite-based system used in
conjunction with mobile equipment to Green sea
determine the precise position of the mobile A large body of water taken aboard (ship a
equipment. sea).
Glory hole greenhouse gases
Steward's quarters Gases that trap heat radiating from the
Earths surface, thereby warming the lower
GMDSS
atmosphere.
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
Grid
Go adrift
Any set of intersecting perpendicular lines
Break loose. spaced at regular intervals.
Gold Franc Grid cell
A nominal currency used by CESs and A square or rectangular area formed by pairs
Accounting Authorities to calculate of adjacent, perpendicular grid lines.
communication charges incurred by an SES.
A fixed rate of exchange exists between the GRIPE
GF and the nominal currency the SDR: 1 A piece of elm timber, that completes the
SDR = 3.061 GF. lower part of the knee of the head, and
makes a finish with the fore-foot. It bolts to
Golden Slippers
Maritime Glossary of Terms 34
the stem, and is farther secured by two make a good foundation to lay the blocks on,
plates of copper in form of a horseshoe, and upon which the ship is to rest.
therefore called by that name. (See Sheer
Guarantee Items
Draught, Plate I.)
Repair of guarantee items that develop
GROMMETS (for boats) during the first year of service of a new
Wreaths of rope which confine the oars to vessel and are usually corrected by the
the pine in the gunwale. builder under a guarantee.
gross domestic product GUARD-IRONS
A measure of the value added to an Curved or arched bars of iron fixed over the
economy as a result of human activity. It carved work of yachts, &c. particularly over
includes activities carried out in the country the head and quarter pieces, to prevent their
by foreign owned companies and individuals being damaged.
and excludes the value of output of goods
GUN ROOM
and services by firms outside the country
owned by residents and the remittance of The after-part of the lower deck, parted off
funds to the country from these entities. The for the accomodation of the subaltern
measure is gross in that it does not include officers.
the depreciation of man-made capital nor the GUNNER's STORE ROOM
depletion or degradation of renewable (See STORE ROOMS.)
natural resources.
Gunwale
gross national product
The upper edge of a vessel or boat's side.
A measure of the value added to an
economy as a result of human activity. It GUNWALE
includes the value of output of goods and That horizontal plank which covers the
services by firms outside the country owned heads of the timbers between the main and
by residents and the remittance of funds to fore drifts. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
the country from these entities but excludes GUY
the value of output of goods and services by
A rope extended from the head of sheers,
foreign-owned firms in the country. Like the
and made fast at a distance on each side, by
measure of GDP, it does not include the
which they are kept steady.
depreciation of man-made capital nor the
depletion or degradation of renewable
H
natural resources.
Gross Tonnage
The internal capacity of a vessel measured habitat
in units of 100 cubic feet. The physical space where an organism,
Ground speed population or species lives. Habitats are
The speed an aircraft is making relative to usually categorised by particular physical or
the earth's surface. biological characteristics (e.g., coral reefs,
mangrove forests).
Ground tackle
Hail
A term used to cover all of the anchor gear.
To address a vessel, to come from, as to hail
Grounding from some port (call).
Running ashore (hitting the bot-tom).
HAIR BRACKET
groundwater The moulding which terminates the fore ends
Water that occupies pores and crevices in of the head rails, comes at the back of the
rock and soil, below the surface of the Earth. figure, and breaks in fair with the upper
The upper limit of the groundwater is the cheek. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
water table, whose level varies according to
Half cardinal points
the quantity of water entering and extracted
from the groundwater. (see also aquifers) The four main points lying between the
cardinal points: north east, south east, south
GROUNDWAYS west and north west
Large pieces of timber, generally defective,
half duplex
which are laid upon piles driven in the
ground, across the dock or slip, in order to
Maritime Glossary of Terms 35
lights. etc. All harbors do not necessarily The ship's water closet (toilet or wash-room).
have this charge. The upper edge of a quadrilateral sail.
HARPINS HEAD
Pieces of oak similar to ribbands, but The upper end of any thing; but more
trimmed and bevelled to the shape of the particularly applied to all the work fitted afore
body of the ship, and holding the fore and the stem, as the figure, the knees, rails, &c.
after cant bodies together undil the ship is (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
planked. But this term is mostly applicable to
Head room
those at the bow; hence arises the phrase
"clean and full harpins," as the ship at this The height of the decks, below decks.
part is more or less acute. (See Fore-part of Heading
the Half-breadth Plan, Plate I.) The horizontal direction in which a craft is
HARRIS-CUT pointed.
This term is applied when the edges of Heading
planks are cut to an under bevelling, to fay The horizontal direction of the vessel's bows
one upon another, as the birthing or sides of at a given moment measured in degrees
the well, so that no ballast may get in at the clockwise from north
joints.
HEAD-LEDGES
Hatch The thwartship pieces which frame the
An opening in a ship's deck for passageway hatchways and ladderways. (See Plans,
or for handling cargo or stores. Plates III. and IV.)
HATCHES HEAD-RAILS
The coverings for the hatchways. Those rails in the head which extend from
Hatchrails the back of the figure to the cat-head and
Ropes supported by stanchions around an bows, which are not only ornamental to the
open hatch to prevent persons from falling frame but useful to that part of the ship. (See
into a hold Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
HATCHWAYS HEAD-TIMBERS
The square or oblong openings in the middle The pieces that cross the rails of the head
of the decks, for the convenience of lowering vertically. They are bolted through their heels
down goods; forming also the passages from to the cutting down of the knee, and unite the
one deck to another and into the hold, &c. whole together. (See Sheer Draught, Plate
(See Plans of Decks, Plates III. and IV.) I.)
HEEL HOGGING
The lower end of a timber, &c. A ship is also (See also BROKEN BACKED.)
said to heel when she is not upright. A ship is said to hog when the middle part of
her keel and bottom are so strained as to
HEIGHT OF BREADTH LINES, UPPER and LOWER curve or arch upwards. This term is therefore
opposed to sagging, which, applied in a
The two curved lines described on the sheer- similar manner, means by a different sort of
plan, at the height of the main-breadth, or strain, to curve downwards.
broadest part of the ship, at each timber. In In order to elucidate this subject, let us
the body-plan, they are horizontal lines at suppose a vessel to be acted upon by
those heights on which the main-breadths of several forces as in the figure a b, [a simple
each timber are set off. In those lines are "force" diagram] with the forces or weight, e,
found the centres for sweeping the lower and f, acting downwards [at either end], and c, d,
upper breadth sweeps. (See MAIN the pressure of the water, acting upwards
BREADTH. See also Sheer Draught, and [amidships; could be a single force; that
Body Plan, Plate I.) there are two of them emphasizes the notion
HELM that the upwards force is applied to some
extent over the length of the ship, but
The whole of the machinery astern, which
predominantly amidships]; the vessel may in
serves to steer or guide the ship, as the
this state be maintained in equilibrio,
rudder, the tiller, the wheel, &c.
provided that it has a sufficient degree of
HELM-PORT TRANSOMS strength; but, so soon as it begins to give
The piece of timber placed athwart the inside way, we see that it must bend in a convex
of the counter timbers at the height of the manner, since its middle would obey the
helm-port. It is bolted through every stern forces c and d, acting upward, whilst its
timber, and kneed at each end for the extremities would be actually forced
security of that part of the ship. (See downwards by the forces or weights e and f.
Perpendicular View of the Stern, in Plate I.) Vessels deficient in strength are generally
found in such a situation; and, since similar
HELP-PORT effects continually act whilst the vessel is
That hole through the counter, through which immersed in the water, it has happened but
the head of the rudder passes. (See Sheer too often that the keel has experienced the
Draught, Plate I.) bad effect of a strain.
HELVE Hence it is evident, that hogging may arise
The handle of axes, adzes, mauls, &c. either from want of strength in the
component parts of a vessel, or from
Hemp disarrangement in the stowage.
Rope made of the fibers of the hemp plant Many long, deep, straight floored vessels,
and used for small stuff or less than 24 too slightly built, have been found to hog,
thread (1.75 inch circumference). (Rope is owing to the great upward pressure of the
water upon the broad part of the bottom; and
Maritime Glossary of Terms 38
it has been found that, the longer and larger The same with Floor-hollow, which see.
ships are, the more easily have their bottoms Sometimes the back sweep which forms the
bent or hogged, even when the stowage has upper part of the top-timber is called the top-
been correct; and much more so when it has timber hollow.
been unequally distributed towards the head
Holy stone
and stern.
Ships deeply laden, with very heavy cargoes The soft sandstone block sailors use to
or materials nearly amidships, have, on the scrub the deck, so-called, because seamen
contrary, been sometimes found to sag were on their knees to use it.
downwards, in proportion as the weight of HOOD
the cargo has exceeded the upward The name given to all the foremost and
pressure of the water. aftermost planks of the bottom, both
But, according to the present practice of withinside and without. Also a covering to
building in Great Britain, these shelter the mortar in bomb-vessels. In
disadvantages are little to be feared; merchant ships it is the birthing round the
although, in a less advanced state of the art, ladderway. (See COMPANION.)
they were frequently found in British vessels,
and are still as frequently found in vessels of HOODING-ENDS [hood ends]
foreign construction; many of the latter being These ends of the planks which bury in the
of too small scantlings and too slightly rabbets of the stem and stern post.
constructed. Even sharp built vessels of this HOOK of the DECKS
country, upon the present construction, are
(See BREAST-HOOKS.)
seldom found to hog; and we presume that
no vessel constructed agreeably to the Table HOOKING
of Dimensions and Scantlings, given The act of working the edge of one plank,
hereafter, will be found so to do. But it is to &c. into that of another, in such a manner
be particularly observed, that these that they cannot be drawn asunder endways.
dimensions, with respect to the strength of (See Kelson Scarphs, Inboard Works, Plate
the body, will not admit of diminution. IV. and Planking, Plate III.)
If, however, the relative dimensions be HORIZONTAL RIBBANDS
changed; and, if the length be increased, as
Those ideal ribbands, used in laying off,
recommended in some cases, in order to
which are taken off level or square with the
produce an increase in the velocity, or, if the
middle line of the ship's body. (See
ship is intended to be laden with very heavy
RIBBANDS.)
materials, as lead, &c. the strength may be
proportionably increased by enlarging the HORN or HORNING
scantlings of the thickstuff at the joints of the Placing or proving any thing to stand square
timbers, &c. from the middle line of the ship, by setting an
Hoist equal distance thereon from each side of the
middle line; then bringing the same distance
a cable used by helicopters for lifting or
equally from some fixed spot in the middle
lowering persons in a pick-up operation
line by a batten or staff of some length.
Hoist away
HORSE
An order to haul up.
The round bar of iron which is fixed to the
Hold main rail and back of the figure in the head,
The space below decks utilized for the with stantions, and to which is attached a
stowage of cargo and stores. netting for the safety of the men who have
occasion to be in the head. Also the cross-
HOLD
pieces of timber tenoned on to the heads of
That part of the ship below the lower deck, the bitts for the booms to rest upon.
between the bulk-heads, which is reserved
for the stowage of ballast, water, and Horse latitudes
provisions, in a ship of war; and for that of The latitudes on the outer margins of the
the cargo, in merchant vessels. trades where the prevailing winds are light
and variable.
Holiday
An imperfection, spots left unfinished in HORSE-IRON
cleaning or painting. An iron fixed in a handle, and used with a
beetle by caulkers, to horse-up or harden in
HOLLOW-MOULD the oakhams [oakums, presumably].
Maritime Glossary of Terms 39
I
HORSE-SHOES
Large straps of iron or copper shaped like a
horse-shoe and let into the stem, which gripe
I nmarsat system message
on opposite sides, through which they are
bolted together to secure the gripe to the A message broadcast by the NCC, an NCS
stem. or a CES to ships equipped with an ECC
receive capability.
House
Ice-bound
To stow or secure in a safe place. A top-
mast is housed by lowering it and securing it Caught in the ice.
to a lowermast. Icing
House flag Coating of ice on an object, e.g. the mast or
Distinguishing flag of a merchant marine superstructure of a vessel
company flown from the mainmast of ILO
merchant ships. International Labor Organization.
House rate IMO
An Intra-affiliate billing system. International Maritime Organization
Hug IMO Class
To keep close. Group of dangerous or hazardous goods,
Hulk harmful substances or marine pollutants in
A worn out vessel. sea transport as classified in the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods
Hull Code (IMDG Code)
The body of the vessel not including its
imposex
masting, rigging etc.
A pseudo-hermaphroditic condition in female
HULL gastro-pods (snails) caused by TBT and
The whole frame or body of a ship, exclusive manifested by the development of a false
of the masts, yards, sails, and rigging. penis.
Hull down IN AND OUT
Said of a vessel when, due to its distance on A term sometimes used for the scantling of
the horizon, only the masts are visible. the timbers the moulding way, but more
Hurricane particularly applied to those bolts in the
knees, riders, &c. which are driven through
Force of wind over 65 knots. the ship's sides, or athwartships, and
HW therefore called "In and out Bolts."
High water in port as determined by tides In Class
which might affect the amount of cargo a A vessel currently meeting all the
vessel can load.
requirements of its Classification Society is
hydrology "in-class".
The study of the processes affecting the Inboard
movement of freshwater, including
Towards the center line of a ship (towards
underground waters. Also often used to refer the center).
to the processes and movements
themselves. INBOARD
hydrostatic release mechanism Within the ship; as the Inboard Works, &c.
(See Plate IV.)
A system of releasing a piece of equipment
when immersed in water. Independent Inspector (Cargo Surveyor)
Hypothermia A person or organization of persons acting
independently, but on behalf of, one or more
Abnormal lowering of internal body parties involved in the transfer, storage,
temperature (heat loss) from exposure to inventory or analysis of a commodity for
cold air, wind, or water. purposes of determining the quantity, and/or
hypoxic waters quality of a commodity. They may also be
Waters with a low concentration of oxygen. assigned to the calibration of various
measurement instruments and/or storage
tanks ashore or on vessels.
Maritime Glossary of Terms 40
J
International Loadline Certificate
A document issued by a classification
society stating the minimum freeboard
Jack
granted to a vessel and giving the position of
the loading disc on the ships side. The flag similar to the union of the national
flag.
International Mobile Satellite Organization
Jack tar
Maritime Glossary of Terms 42
Sailors were once called by their first names To leave a ship without authority (deserting).
only, and Jack was their generic name. Tar
Jury rig
came from seamen's custom of
waterproofing clothing using tar. Makeshift rig (emergency rig)
Jacobs ladder
A rope ladder with wooden rounds used for
getting on or off a vessel not at a berth. Also K
referred to as a pilots ladder because of its kbyte
extensive use by vessels pilots. 1024 bits or 128 characters.
Jacob's ladder
Keel
A ladder of rope with rungs, used over the The timber or bar forming the backbone of
side.
the vessel and running from the stem to the
JAMBS, for fixing the LIGHTS stempost at the bottom of the ship.
Thick broad pieces of oak, fixed up endways, Keel
and between which the magazine lights are
The backbone of the ship. It is a longitudinal
fitted. beam or plate in the extreme bottom of a
JASREP ship from which the ribs or floors start.
A vessel position-reporting system similar to KEEL
AMVER (see definition), but operated by the The main and lowest timber of a ship,
Japanese Authorities extending longitudinally from the stem to the
Jettison stern-post. It is formed of several pieces,
To throw goods overboard. which are scarphed together endways, and
form the basis of the whole structure, of
Jettison course it is usually the first thing laid down
The act of throwing goods or pumping cargo upon the blocks for the construction of the
overboard to lighten a ship to improve ship. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
stability in an emergency.
KEEL STAPLES
Jettison (to) (of cargo) (See STAPLES.)
To throw goods overboard in order to lighten
the vessel or improve its stability in case of Keel-haul
an emergency To tie a rope about a man and, after passing
the rope under the ship and bringing it up on
Jetty deck on the opposite side, haul away,
A landing wharf or pier; a dike at a river s dragging the man down and around the keel
mouth. of the vessel. As the bottom of the ship was
Jews harp always covered with sharp barnacles, this
was a severe punishment used aboard
The ring bolted to the upper end of the shank
sailing ships long ago. Today, a reprimand.
of an anchor and to which the bending
shackle secures. KEELSON, or, more commonly, KELSON
JOINT The timber formed of long square pieces of
oak, fixed within the ship exactly over the
The place where any two pieces are united.
keel) [sic] [ ( ] and which may therefore be
This term is, however, more particularly used
considered as the counter part of the latter(
to express the lines which are laid down in
[sic] [ ) ] for binding and strengthing the lower
the mould-loft for the purpose of making the
part of the ship, for which purpose it is fitted
moulds for the timbers, as those lines exhibit
to, and laid upon, the middle of the floor-
the shape of the body between every two
timbers, and bolted through the floor and
timbers, which is hence called the joints.
keel. (See Inboard Works, Plate IV.)
Joint rescue co-ordination centre
Keep a sharp look-out
A rescue co-ordination centre responsible for
A look-out is stationed in a position to watch
both aeronautical and maritime search and
for danger ahead. To be on guard against
rescue incidents.
sudden opposition or danger.
Jolly Roger
KEVEL, or CAVEL HEAD BLOCKS
A pirate's flag carrying the skull and cross-
bones. A sort of blocks [sic], having a sheave hole
or two cut through fore and aft, and which
Jump ship
Maritime Glossary of Terms 43
are bolted to the ship's sides, nearly hanging-knees, and such as are fixed
opposite the masts, to reeve the lifts, &c. parallel to, or with the hang of the deck, are
called lodging-knees. (See Midship Section,
KEVELS
Plate III. and Plans of the Deck, Plates III.
Pieces of oak plank, shaped like timber and IV.)
heads, and fixed into mortises cut through
other pieces that are fastened to the insides KNIGHT-HEADS, or BOLLARD-TIMBERS
of the ship. They answer the purpose of Large oak timbers fayed and bolted to each
timber heads to belay the ropes to. side of the stem, the heads of which run up
sufficiently above the head of the stem to
KEY
support the bowsprit, care being taken to
A dry piece of oak, &c. cut tapering, to drive cast the sufficiently open above the stem to
into scarphs that have hook-butts. the diameter of the bowsprit. (See Sheer
KILN Draught, Plate I.)
A convenience for heating planks to make Knock off
them pliable. A steam-kiln [steam box] is a To stop, especially to stop work.
trunk composed of deals, grooved neatly into
each other, which is generally from three to Knocked down
four feet square, and from forty to sixty feet The situation of a vessel when listed over by
in length, having a door at each end. It is the wind to such an extent that she does not
confined together by bolts driven through it recover.
at certain distances, which answer for
Knot
bearers to rest the plank upon, and it is
supported upon brick work. Beneath it, in the Speed of 1 nautical mile per hour (1.7 land
middle, is a large iron or copper boiler, or miles per hour).
sometimes two boilers, which are then fixed KNUCKLE
near each end, the steam from which, A sudden angle made on some timbers by a
issuing into the trunk, enters the pores of the quick reverse of shape, such as the knuckles
plank and makes it pliable. of the counter timbers. (See Sheer Draught,
King-spoke Plate I.)
The upper spoke of a steering wheel when KNUCKLE-TIMBERS
the rudder is amidships, usually marked in Those top-timbers in the fore-body whose
some fashion (top spoke of neutral steering heads stand perpendicular, and form an
wheel). angle with the flair or hollow of the topside.
KNEE OF THE HEAD This work is the best when the touch or
knuckle is at the plank sheer. (See Fore-
The large flat timber fayed edgeways upon
the fore-part of the stem. It is formed by an body in Plate I.)
assemblage of pieces of oak coaked or
tabled together edgewise, by reason of its
breadth, and it projects the length of the
head. Its fore-part should form a handsome
L
serpentine line, or inflected curve. The Labor
principal pieces are named the main-piece A vessel is said to labor when she works
and lacing. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.) heavily in a seaway (pounding, panting,
hogging and sagging).
KNEE TIMBER
That sort of crooked timber which forms, at LABOURSOME
its back or elbow, an angle of from forty-five Subject to labour, or to pitch and roll violently
to twenty-four degrees. The more acute this in a heavy sea, by which the masts and even
angle is, the more valuable is the timber on the hull may be endangered. For by a
that account. But if their angle be more successive heavy roll the rigging becomes
obtuse, they are said to be raking, and are loosened, and the masts at the same time
proportionably less valuable, being of the may strain upon the shrouds with an effort
less utility for the formation of knees, &c. which they will be unable to resist; to which
KNEES may be added, that the continual agitation of
the vessel loosens her joints, and makes her
The crooked pieces of oak timber, by which extremely leaky.
the ends of the beams are secured to the
sides of the ship. Of these, such as are LACING
fayed vertically to the sides are called
Maritime Glossary of Terms 44
Landlubber Lashing
The seaman's term for one who does not go A rope securing pieces together.
to sea. Last known position
LANTERNS Last witnessed, reported, or computed DR
The machines made of tin and glass, to position of a distressed craft.
contain candles for the transmission of light Launch
to those parts of the ship where an
To place in the water.
unscreened candle cannot be placed, or
where it would be dangerous, as on the LAUNCH
poop, in the magazine, store-rooms, &c. (1) The slip or descent whereon the ship is
built, including the whole of the machinery
Lanyard
used in launching. (See Frontispiece.) (2).A
A rope made fast to an article for securing it large boat now mostly used instead of the
(knife lanyard, bucket lanyard, etc.), or for LONG BOAT. (See LONG BOAT.)
setting up rigging.
Launch (to)
LAP OVER or UPON (TO)
To lower, e.g. lifeboats, to the water
The mast carlings are said to lap upon the
beams by reason of their great depth, and LAUNCHING
head-ledges at the ends lap over the The act of sending the ship from off the slip
coamings. into the water.
LAPS LAUNCHING-PLANKS
The remaining part of the ends of carlings, A set of planks mostly used to form the
&c. which are to bear a great weight or platform on each side of the ship, whereon
pressure, such as the capstan-step. (See the bilgeways slide for the purpose of
Inboard Works, Plate IV.) launching. (See Frontispiece.)
LAP-SIDED Lay aloft
A term expressive of the condition of a The order to go aloft (go up above).
vessel when she will not swim upright, owing
Lay days
to her sides being unequal.
Maritime Glossary of Terms 45
The man stationed aloft or in the bows for ship to shore and used when a boat cannot
observing and reporting objects seen. be launched.
Loom
The part of an oar between the blade and
handle. The reflection of a light below the M
horizon due to certain atmospheric
conditions. MAGAZINE
The apartment used to lodge the powder in;
LOOP-HOLES which, in large ships, is situated forward, and
Small apertures through the bulk-heads, in small ships abaft. It should always be
coamings, head-ledges, and other parts of situated as low down as possible.
merchant ships, through which the small
arms are fired on an enemy who boards at MAIN
close quarters. Chief or principal, as opposed to any thing
secondary or inferior. Thus the main-mast is
Loose used in contradistinction to the fore or mizen-
To unfurl. mast; the main-keel, main-wales, main-
LOOVERED BATTENS hatchway, &c. are in like manner
distinguished from the false-keel, channel-
The battens that inclose the upper part of the
wales, and the fore and after hatchways, &c.
well, which are fixed at such an angle as to
admit air, and yet prevent any dirt from being MAIN HALF-BREADTH
thrown into the well. Half of the main-breadth, and thus called,
LOOVER-WISE or LOOVER-WAYS because it is necessary to lay down on the
plan but half of the figure of the ship, both
To place battens or boards at a certain
sides being exactly alike. (See Sheer
angle, so as to admit air but not wet. The
Draught [sic], Plate I.)
loovered or battened parts of ships'-wells are
fixed in this manner to admit air and prevent MAIN-BREADTH
persons from throwing filth of any kind into The broadest part of the ship at any
the well. particular timber or frame, which is
Loran-C distinguished on the sheer-draught by the
upper and lower heights of breadth lines.
A position-fixing system, based on chains of
(See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
shore-based low-frequency radio
transmissions. MAIN-KEEL
LOWER BREADTH SWEEP The term of distinction between the keel and
the false-keel.
(See FRAMES.)
MAIN-POST
Lower Explosive Limit
The same with STERN POST, and used to
(see also LFL).
distinguish it from the false-post and the
Lower Flammable Limit inner-post.
The limit below which a mixture of MAIN-WALES
hydrocarbon gas and air cannot ignite and
The lower wales, which are generally placed
burn owing to insufficient hydrocarbon
on the lower breadth, and so that the main-
content.
deck knee-bolts may come into them. (See
Lubber line WALES.)
The black line parallel with ship's keel Make colors
marked on the inner surface of the bowl of a
Hoisting the ensign at 8 a.m. and down at
compass, indicating the compass direction of
sunset.
the ship's head.
Make the course good
LUFFER LOOF
Steering; keeping the ship on the course
The fullest or roundest part of the bow.
given (no lazy steering).
Lurch
Make the land
The sudden heave of the ship.
Landfall. To reach shore.
Lyle gun
Make water
A gun used in the life-saving services to
To leak; take in water.
throw a life line to a ship in distress or from
Maritime Glossary of Terms 49
MASTS MESSENGER
The long cylindrical pieces of timber, A large cable laid rope used to heave in the
elevated upon the keel, and to which the cable by the main capstan.
yards and sails, &c. are attached. (See Messman
Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
A member of the steward's department who
MAULS served meals to officers and crew.
Large hammers used for driving treenails, META-CENTRE
having a steel face at one end, and a point
That point in a ship above which the centre
or pen [sic] drawn out at the other, and of gravity must by no means be placed;
hence called a pin-maul. Double-headed because, if it were, the vessel would be
mauls have a steel face at each end, of the liable to overset. The meta-centre, which has
same size, and are used for driving of bolts, also been called the shifting-centre, depends
&c. upon the situation of the centre of cavity; for
MAYDAY it is that point where a vertical line drawn
The international radiotelephony distress from the centre of cavity cuts a line passing
signal, repeated three times. through the centre of gravity, and is
perpendicular to the keel. (See CENTRE.)
Mean Draft
The average of the drafts measured at the Meteorological Area
bow and the stern. Corresponding to the NAVAREAs defined by
IMO.
MEDEVAC
Meteorological visibility
Evacuation of a person for medical reasons.
The maximum range at which a large object,
MEDICO such as land masses or mountains, can be
Medical advice. Exchange of medical seen. Also referred to as Meteorological
information and recommended treatment for Range.
sick or injured persons where treatment
cannot be administered directly by Metric Ton
prescribing medical personnel. A unit of weight 2,204.6 pounds (1,000
kilograms).
Medium Frequency
Medium Frequency (300-3000 kHz) MIDDLE LINE
A line dividing the ship exactly in the middle.
Medium Range Vessels In the horizontal or half-breadth plan it is a
25,000 - 49,999 DWT. right line bisecting the ship from the stem to
Medium sized tankers cover a broad range of vessel the stern-post; and, in the plane of
types. Ships of this size category are projection, or body-plan, it is a perpendicular
capable of carrying almost any kind of line bisecting the ship from the keel to the
petroleum product. The smaller group will height of the top of the side.
usually carry gasolines, jet fuels, chemicals MIDDLE TIMBER
and heating oils. The larger size of the group
That timber in the stern which is placed in
will carry heavier fuel oils and crude oils.
midships.
member number
MIDDLE WALES
This is the number downloaded with a DNlD
The three or four thick strakes worked along
to an SES when that SES is registered into a
each side, between the lower and middle
data reporting network.
deck ports in three-decked ships. (See
Mess gear WALES.)
Equipment used for serving meals. Midship Draft
message channel The draft read at the midship markings. This
draft can, and often does, differ from the
Mean Draft due to hogging or sagging.
Maritime Glossary of Terms 51
MIZEN-MAST Mooring
That mast, in a three-masted vessel, which Securing to a dock or to a buoy, or anchoring
is nearest the stern. (See Sheer Draught, with two anchors.
Plate I.) Mooring Line
MMSI Any hawser by which a vessel is secured to
Maritime Mobile Service Identity number a dock or mooring. It may be made of natural
materials (manila), synthetics,
Mobile Earth Station (polypropylene), or wire. Under certain
The generic name used instead of Ship circumstances the anchor chain is detached
Earth Station (SES), and applicable to both from the anchor and a section of that is used
maritime and land mobi le-sate1I ite com to secure the vessel.
mun ications.
MOOTING
modem Making a treenail exactly cylindrical to a
Modulator-dernodulator, a device used to given size or diameter called the moot.
transmit digital data along PSTN lines by Hence, when so made, it is said to be
converting (modulating) to analogue form at mooted.
the sending end and re-converting
(demodulating) to digital form at the MORTISE
receiving end. A hole or hollow made of a certain size and
depth in a piece of timber, &c. in order to
Molded Breadth receive the end of another piece with a tenon
The breadth of the hull at the widest part, fitted exactly to fill it.
measured between the outer surfaces of the
frames. Mother Carey's chickens
Small birds that foretell bad weather and bad
Molded Depth luck.
The depth measured between the top of the
keel, or lower surface of the frame at the MOTION, &c
center line, and top of the upper deck beam Belongs to the chapter on mechanics.
at the gunwale. MOULDED
Mole Cut to the mould. Also the size or bigness of
A breakwater used as a landing pier. the timbers that way the mould is laid. (See
SIDED.)
MONKEY
A machine composed of a long pig of iron, MOULDING
traversing in a groove, which is raised by a The act of marking out the true shape of any
pully, and let fall suddenly on the head of timber from the mould. Also any ornamental
large bolts, for driving them in when the projections, as the rails, finishing, &c.
Maritime Glossary of Terms 52
mortally wounding it, the animal took off with system information and data to selected
the whaleboat in tow. SESs.
Narrow-Band Direct Printing NECKING
Part of the Cospas-Sarsat system that A small neat moulding at the foot of the
accepts alert messages from the local user taffarel over the light. (See Stern, Plate I.)
terminal(s) and other mission control centres
nematodes
to distribute to the appropriate rescue co-
ordination centres or other search and A group of worms, some of which may cause
intestinal and other diseases.
rescue points of contact.
NARROWING OF THE FLOOR SWEEPS Neptune
(See RISING HALF BREADTH.) The mythical god of the sea.
A treenail projecting from the bottom of the An object such as a wreck, net, etc., which
ship as a stop to the heads of shores. Also a blocks a fairway, route, etc
treenail driven through the heels of shores
OBTUSE, BLUNT, or DULL
into the slip to secure them.
in opposition to acute or sharp. As an obtuse
NOGGING angle, which is said to be without a square or
The act of securing the heels of the shores right angle. Such angles are called by
shipwrights standing bevellings. (See
non-governmental organisation
BEVELLINGS.)
An organisation, usually non-profit, that is
not part of the central, local, or municipal Ocean Region
government. The coverage area of an Inmarsat satellite
within which an SES may send and receive
non-point sources of pollution (also called diffuse
messages.
sources)
Multiple, not easily identifiable sources of oceanic gyre
pollution (e.g., agriculture, urban areas). A very large, more or less circular, pattern of
water circulation in an open ocean basin.
NORMAN
A square fid of oak, or short carling, fixed OCIMF
through the head of the rudder of East India The oil companies international marine
ships, to prevent the loss of the rudder in forum is an organization of oil companies
case of its being unshipt. that own or operate ships.
Norske Veritas Off air
Norwegian classification society . When the transmissions of a radio station,
etc., have broken down, been switched off or
Not under command
suspended
Said of a vessel when unable to maneuver.
Off and on
Not under command
Standing toward the land and off again
(abbr. NUC): a vessel which through alternately.
exceptional circumstances is unable to
manoeuvre as required by the COLREGs Off station (of buoys)
Not under control Not in charted position
Same as not under command. Officer of the watch
The officer in charge of the watch.
Notice of Readiness
Notice served by the Master to inform the Oil bag
terminal/charterer the vessel is ready in all A bag filled with oil and triced over the side
respects to load or discharge cargo. for making a slick in a rough sea (to keep
seas from breaking).
nutrients (in the context of the present report)
Oil clearance
Substances that are essential for the growth Oil skimming from the surface of the water
of marine organisms that perform primary
Oilskin
production (algae, bacteria, and plants).
Excess nutrients, especially nitrogen and Waterproof clothing.
phosphorous, can be major pollutants. Old man
The captain of the ship.
O oligotrophic
Waters with low primary productivity
Oakum because of limited supplies of nutrients.
Material used for caulking the seams of omnidirectional antenna
vessels and made from the loose fibers of A small antenna fitted to an Inmarsat-C SES
old hemp rope. capable of line-of- sight communications with
OAKUM a satellite, without pointing.
Old rope, untwisted and loosened like hemp, On Board Quantity
in order to be used in caulking. The material remaining in vessel tanks, void
Obstruction spaces, and/or pipelines prior to loading. On-
board quantity includes water, oil, slops, oil
Maritime Glossary of Terms 55
residue, oil/water emulsions, sludge, and The beginning grade for members of the
sediment. deck department. The next step is able
bodied seaman.
On report
In trouble. Ordnance exercise
Naval firing practice
On soundings
Said of a vessel when the depth of water can organochlorines
be measured by the lead (within the 100 Organic compounds that contain chlorine
fathom curve). atoms (e.g., PCBs).
On-scene ORLOP
The search area or the actual distress site. A temporary deck below the lower deck of
large ships, chiefly for the convenience of
On-scene co-ordinator
stowing away the cables. There is also a
A person designated to co-ordinate search platform in the midships of smaller ships,
and rescue operations within a specified
called the orlop, and for the same purpose.
area.
Out of trim
On-Scene Co-ordinator
Not properly trimmed or ballasted (not on
A person designed to co-ordinate search and even keel; listing).
rescue operations within a specified area
OUT OF WINDING
On-scene endurance
Not twisting; as the surface of a timber or
The amount of time a facility may spend at plank when it is a direct plane.
the scene engaged in search and rescue
activities. Outage (Ullage)
Operational The depth of the space in a tank not
occupied by oil. Same as ullage. It is
Ready for immediate use measured from the flange of the ullage hole
Operations stage to the surface of the oil. Also the space left in
A period during a SAR incident when SAR a petroleum product container to allow for
facilities proceed to the scene, conduct expansion as a result of temperature
search, rescue survivors, assist distressed changes during shipment and use.
craft, provide emergency care for survivors, Outboard
and deliver survivors to a suitable facility. Towards the sides of the vessel (with
Optimal search area reference to the centerline).
The search area which will produce the OUT-BOARD
highest probability of success when On the outside of the ship, as "the out-board
searched uniformly with the search effort
works," &c.
available.
OUT-SQUARE
Optimal search factor
Any obtuse angle or standing bevelling is
A value, based on the amount of relative said to be "out-square." This term is however
effort available, which is used to estimate the mostly applied to knee-timber, when the
optimal area to search so the chances of angle the arms make is greater than 45
finding the search object are maximized. .
degrees. (See Knee-Timber.)
Optimal search plan Out-Turn Certificate
A plan that maximizes the probability of A document issued by the receivers of cargo
success of finding the search object using indicating the amount of cargo discharged.
the available search effort.
Outward Charter
Optimal search radius
The chartering of a vessel by an affiliate to
One-half the width of the optimal search an outside owner or non-affiliate.
area. Optimal search radius is computed as
the product of the total probable error of Over-all
position (E) and the optimal search factor The extreme deck fore and aft measurement
(fs).Ro = E x Fs. of a vessel.
Ordinary seaman Overdue
Maritime Glossary of Terms 56
A situation where a craft has failed to arrive are those beams under the flat of the
at its intended destination when expected magazine, bread-room, and powder-room,
and remains missing. where there is a double palleting. Those of
the upper tier are of fir, and rabbets taken
Overflow
out of their edges to form scuttles.
Escape of oil or liquid from a tank because of
a twofold condition as a result of overflowing, PALLS
thermal expansion, change in vessel trim or Stout pieces of iron, so placed near a
vessel movement capstan or windlass as to prevent a recoil,
which owuld overpower the men at the bars
Overhang
when heaving.
The projection of the stern beyond the
sternpost and of the bow beyond the stem. Palm and needle
OVER-HANGING A seaman's sewing outfit for heavy work.
Projecting over; as over the stern, &c. Panamax
The maximum size ship that can fit through
Overhaul
the Panama Canal in terms of width, length
Get gear in condition for use; to separate the and draft generally about 80,000dwt.
blocks of a tackle to lengthen the fall (ready
for use again). PANEL
A square or pane of thin board, framed in a
OVER-LAUNCH, To
thicker one, called a stile, and generally
To run the butt of one plank to a certain composed of two or more joined together.
distance beyond the next butt above or Such are the partitions by which the officers'
beneath it, in order to make stronger work. cabins are formed on the lower deck; and
Overtaking such likewise are the framings of the great
Said of a vessel when she is passing or cabin bulkheads, &c. which consist of rails,
overtaking another vessel. stiles, and panels.
ozone PAN-PAN
A colourless form of oxygen gas with three The international radiotelephony urgency
oxygen atoms in each molecule signal. When repeated three times, indicates
Stratospheric ozone, which screens out uncertainty or alert, followed by nature of
harmful ultraviolet radiation, is generally urgency.
found between 10 and 50 km above the paralytic shellfish poisoning
Earth. Tropospheric ozone is found in lower A disease with severe neurological effects,
atmosphere (generally below 10 km above including paralysis and death, caused by
the Earth). Ozone is also commonly found in eating shellfish that contain the marine
smog. biotoxin saxitoxin. (see biotoxins)
PARTNERS
To repeat an order for information to the Per Operating Day (Month/Year) Costs
crew. Vessels costs expressed as $ per day
Passage (month/(year) during which the vessel
A journey from one port or place to another, actually operated. It includes the costs
as distinguished from the term "voyage" incurred while the vessel was idle for repairs
which refers to a ballast and loaded or other non-operating reasons. The number
passage. Also sometimes called trip. of operating days (excluding non-operating
delays) are divided into the total costs.
PA-system
Period Charter
Public address system: loudspeakers in the
vessel's cabins, mess rooms, etc., and on Refers to consecutive voyage (C/V)
deck through which important information exceeding four voyages, time charters (T/C)
can be broadcast from a central point, mostly and bareboat charters. Note: Loose term
from the navigation bridge may have other connotations.
The facility whereby an operational centre includes harbor dues, tub boat charges,
sends an instruction (a polling command) to pilotage fees, custom house fees, consular
selected SESs to perform a defined task, fees, etc.
such as return a preassigned data report, or
PORT HOOKS
to perform SCADA.
Iron hooks driven into the side of the ship;
Polluter and to which the port-hinges are attached.
A vessel emitting harmful substances into
Port of Registry
the air or spilling oil into the sea
The port at which a vessel is registered and
polluter-pays principle to which she is considered to belong. The
The principle, adopted by the OECD port of registry is shown on the stern below
countries in 1972, requires that the polluter the name of the vessel.
should bear the costs that pollution damage
Port side
or pollution control impose upon society.
The left side of a vessel when looking
pollution (marine) forward.
Pollution means the introduction by man, Port State
directly or indirectly, of substances or energy
into the marine environment (including A state that has ports to which ships call.
estuaries) resulting in such deleterious The port state makes regulations the calling
effects as harm to living resources, hazards ships must adhere to. The port state control
to human health, hindrance to maritime is the controlling authority of the port state on
activities including fishing, impairment of shipping such as the coast guard or naval
quality for use of sea water and reduction of authorities.
amenities.3 Port Time
polychlorinated biphenyls 1) Seabuoy to Seabuoy - The time elapsed
between the vessels passing the ports
Highly toxic and durable synthetic organic
compounds that accumulate in tissues of seabuoy upon entrance to re-passing it upon
organisms. exit. It includes time for steaming in and out
of berth, delays, hose connections,
POOP anchorage time, clearing and loading or
The uppermost deck of a ship, abaft, unloading time. 2) Port to Port - Includes
commonly called the Round House. only time for delays, hose connections,
anchorage time, clearing and loading or
Poop deck
unloading time. Use must be consistent with
A partial deck at the stern above the main voyage mileage basis.
deck, derived from the Latin "puppio" for the
sacred deck where the "pupi" or doll images Portable Measurement Unit
of the deities were kept. A device designed to measure the ships
cargo when its tanks are closed to the
Pooped
atmosphere. It is used in conjunction with a
An opening in a ship's side, such as an air vapor control valve.
port, or cargo port.
Portable Sampling Unit
POPPETS
A device designed to sample the ships
Those pieces, mostly fir, which are fixed cargo when its tanks are closed to the
perpendicularly between the ship's bottom atmosphere. It is used in conjunction with a
and the bilgeways, at the fore and aftermost vapor control valve.
parts of the ship, to support her in launching.
(See Frontispiece.) PORT-LIDS
The shutters, hung with hinges, which
POR
inclose the ports in rough weather.
Pacific Ocean Region.
PORTS
Port
The square holes or opening in the side of
The left side of a vessel when an observer is the ship through which the guns are fired.
facing forward looking toward the bow. Also (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
a door on a ship.
Posh
Port Charges
elegant, luxurious. Originally an acronym for
General term which includes charges and Port Over Starboard Home. Created by
dues of every nature assessed against the British travelers to India or Australia,
vessel or its cargo in a port. It usually
Maritime Glossary of Terms 61
The probability of the search object being when through stress of weather, there has
detected, assuming it was in the areas that been or the master fears that there might
were searched. POD is a function of have been, damage to the vessel or cargo.
coverage factor, sensor, search conditions Copies are frequently demanded by
and the accuracy with which the search insurance underwriters in the event of a
facility navigates its assigned search pattern. claim.
Measures sensor effectiveness under the
Prow
prevailing search conditions.
The part of the bow above the water.
Probability of success
PROW
The probability of finding the search object
with a particular search. For each sub-area A name very frequently given to the head or
searched, POS = POC 6 POD. Measures foremost end of a vessel, particularly by the
search effectiveness. French.
QUARTER
stem.
R
The upper part of the topside abaft. (See RABBET or REBATE
Sheer Draught, Plate I.) A joint made by a groove, or channel, in a
piece of timber cut for the purpose of
QUARTER-DECK
receiving and securing the edge or ends of
That deck in ships of war which extends from the planks, as the planks of the bottom into
the main-mast to the stern. (See Sheer the keel, stem, or stern post, or the edge of
Draught, Plate I.) one plank into another. (See Sheer Draught,
QUARTER-GALLERIES Plate I.)
The projections from the quarters abaft, fitted RAFT-PORT
with sashes and balusters, and intended A large square hole framed and cut through
both for convenience and ornament to the aft the buttock between the transoms, or
part of the ship. (See Sheer Draught, Plate forward in the bore, between the
I.) breasthooks, and through which masts,
QUARTERING planks, deals, &c. are taken into store-ships,
Timber under five inches square. or merchant-ships, carrying such cargoes
which, owing to their great length, cannot be
Quartering sea gotten on board in any other way.
A sea on the quarter (coming from a side of
RAG-BOLT
the stern).
A sort of bolt having its point jagged or
QUARTER-PIECES barbed to make it hold the more securely.
Substantial pieces of timber, mostly fir, that
RAILS
form the out-boundary of the stern, and
connect the quarter-gallery to the stern and The long narrow pieces of fir or oak, with
taffarel. (See Sheer Draught and Stern, Plate mouldings struck on them, which are
I.) fastened or sometimes wrought from the
solid plank, as ornaments to the ship's sides,
QUARTER-RAILS and also at the head and stern. The principal
Rails fixed into stantions from the stern to are as follow; the lower rail on the side,
the gangway, and serving as a fence to named the waist-rail; and the next above it.
prevent any one from falling overboard, &c. the sheer-rail, which are generally placed
or birthing up to the quarters. (See Sheer well with the sheer or top timber line, the
Draught, Plate I.) rails next above the sheer-rail are called
Quarters drift-rails, and the rails above the plank-
sheer the fife-rails. The rails of the head are
Living compartments. distinguished by the lower, middle, main, and
Quarters bill upper rails; and the rails of the stern take
A vessel's station bill showing duties of crew. their names from the parts where they are
fixed, as tuck-rail, lower counter-rail, upper
Quay counter-rail, taffarel-rail, and taffarel-fife-rail.
A cargo-discharging wharf. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.) To these may
QUICKEN, To be added, the thwartship pieces of the
framing of the great cabin bulkheads, &c.
To give any thing a greater curve. For
instance, "To Quicken the Sheer," is to Rake
shorten the radius by which the curve is The angle of a vessel's masts from the
struck; this term is therefore opposed to vertical.
straightening the sheer.
RAKE
QUICKWORK The overhanging of the stem or stern beyond
A denomination given to the strakes which a perpendicular with the keel, or any part or
shut in between the spirkettings and clamps.
Maritime Glossary of Terms 64
thing that forms an obtuse angle with the shape of the body is formed below the
horizon. breadth. (See FRAMES.)
RAKING-KNEES Recover (to)
(See KNEE TIMBER.) to pick up shipwrecked persons
RAM-LINE red tide
A small rope or line sometimes used for the Discolouration of surface waters from
purpose of forming the sheer or hang of the blooms of phytoplankton. Strictly refers to
deck, for setting the beams fair, &c. blooms that produce a reddish-brown colour
but often used for blooms of other colours.
RANGES
(see also algal bloom)
Horned pieces of oak, like belaying cleats,
but much larger, bolted to the inside of the Reducer
ship, in the waist, for belaying the tacks and A short section of pipe, having one end of
sheets. Also those pieces of oak plank fixed smaller diameter than the other and having a
between the ports, with semi-circular holes in flange on each end, for connecting a smaller
them for keeping shot in. hose or pipe to a pipe of constant diameter.
RASING Reef
The act of marking by a mould on a piece of To reduce the area of a sail by making fast
timber; or any marks made by a tool called a the reef points (used in rough weather).
rasing-knife. [rase]
REEMING
Rate A term used by caulkers for opening the
The cost, or revenue, for a particular voyage seams of the planks, that the oakum may be
based on a standard of reference, e.g. more readily admitted.
Worldscale, INTASCALE, ATRS.
REEMING-IRONS
RATE The large irons used by caulkers in opening
The denomination of the different classes of the seams.
ships, according to their number of guns.
Reeve
Thus those of 100 guns and all above, are
called first rates; those of 98 and 90 guns, To pass the end of a rope through any lead
such as a sheave or fair: lead.
second rates; from 80 to 64 guns, third rates;
from 60 go 50 guns, fourth rates; from 40 to Reference line
32 are fifth rates; and all under are sixth A line displayed on the radar screens in VTS
rates; excepting yachts, fire ships, and Centres and/or electronic sea-charts
hospital ships, which are rated as fifth rates. separating the fairway for inbound and
Ratline outbound vessels so that they can safely
A short length of small rope "ratline stuff" pass each other
running horizontally across shrouds, for a Refloat (to)
ladder step. To pull a vessel off after grounding; to set
RAVE-HOOK afloat again
A hooked tool used by square-makers, to Registry
haul out the small chips when enlarging the The ship's certificate determining the
butts for receiving a sufficient quantity of ownership and nationality of the vessel.
oakum. Relieving tackle: A tackle of double and
Receiving point single blocks rove with an endless line and
used to relieve the strain on the steering
A mark or place at which a vessel comes
under obligatory entry, transit, or escort engine in heavy weather or emergency.
procedure Registry
RECONCILE, To A duty imposed on shipowners in order to
To make one piece of work answer fair with secure to their vessels the privileges of ships
the moulding or shape of the adjoining piece, of the nation to which they belong.
and, more particularly, in the reversion of Reid Vapour Pressure
curves.
Relative effort
RECONCILER OR RECONCILING SWEEP The amount of available search effort (Z)
A curve which reconciles the floor and lower- divided by the effort factor. The relative effort
breadth sweeps together, and thus the relates the size of the effort available for a
Maritime Glossary of Terms 65
particular search to the size of the search Rescue co-ordination centre First
object's location probability distribution at the RCC affiliated with the shore station that first
time of the search. Zr =Z/fZ. acknowledges a distress alert, and which
RELIEVE, To should assume responsibility for all
To make a sett near to another that cannot subsequent SAR co-ordination unless and
be sett on any more till it is taken on each until responsibility is accepted by another
side. (See SETT.) RCC better able to take action.
keel with its kelson to the back bone, and the Rig
timbers to the ribs. For the former unite and A general description of a vessel's upper:
support the whole fabric, since the stem and works; to fit out.
stern frame, which are elevated on the ends
of the keel, may be said to be a continuation Rig move
of it, and serve to connect and inclose the The movement of an oil rig, drilling platform,
extremities, by the hawse pieces and etc., from one position to another
transoms, as the keel forms and unites the Right
bottom by the floor-timbers. The idea carried
To return to a normal position, as a vessel
further may in a manner represent the
righting after heeling over.
muscular parts of the human fabric; for the
wales, clumps [sic], and thickstuffs, at the RIMS
different heads of the timbers, are as so Those pieces which form the quarter
many muscles or strong ligaments to galleries between the stools. (See Sheer
connect the ribs together, while the thinner Draught, Plate I.) Also a cast iron frame in
planking may be compared to the skin or which the dropping palls of a capstan
covering wf the whole, and hence planking is traverse and bring up the capstan.
often termed skinning. (See Midship Section,
Plate III.) RING and EYE BOLTS
for securing GUNS, &c. have the part that
Ride enters into the wood cylindrical. Those for
To lie at anchor; to ride out; to safely ring-bolts have the rings turned into an eye
weather a storm whether at anchor or made at the head of the bolt. The rings are
underway. sometimes made angular, to receive many
RIDERS turns of lashing; such are the bolts for
lashing the booms and spare anchors. Eye
Interior ribs to strengthen and bind the parts
bolts have only an eye made at the head of
of a ship together, being fayed upon the
the bolt, to which the tackles, &c. may be
inside stuff, and bolted through all. They are
hooked. (See Midship Sections, Plate III.)
mostly used in ships of war, and are
Some eye-bolts have a shoulder to them, to
variously situated, as the Floor Riders, which
resist a great strain, as the fish-tackle eye-
are fayed athwart the kelson, and should be
bolt, which has a plate, or long strap, made
disposed upon the first futtocks of the ship.
under the eye to prevent its burying into the
The next are the lower or first futtock riders,
plank. The TOGGLE-BOLT [see Steel's "Art
which fay alongside the floor-riders, and give
of Mastmaking."] has a flat head and a
scarph above them. These are completed by
mortise through it, that receives a toggle or
cross-chocks athwart their heels, that scarph
pin. Its use is to confine the ensign staff, &c.
to each side with hook and butt. The next are
into its place, by means of a strap.
second futtock riders, which fay alongside of
the first futtock riders, down to the floor Ringbolt
riders, and run up to the orlop beams. The A bolt fitted with a ring through its eye, used
third futtock riders fay alongside the second for securing, running, rigging, etc.
futtock riders, scarph or meet the first futtock
ridders, and run up to the gun-deck beams. RING-BOLTS
The whole are bolted together fore and aft- (See BOLTS.)
wise. The riders next above the foregoing RINGS
are called breadth riders, and are placed Circles of iron, or other metal, for lifting
nearly in the broadest part of the ship (hence things by hand or securing the points of
their name,) and diagonally so as to partake bolts, &c. Hatch Rings are those which are
of two or more timbers, the strength fixed to the hatches or scuttles, to open or
depending much thereon. Lastly, the top- shut them with. Port Rings are those which
riders are the uppermost; they stand nearly are fixed to the port or scuttle lids to haul
the same as breadth riders, and very much them open by, or bar them in.
strengthen the topside. Riders are not so
much required in merchant ships as in ships Rips
of war, excepting floor and lower riders, A disturbance of surface water by conflicting
(which are generally of iron,) because, in current or by winds.
merchant ships the cargo being generally Rise and shine
stowed low down, the upper works are not
liable to strain and labour like those in ships A call to turn out of bunks.
of war laden high up with heavy metal. RISING
Maritime Glossary of Terms 67
A term derived from the shape of a ship's That geographical belt located approximately
bottom in general, which gradually narrows, in 40 degrees south latitude in which are
or becomes sharper towards the stem and encountered the prevailing or stormy
the stern post. On this account, the floor, westerlies.
towards the extremities of the ship, is raised
Rogue Wave
or lifted above the keel: otherwise the shape
would be so very acute, as not to be An ocean wave much larger than the current
provided from timber with sufficient strength wave sequence. This wave may also be
in the middle or cutting-down. The floor outside the current wave direction and may
timbers forward and abaft, with regard to be 100 feet or more in height
their general form and arrangement, are Roll call
therefore gradually lifted or raised upon the The act of checking how many passengers
solid body of wood called the dead or rising- and crew members are present, e.g. at
wood, which must, of course, have more or assembly stations, by reading aloud a list of
less rising as the body of the ship assumes their names
more or less fullness or capacity. (See
DEAD RISING.) ROLLERS
Cylindrical pieces of timber revolving on an
RISING FLOORS
axis, and so fixed above the deck, either
The floors forward and abaft, which, on horizontally or perpendicularly, as to prevent
account of the rising of the body, are the the chafing of the cable or hawser, &c.
most difficult to be obtained, as they must be against the jear and top-sail sheet bitts, &c.
deeper in the throat or at the cutting down, to Those placed forward in the manger are for
preserve strength. the use of the voyal or messenger.
RISING HALF-BREADTH, OR NARROWING OF THE ROLLING
FLOOR-SWEEP
That motion by which a ship vibrates from
A curve line, on the half-breadth plan, which side to side. Rolling is therefore a sort of
determines the distance of the radius of the revolution about an imaginary axis passing
floor-sweeps from the middle line. (See through the centre of gravity of the ship: so
Sheer Draught, Plate I.) that the nearer the centre of gravity is to the
RISING STRAIGHT, keel, the more violent will be the roll,
in whole moulding, is a curve line in the because the centre, about which the
sheer plan, drawn at the intersection of the vibrations are made, is placed so low in the
straight part of the bend mould, when bottom, that the resistance made by the keel
continued to the middle line at each to the volume of water which it displaces in
respective timber. (See Long Boat, on Plate rolling, bears very little proportion to the
IV.) force of the vibration above the centre of
gravity, the radius of which extends as high
RISING-LINE as the mast-heads. But, if the centre of
An elliptical line, drawn on the plan of gravity is placed higher above the keel, the
elevation, to determine the sweep of the radius of the vibration will not only be
floor-heads throughout the ship's length, diminished, but such and additional force to
which accordingly ascertains the shape of oppose the motion of rolling will be
the bottom with regard to its being full or communicated to that part of the ship's
sharp. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.) bottom as may contribute to diminish this
movement considerably. It may be observed
RISINGS OF BOATS, THE
that, with respect to the formation of a ship's
is a narrow strake of board fastened body, that shape which approaches nearest
withinside to support the thwarts. to a circle is the most liable to roll; as it is
RISING-SQUARE evident, that if this be agitated in the water, it
A square used in whole moulding, upon will have nothing to restrain it; because the
which is marked the height of the rising-line rolling or rotation about its centre displaces
above the upper edge of the keel. (See Long no more water than when it remains upright,
Boat, on Plate IV.) and hence it becomes necessary to increase
the depth of the keel, the rising of the floors,
RISING-WOOD and the deadwood afore and abaft.
(See DEAD WOOD.)
ROOM AND SPACE
Roaring forties The distance from the moulding edge of one
timber to the moulding edge of the next
Maritime Glossary of Terms 68
timber, which is always equal to the breadth That part of the ship abaft, which is above
of two timbers, and two to four inches or the quarter-deck, fitted up with cabins, &c.
more. The room and space of all ships that for the accomodation of the officers. (See
have ports should be so disposed that the Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
scantling of the timber on each side of the
ROUND-HOUSES AT THE HEAD
lower ports, and the size of the ports fore
and aft, may be equal to the distance of two Conveniencies [sic] or seats of ease for the
rooms and space. (See Sheer Draught, Plate officers. (See Half Breadth Plan, Plate I.)
I.) ROUND-UP OF THE TRANSOMS
ROOMS The segment of a circle to which they are
The different vacancies between the timbers, sided, or of beams to which they are
and likewise those between the beams, as moulded.
the MAST-ROOMS, CAPSTAN-ROOM, Route
HATCH-ROOM, &c. Also the different See Deep Water Route, Traffic Route, Two-
apartments or places of reserve, of which Way-Route. Means Whichever type is
there are a number in a ship, as the Bread- appropriate in the context unless otherwise
Room, an apartment in the hold abaft for specified.
containing the bread for the ship's use. The
Fish-Room, an apartment next adjoining, in Routeing Organization
which cured or dried fish was formerly A company or organization respon- sible to a
stored, but which is now generally used as a countrys Administration for the authorization
coal-hole, and to stow spirits in. The of the commissioning of an SE5 which is
Captain's and Lieutenant's Store-rooms, are registered in that country.
two apartments built near each other on the Routing
starboard side of the after platform, for those
A complex of measures concerning routes
officers to store their wine in, &c. Sail-Rooms
aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; it
are built between decks upon the orlop or
includes traffic separation schemes, two-way
lower deck to contain the spare sails. The
routes, tracks, areas to be avoided, inshore
Spirit-Room is built in the hold, next before
traffic zones, and deep water routes.
the fish-room, to contain the spiritous liquors
for the use of the ship's company. Besides ROW PORTS
these, there are several other store-rooms in Square scuttles cut through the sides of
which the carpenter's, boatswain's, and frigates, sloops, and small vessels, one
gunner's stores are kept; with the Steward's- between each port in midships, through
Room, whence most of the provisions are which the sweeps are worked to row them
issued, and which is the place appointed for along in a calm or light wind. In point of utility
the purser's steward to transact his business they are therefore similar to rowlocks along
in. The Filling Room is a place parted off and the gunwale of boats.
lined with lead in the magazine, wherein the
powder is started, in order to fill the ROWLOCKS
cartridges. The scores in the sides of boats wherein the
oars or sculls are confined to row them with.
ROUGH-TREE-RAILS
Rudder
Rails along the waist and quarters, nearly
breast-high, to prevent persons from falling The flat or shaped frame hung to the
overboard. This term originated from the sternpost of a ship, which is used to steer
practice in merchant vessels of carrying their the ship.
rough or spare-gear in crutch-irons along RUDDER PENDANTS
their waist. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.) Ropes to prevent the loss of the rudder in
ROUND STERN case of its being unshipped by accident.
The stern of a vessel whose bottom, wales, Rudder post
&c. are wrought quite aft, and unite in the That part of a rudder by which it is pivoted to
stern-post. Few English vessels are built on the sternpost.
this construction, excepting small vessels, as
hoys, &c. (See SQUARE STERNED.) RUDDER, OR ROTHER
The machine, attached to the stern post, by
ROUND-AFT
the pintles and braces, which serve to direct
The segment of a circle that the stern the course of the ship. It is formed of several
partakes of from the wing-transom upward. pieces of timber, of which the main piece is
ROUND-HOUSE generally of oak, extends the whole length,
Maritime Glossary of Terms 69
and forms the head. The bearding piece, That speed of a vessel allowing time for
which forms the fore part, is of elm, and effective action to be taken under prevailing
derives its name from its shape, because circumstances and conditions to avoid a
from the middle, each way, it is shaped collision and to be stopped within an
angle-wise, or bearded to two-fifths of its appropriate distance
thickness, or less if the stern-post is bearded
Safe working load
back, that the rudder occasionally may form
an obtuse angle with the ship's length. The Maximum working load of lifting equipment
other pieces are of fir. (See Sheer Draught, that should not be exceeded should not be
Plate I.) exceeded
To save a vessel or cargo from total loss The letting of one piece of timber or plank
after an accident; recompense for having into another with a lap, in such a manner,
saved a ship or cargo from danger. that both may appear as one solid and even
surface, as keel-pieces stem pieces, clamps,
Salvage
&c.
The property which has been recovered from
a wrecked vessel, or the recovery of the Scenario
vessel herself. A consistent set of known facts and
assumptions describing what may have
SAMPSON's POST
happened to the survivors.
A large pillar or stantion placed up diagonally
on each side against the quarter-deck beam, Scene
and next afore the cabin bulkhead, with its The area or location where the event, e.g. an
lower end tenoned into a chase on the upper accident, has happened
deck. It is used to bring the fish-tackle too
School
[sic] when fishing the anchor, &c. This name
is also given to the pillar immediately under A large body of fish.
the hatchways, having scores on each side, SCHOONER
as steps, to go up and down by. This pillar is A cutter-built vessel, but longer in proportion
of so much larger scantling than the other than a cutter, and having two masts, whose
pillars, as not to be too much weakened by main-sail and fore-sail are spread upon a
the scores. gaff or boom.
SAR SCREEN BULKHEAD
Search and Rescue The after bulkhead under the round-house.
SarNET SCREWS, BED OR BARREL
A broadcast system between RCCs within A powerful machine for lifting large bodies;
the footprint of an individual satellite. and when placed against the gripe of a ship,
SART to be launched for starting her [punct: sic]. It
consists of two large poppets or male
Search and Rescue Transponder
screws, having holes through their heads to
SAWS admit levers, a bed formed by a large oblong
The most useful instruments used in piece of elm, with a female screw near each
carpentry. The hand-saw is the smallest, and end to admit the poppets, and a sole of elm
is used by one hand. The two-hand or cross- plank for the heels of the poppets to work on,
cut-saw is much longer, and is used by two agreeably to the annexed figure. [illus.]
men. The whip-saw is the longest of all, Those used as last described, have an
being that generally used in a saw-pit, or for inclined sole so as to stand square to the
the more laborious purposes. The hack-saw stem or knee.
is made of a scythe jagged at the edge, and
SCREWS, HAND
used chiefly for cutting off iron bolts.
(See HAND SCREWS.)
Scale
SCROLL
To climb up. A formation of rust over iron or
steel plating. A spinal ornament fastened at the drifts.
(See DRIFTS.) Likewise the finish of the
SCALE upper part of the hair bracket. (See Sheer
The graduated lines, divided into equal parts, Draught, Plate I.) For SCROLL HEAD. (See
and placed at the bottom of the sheer HEAD.)
draught, &c. as a common measure for
SCROLL HEAD, A
ascertaining the dimensions by the plan; and
for this purpose each of the larger divisions signifies that there is no carved or
represents a foot, and the subdivisions, ornamental figure at the head, but that the
inches. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.) termination is formed and finished of by a
volute, or scroll turning outwards. A FIDDLE
SCANTLING HEAD signifies a similar kind of finish, but
The dimensions given for the timbers, plank, with the scroll turning aft or inwards.
&c. Likewise, all quartering under five inches
Scupper
square, which is termed scantling; all above
that size is called CARLING. Any opening or tube leading through the
ships side to carry water away from the
SCARPHING deck.
Maritime Glossary of Terms 71
ensuring that planning for those services is Typical steps in the orderly progression of
properly co-ordinated. SAR missions. These are normally
Awareness, Initial Action, Planning,
Search and rescue data provider
Operations, and Mission Conclusion.
A source for a rescue co-ordination centre to
contact to obtain data to support search and Search and rescue sub-region
rescue operations, including emergency A specified area within a search and rescue
information from communications equipment region associated with a rescue sub-centre.
registration databases, ship reporting
Search and rescue transponder
systems, and environmental data systems
(e.g., weather or sea current). A survival craft transponder that, when
activated, sends out a signal automatically
Search and rescue facility when a pulse from a nearby radar reaches it.
Any mobile resource, including designated The signal appears on the interrogating
search and rescue units, used to conduct radar screen and gives the bearing and
search and rescue operations. distance of the transponder from the
interrogating radar for search and rescue
Search and rescue incident
purposes.
Any situation requiring notification and
alerting of the SAR system and which may Search and rescue unit
require SAR operations. A unit composed of trained personnel and
provided with equipment suitable for the
Search and rescue liaison officer
expeditious conduct of search and rescue
An officer assigned to promote co-ordination operations.
during a SAR mission.
Search area
Search and rescue mission co-ordinator
The area, determined by the search planner,
The official temporarily assigned to that is to be searched. This area may be
coordinate response to an actual or apparent sub-divided into search sub-areas for the
distress situation. purpose of assigning specific responsibilities
Search and rescue plan to the available search facilities.
A general term used to describe documents Search effort
which exist at all levels of the national and A measure of the area a search facility can
international search and rescue structure to effectively search within the limits of search
describe goals, arrangements and speed, endurance, and sweep width. Search
procedures which support the provision of effort is computed as the product of search
search and rescue services. speed (V), search endurance (T), and sweep
Search and rescue point of contact width (W). Z = V x T x W.
Rescue co-ordination centres and other Search endurance
established and recognized national points The amount of ``productive'' search time
of contact which can accept responsibility to available at the scene. This figure is usually
receive CospasSarsat alert data to enable taken to be 85% of the on-scene endurance,
the rescue of persons in distress. leaving a 15% allowance for investigating
Search and rescue region sightings and navigating turns at the ends of
An area of defined dimensions, associated search legs.
with a rescue co-ordination centre, within Search facility position error
which search and rescue services are
Probable error in a search craft's position,
provided. based on its navigational capabilities.
Search and rescue service Search object
The performance of distress monitoring, A ship, aircraft, or other craft missing or in
communication, co-ordination and search distress or survivors or related search
and rescue functions, including provision of objects or evidence for which a search is
medical advice, initial medical assistance, or being conducted.
medical evacuation, through the use of
public and private resources including co- Search pattern
operating aircraft, vessels and other craft A track line or procedure assigned to an
and installations. SRU for searching a specified area.
Search and rescue stage Search pattern
Maritime Glossary of Terms 73
A pattern according to which vessels and/or issued to enable a vessel to proceed, after
aircraft may conduct a co-ordinated search temporary repairs have been effected, to
(the IMOSAR offers seven search patterns) another port where permanent repairs are
then carried out.
Search radius
The actual search radius used to plan the Seaworthy
search and to assign search facilities. It is Capable of putting to sea and able to meet
usually based on adjustments to the optimal sea conditions.
search radius that are needed for operational
Secondary swells
reasons.
Swell systems of less height than the
Search speed primary swell.
The speed (or velocity) with which a search
SECTION
facility moves over the ground when
searching. A draught or figure, representing the internal
parts of the ship, at any particular place
Search speed athwartships. (See Midship Section, Plate
The speed of searching vessels directed by III.)
the OSC
Secure
Search sub-area To make fast; safe; the completion of a drill
A designated area to be searched by a or exercise on board ship.
specific assigned search facility or possibly
Secure for sea
two facilities working together in close co-
ordination. Prepare for going to sea, extra lashing on all
movable objects.
SEASONING
Segregated Ballast Tank
A term applied to a ship kept standing a
certain time after she is completely framed Tanks for the carriage of ballast water only.
and dubbed out for planking, which should Unlike CBT (see above), SBT require
never be less than six months when separate pumps and pipes intended for
circumstances will permit. Seasoned plank handling ballast water only.
or timber is such as has been cut down and Segregation (of goods)
sawn out one season at least, particularly Separation of goods which for different
when thoroughly dry, and not liable to shrink. reasons must not be stowed together
SEAT Seize
The scarph or part trimmed out for a chock, To bind with small rope.
&c. to fay to.
Semaphore
SEAT TRANSOM
Flag signaling with the arms.
That transom which is fayed and bolted to
the counter-timbers, next above the deck Sensors
transom, at the height of the port sills. Human senses (sight, hearing, touch, etc.),
those of specially trained animals (such as
SEATING dogs), or electronic devices used to detect
That part of the floor which fays on the the object of a search.
deadwood; and of a transom which fays
against the post. Separation Zone (or Line)
A zone or line separating traffic proceeding
Seaworthiness
in one direction from traffic proceeding in
The sufficiency of a vessel in materials another direction. A separation zone may
constructions, equipment, crew and outfit for also be used to separate a traffic lane from
the trade in which the it is employed. Any the adjacent inshore traffic zone.
sort of disrepair to the vessel by which the
cargo may suffer; overloading; untrained Separation zone / line
officers; may constitute a vessel A zone or line separating the traffic lanes in
unseaworthy. which vessels are proceeding in opposite or
nearly opposite directions; or separating a
Seaworthiness Certificate traffic lane from the adjacent sea area; or
A certificate issued by a classification society separating traffic lanes designated for
surveyor to allow a vessel proceed after she particular classes of vessels proceeding in
has me with a mishap that may have the same direction
affected its seaworthiness. It is frequently
Set
Maritime Glossary of Terms 74
Direction towards which a current flows A chain bolted through the topside, abaft the
cathead, to retain the shank and flukes of the
Set the course
anchor when stowed.
To give the steersman the de-sired course to
be steered. Shape a course
To ascertain the proper course to be steered
Set up rigging
to make the desired point or port. Shark's
To take in the slack and secure the standing mouth: The opening in an awning around the
rigging. mast.
SETTING, OR SETTING-TO
SHEATHING
The act of making the planks, &c. fay close A thin sort of doubling, or casing, or fir-board
to the timbers, by driving wedges between or sheet copper, and sometimes of both,
the planks, &c. and a wrain-staff. Hence we over the ship's bottom, to protect the planks
say, "Set, or set away," meaning to exert from worms, &c. Tar and hair, or brown
more strength. The power or engine used for paper dipt in tar and oil, is laid between the
the purpose of setting is called a SETT, and sheathing and the bottom.
is composed of two ring-bolts, and a wrain-
staff, cleats, and lashings. Sheave
The wheel of the block over which the fall of
Settle
the block is rove.
To lower, sink deeper.
SHEAVE
Shackle
A cylindrical wheel made of hard wood,
A U-shaped piece of iron or steel with eyes moveable round a rim as its axis, and placed
in the end closed by a shackle pin. in a block, of which there are several in the
Shackle sides of a ship, let through the side and
(1) Length of chain cable measuring 15 chest-tree [sic], for assisting to lead the tacks
fathoms. (2) U-shaped link closed with a pin and sheets on board, &c.
used for connecting purposes Sheer
SHACKLES A sudden change. The longitudinal dip of the
The small ring-bolts driven into the ports, or vessel's main deck.
scuttles, and through which the lashing SHEER
passes when the ports are barred in.
The longitudinal curve or hanging of the
Shaft alley ship's side in a fore and aft direction. (See
Covered tunnels within a ship through which Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
the tail shafts pass. SHEER DRAUGHT
Shake a leg The plan of elevation of a ship, whereon are
An order to make haste. described the outboard works, as the wales,
sheer-rails, ports, drifts, head, quarters, post
Shakedown cruise and stem, &c. the hang of each deck inside,
A cruise of a new ship for the purpose of the height of the water-lines, &c. (See Sheer
testing out all machinery, etc. Shank: The Draught, Plate I.)
main piece of the anchor having the arms at
the bottom and the Jew's harp at the top. SHEER-RAILS
The narrow ornamental mouldings along the
SHAKEN, OR SHAKEY topside, which are parallel to the sheer. They
A natural defect in plank or timber when it is are generally made of deal but are
full of splits or clefts, and will not bear sometimes wrought from the solid plank.
fastening or caulking. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
Shanghaied SHEERS
The practice of obtaining a crew by means of Two rough masts erected across the building
force. Crews were hard to get for long slip, for hoisting the ship's frames, &c. They
voyages, and when the unwilling shipmate are lashed together at their upper ends, with
regained consciousness, he found himself tackles depending from the intersection at
bound for some remote port, such as top; and are kept upright by guys extending
Shanghai. One who is forced to do forward and aft from the heads. The heels
something against his will. are lashed to prevent their spreading.
That some judgement may be formed of the
SHANK-PAINTER
dimensions of sheers, we subjoin the
Maritime Glossary of Terms 75
following, which are sufficient for raising the A compartment in a bomb-vessel, fitted up
stern-frame of the largest ship in the English with shelves to receive bomb-shells when
navy. Two masts, each nineteen inches and charged.
a half in diameter, and sixty-six feet long,
SHIFT
spread at the heels, from out to outside,
forty-six feet four inches. The tackles, A term applied to disposing the butts of the
consisting of four treble blocks, twenty-eight planks, &c. so that they may over launch
inches long, the sheaves brass coaked. The each other without reducing the length, and
falls new eight-inch rope. One treble block so as to gain the most strength. The planks
lashed, so as to be fixed to the aft part of the of the bottom, in British-built ships of war,
sheers, and another to the foreside. Shivers have a six-feet shift with three planks
to stand nearly athwartships, and fair with between each butt, so that the planks run
the leading-block at the heels of the sheers, twenty-four feet long. In the bottoms of
merchant ships they have a six-feet shift with
to prevent the fall from rubbing against the
cheeks of the blocks. One treble block only two planks between each butt; making
lashed to the back of the stern frame, but eighteen-feet planks in length. The shift
between the deck and filling transoms, to of the timbers are more or less according to
stand athwartships, and lead to the opposite the contract. (See Disposition of the Frame,
sheer. To have a double tackle at the head and Planking expanded, Plate III.)
of the stern-post, the fall 3-1/2 inch rope, to SHIFTING
bowse the head forward occasionally, with a The act of setting off the length of the planks
double tackle at the heel of 4-1/2 inch rope, of the bottom, topside, &c. that the butts may
to ease it forward or bowse it aft as required. over-run each other, in order to make a good
One double tackle at each end of the wing shift. (See Planking, Plate III.) Replacing old
transom, called horning tackles, to lead to stuff with new is also called shifting.
the standards most convenient to horn or
square the frame as wanted. The after treble Shifting cargo
block at the sheer head is to plumb the after Transverse movement of cargo, especially
part of the wing transom as nearly as bulk cargo, caused by rolling or a heavy list
possible, and the guys to steady the sheer- Ship
heads, two to lead forward and two aft on
To enlist; to send on board cargo; to put in
each side of the slip, to be seven inch
place; to take on board.
hawsers.
Ship Chandler
SHEER-STRAKE
Particular merchants handling ships stores,
The strake or strakes wrought in the topside,
supplies, and sundries, etc. Sometimes
of which the upper edge is wrought well with
handles spare parts as accommodation to
the top-timber line, or top of the side, and the
ship operators.
lower edge kept well with the upper part of
the upper deck ports in midships, so as to be Ship Earth Station
coutinued whole all fore and aft, and not cut An Inmarsat terminal carried on board a ship
by the ports. It forms the chief strength of the
Ships Agent
upper part of the topside, and is therefore
always worked thicker than the other A person or firm who transacts all business
strakes, and scarphed with hook and butt in a port on behalf of shipowners or
between the drifts. (See Sheer Draught, charterers. Also called shipping agent;
Plate I.) agent.
Sheet Shipper
The rope used to spread the clew of head The person for whom the master of a ship
sails and to control the boom of boom sails. agrees to carry cargo. Also called consignor.
The counting then started over again, with of the wing transom. (See Disposition, Plate
4:30 being one bell. III.)
SHOLES Side lights
Pieces of oak or plank, placed under the The red and green running lights, carried on
soles of the standards; or under the heels of the port and starboard sides respectively, of
the shores, in docks or slips where there are vessels under-way.
no groundways, to enable them to sustain
SIDING, OR SIDED
the weight required without sinking. Old
hanging port-lids are particularly suitable and The size or dimensions of timber the
useful for this purpose. contrary way to the moulding, or mould side.
Shorthanded SIRMARKS
Without sufficient crew. The different places marked upon the
moulds where the respective bevellings are
Short-Handed to be applied, as the lower sirmark, floor
Said of a vessel inadequately manned or sirmark, &c.
without the regular number of men.
Sister hooks
Shot Two iron flatsided hooks reversed to one
A short length of chain, usually 15 fathoms another.
(90 feet). (Method of measuring chain.)
Sister Ships
SHOT-LOCKERS, OR GARLANDS Ships built on the same design.
Apartments built up in the hold to contain the
Situation report
shot. Also pieces of oak plank, fixed against
the head-ledges and coamings of the hatch Reports, from the OSC to the SMC or the
and ladderways, or against the side between SMC to interested agencies, to keep them
informed of on-scene conditions and mission
the ports to contain the shot; for which
purpose they are hollowed out to near one- progress.
third of its diameter, so that the balls lie in SKEG
them about one inch asunder. It is the latter The after part of the keel, or that part
that are termed garlands. whereon the stern-post is fixed.
Shove in your oar SKEG-SHORES
To break into a conversation. One or two-pieces [sic] of four-inch plank,
SHRINKING put up endways under the skeg of the ship,
The contraction or loss of substance in to steady the after part a little when in the act
timber as it gets dry. of launching. They are confined to the
bottom of the ship by a hinge. The upper part
Shrouds is rounded, and they should be so carefully
Side stays from the masthead to the rail.. fixed as to fall readily when the ship starts;
for the writer hereof once saw a seventy-
SHROUDS
four-gun ship detained from launching by her
The range of large ropes extended from skeg-shore only.
each side of the ship to the mast-heads for
the support of the masts. Skids
Beams sometimes fitted over the decks for
SIDE COUNTER TIMBER
the stowage of heavy boats or cargo.
The stern timber which partakes of the
shape of the topside and heels upon the end SKIDS
Maritime Glossary of Terms 77
Pieces of oak plank, formed to the topside of According to the general acceptation of the
the ship, and extending vertically from the word, a small merchant or coasting vessel
wales to the top of the side. Their use is, to with one mast. But all ships of the Royal
preserve the ship's side from being injured Navy carrying less than twenty guns, and
by weighty bodies, when hoisted into or being above the class of gun-vessels, are
lowered out of the ship, but as they are denominated sloops, excepting bomb-
seldom wanted, for the reason heretofore vessels and fire-ships.
given under the article FENDERS, their
SLOP-ROOM
tendency to conduce to the decay of the
sides ought to explode them. The place appointed for the purser to keep
the ship's slops in. (See ROOMS.)
Skin
Slops
The plating of a ship.
A mixture of petroleum and water normally
SKINNING arising from tank washings.
A term often used for planking. (See RIBS.)
Sludge
Skipper A mixture of petroleum and water, usually
The captain. semi-solid, frequently containing sand and
scale.
Sky pilot
A chaplain. Slush
White-lead and tallow used on standing
Skylight
rigging.
A covering, either permanent or removable,
to admit air and light below decks. Smart
Snappy, seamanlike; a smart ship is an
Slack
efficient one.
The part of a rope hanging loose.
Smothering lines
Slack water
Pipe lines to a compartment for smothering a
The condition of the tide when there is no fire by steam or by a chemical.
horizontal motion.
SNAPE, TO
SLEEPERS
To hance or bevel the end of any thing so as
Pieces of compass timber fayed and bolted to fay upon an inclined plane.
upon the transoms and timbers adjoining,
withinside, to strengthen the buttock of the Snatch block
ship. A single block fitted so that the shell or hook
hinges to permit the bight of a rope to be
SLICES
passed through.
Tapering pieces of plank, used to drive
under the false keel, and settle the ship SNOW
upon. A vessel similar in construction to a brig, but
the largest of vessels fitted with two masts. It
SLIDING PLANKS,
has a square foresail and mainsail, with a
are the planks upon which the bilgeways trysail abaft, resembling the mizen of a ship,
slide in launching. and hoisted by a gaff upon a small mast,
SLIDING-KEELS close abaft the main-mast, which is called
An invention of the ingenious Captain the trysail mast.
Schank, of the Royal Navy, to prevent Snub
vessels from being driven to leeward by a
To check suddenly.
side wind. They are composed of plank of
various breadths, erected vertically, so as to Sny
slide up and down, through the keel. A small toggle used on a flag.
Slings SNYING
Ropes, nets, and any other means for A term applied to planks when their edges
handling general cargoes round or curve upwards. The great sny
occasioned in full bows or buttocks is only to
Slip
be prevented by introducing steelers. (See
To let go by unshackling, as a cable. STEELERS.)
SLOOP SOLAS
Maritime Glossary of Terms 78
Southwester Spill
An oil-skin hat with broad rear brim. Oil getting into the sea in any amount for any
reason.
space segment
Spill
Consists of the communication satellites
operated by Inmarsat. The accidental escape of oil, etc., from a
vessel, container, etc., into the sea
SPALING
Spill control gear
Keeping the frames of a ship to their proper
breadths by the cross-spales, which should Anti-pollution equipment for combating
so remain till some of the deck knees are accidental spills of oils or chemicals
bolted. (See CROSS-SPALES.) SPIRIT ROOM
Span A place built abaft the after-hold to contain
the spirits. (See ROOMS.)
A wire rope or line between davit heads.
Spanner SPIRKITTING [SIC; SPIRKETTING, SPIRKETING]
A tool for coupling hoses.
A thick strake, or strakes, wrought within
SPANSHACKLE side upon the ends of the beams or
A large bolt driven through the forecastle and waterways. In ships that have ports the
upper deck beams, and forelocked under spirkitting reaches from the waterways to the
each beam. It has a large square ring at the upperside of the lower sill, which is generally
head, for the purpose of receiving the end of of two strakes, wrought anchor-stock
the davit. It has however been long since fashion; in this case, the planks should
disused in the Royal Navy, as the davits are always be such as will work as broad as
more commodiously fixed in the fore- possible, admitting the butts be about six
channels. inches broad. (See Midship Section, Plate
Sparks III.)
The radio operator. SPLA-BOARDS
Boards or plank fixed to an obtuse angle, to
SPARS
throw the light into the filling room of a
Small firs used in making staging. magazine.
Speak Splice
To communicate with a vessel in sight.
To join two ropes together by tucking
Special Drawing Right strands.
A nominal currency used by CESs and Spot (Voyage) Charter
Accounting Authorities to calculate A charter for a particular vessel to move a
communication charges incurred by an SES. single cargo between specified loading
A fixed rate of exchange exists between the
port(s) and discharge port(s) in the
SDR and the nominal currency the Cold immediate future. Contract rate (spot rate)
Franc (GF): 1 SDR = 3.061 GF. covers total operating expenses such as port
Maritime Glossary of Terms 79
charges, bunkering, crew expenses, and the planks of the bottom end upon the
insurance, repairs, and canal tolls. The wing-transom.
charterer will generally pay all cargo-related
SQUARE, A
costs.
An instrument formed by a stock and a
Spring line tongue, fixed at right angles. To SQUARE is
Usually of the best wire hawsers; one of the to horn or form with right angles; and to
first lines sent out in mooring. "Springs in STAND-SQUARE is to stand or be at right
and springs out" a vessel. angles relatively to some object.
SPRUNG SQUARE-STERNED
A term indicating that a plank, &c. is strained A term applied to ships whose wing-transom
so much in the working as to crack or fly is at right angles, or nearly at right angles,
open and so as to be nearly broken off. To with the stern-post, and towards the upper
SPRING, is to quicken or raise the sheer. side of which the upper planks of the bottom
butt, or finish, in a rabbet formed by the tuck-
SPURN WATER
rail; the other part of the plank stopping at
A channel left above the ends of a deck to the side counter timbers, by which means
prevent water from coming any further. the stern may be commodiously fitted with
SPURS sashes, walks, &c. All British ships are now
Large pieces of timber, the lower ends of built upon this principle, whilst many of other
which are fixed to the bilgeways, and the nations are still constructed by the ancient
upper ends fayed and bolted to the ship's methods; hence we so fraquently hear the
bottom. They are used in some of the Royal prhase of "square-sterned and British built,"
Yards, although not by merchant builders, as as our practice in this respect justly claims
an additional security to the bilgeways in the superiority over that of all nations.
case any other part should fail in launching Squeegee
the ship.
A deck dryer composed of a flat piece of
SPURS OF THE BEAMS, OR BEAM-ARM wood shod with rubber, and a handle.
(See BEAM-ARM.) Stanchions: Wooden or metal uprights used
as supports (posts).
Squall
STABILITY
A sudden and violent gust of wind.
That quality which enables a ship to keep
SQUARE BODY herself steadily in the water, without rolling or
The figure which comprehends all the pitching. Stability in the construction, is only
timbers whose areas or planes are to be acquired, by fixing the centre of gravity
perpendicular to the keel, which is all that at a certain distance below the meta-centre,
portion of a ship between the cant-bodies. because the stability of the vessel increases
(See BODIES.) with the altitude of the meta-centre above
SQUARE MAKER, A the center of gravity. But when the meta-
centre coincides with the centre of gravity,
A shipwright who cuts the butts to receive
the vessel has no tendency whatever to
the oakum, and prepares the work ready for
remove out of the situation into which it may
the caulkers.
be put. Thus if the vessel be inclined either
SQUARE RIBBANDS to the starboard or larboard side, it will
The same as horizontal ribbands. (See remain in that position till a new force is
RIBBANDS.) impressed upon it; in this case, therefore, the
vessel would not be able to carry sail, and is
SQUARE TIMBERS consequently unfit for the purposes of
The timbers which stand square with, or navigation. If the meta-centre falls below the
perpendicular to, the keel. (See SQUARE common centre of gravity, the vessel will
BODY.) immediately overset.
SQUARE TUCK As the meta-centre, or its determination, is of the utmost
A name given to the after part of a ship's importance in the construction of ships, the
bottom when terminated in the same student who wishes to make himself more
direction up and down as the wing-transom, particularly acquainted therewith, may see
and the planks of the bottom end in a rabbet the subject more fully illustrated in the
at the foreside of the fashion piece; whereas "Elements and Practice of Naval
ships with a buttock are round or circular, Architecture." [also by Steel, 1805]
Maritime Glossary of Terms 80
STANDARDS STAYS
are also large poles, set up endways at Large ropes to support the masts which are
certain distances round the slips, and to extended towards the forepart of the ship
which the spars are hung to support the counteracting the effort of the shrouds which
staying. They have cleats nailed along the mostly lead abaft, and thereby keeping the
fore and after sides, at about two feet mast in a steady position.
distance, in nearly the whole length. Steady
STANDING An order to hold a vessel on the course she
A term applied to a bevelling which is is heading.
obtuse, or without a square, to distinguish it STEELER [STEALER]
from an acute or under bevelling, which is
A name given to the foremost or aftermost
within a square. plank, in a strake which drops short of the
Standing orders stem and stern-post, and of which the end or
Orders of the Master to the officer of the butt nearest the rabbet is worked very
watch which he/she must comply with narrow, and well forward or aft. Their use is,
to take out the snying edge occasioned by a
Standing part
Maritime Glossary of Terms 81
full bow, or sudden circular buttock. (See the convenience of persons getting on
Planking Expanded, Plate III.) board. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
Steerage way STEPS OF THE MASTS
The slowest speed at which a vessel steers. The steps into which the heels of the masts
are fixed, are large pieces of timber. Those
Steering wheel
for the main and fore masts are fixed across
The wheel operating the steering gear and the kelson, and that for the mizen mast upon
by which the vessel is steered. the lower deck beams. The holes or mortises
STEERING-WHEEL into which the masts step, should have
The wheel on the quarter deck to which the sufficeint wood on each side to accord in
tiller rope is connected; and by turning of strength with the tenon left at the heel of the
which, the helm is moved or kept in any fixed mast, and the hole should be cut rather less
position. (See Inboard Works, Plate IV.) than the tenon, as an allowance for
shrinking. (See Inboard Works, Plate IV.)
Stem
Stern
The timber at the extreme forward part of a
boat secured to the forward end of the keel. The after part of the vessel (back of).
Stem Stern
(1) The upright post or bar of the bow. (2) The after most part of a vessel. The stern will
To order or arrange for, e.g bunkers. house the steering gear room and various
stowage areas. It is that section of a vessel
STEM over the rudder and propeller.
The main timber at the fore-part of the ship,
STERN
formed, by the combination of several
pieces, into a circular shape, and erected The after part of the ship extending from the
vertically to receive the ends of the bow wing-transom upwards, being terminated
planks, which are united to it by means of a above by the taffarel, below by the counters,
rabbet. Its lower end scarphs or boxes into and on the sides by the quarter-pieces. It
the keel, through which the rabbet is also therefore comprehends the lights or windows
carried, and the bottom unites in the same of the captain's cabin, &c. (See Sheer
manner. (See RIBS. See Sheer Draught, Draught, Plate I.)
Plate I.) Stern anchor
Stem the tide An anchor carried at the stern.
Stemming the tide or sea means to head the Stern board
vessel's bow directly into the current or
Progress backwards.
waves. Overcome adverse circumstances.
STERN-BRACKETS
STEMSON
are carved ornaments on the munions, under
A piece of compass timber, wrought on the the taffarel, at the arch of the cove, and
aft part of the apron withinside, the lower end sometimes under the balcony, &c.
of which scarphs into the kelson. Its upper
end is continued as high as the middle or STERN-FRAME
upper-deck; and its use is to succour the The strong frame of timber, composed of the
scarphs of apron, as that does those of the stern-post, transom and fashion-piece, which
stem. (See Inboard Works, Plate IV.) form the basis of the whole stern.
STEP FOR THE CAPSTAN STERN-POST
A solid lump of oak, fixed on the beams, in The principal piece of timber in the stern-
which the heel of the capstan works. (See frame, on which the rudder is hung, and to
Inboard Works, Plate IV.) which the transoms are bolted. It therefore
terminates the ship below the wing-transom,
STEPPING
and its lower end is tenoned into the keel.
A rabbet sunk in the dead-wood, at the (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
bearding-line, whereon the heels of the
timbers rest. (See BEARDING LINE. See Stevedore
also Sheer Draught, Plate I.) A professional cargo loader and unloader.
STEPS FOR THE SHIP'S SIDE STEWARD'S ROOM
The pieces of quartering, with mouldings, An apartment built on the larboard side of
nailed to the sides, amidships, about nine the after platform, whence the purser's
inches asunder, from the wale upwards, for steward issues the provisions to the ship's
Maritime Glossary of Terms 82
company, and where he makes up his The space provided for stowage of
accounts, &c. provisions or other materials.
STIFF STORE-ROOMS
Stable or steady. (See STABILITY.) The several apartments built upon the
platform to contain the different officers'
STILES
stores. (See ROOMS.)
The upright pieces of the framing of the great
cabin bulkheads, &c. which comprehends Stores
the panels. A general term for provisions, materials, and
supplies used aboard ship for the
STIRRUP
maintenance of the crew, and for the
An iron or copper plate, that turns upwards navigation, propulsion and upkeep of the
on each side of a ship's keel and dead- vessel and its equipment.
wood, at the fore-foot, or at her skeg, and
bolts through all. This can only be necessary Storm warning
when the dead-wood bolts are driven short, An announced warning of an approach of a
or are supposed to be insufficient. storm.
STIVING Stove
The elevation of a ship's cathead or Broken in.
bowsprit; or the angle which either makes
Stow
with the horizon. (See Sheer Draught, Plate
I.) To put in place.
STOOLS Stowaway
Pieces of plank, bolted to the quarters, for A person illegally aboard and in hiding.
the purpose of forming and erecting the STRAIGHT OF BREADTH
galleries. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.) Also The space before and abaft dead-flat, in
ornamental blocks for the poop lanterns to which the ship is of the same uniform
stand on abaft. (See BACKSTAY STOOLS.) breadth, or of the same breadth as at ['+'
Stopper surrounded by a circle] or dead-flat. (See
A short length of rope secured at one end, DEAD FLAT.)
and used in securing or checking a running Strake
rope, e.g., deck stopper, boat fall stopper, A continuous planking or plating fitted out to
etc. and from stem to stern of a vessel's side.
STOPPER-BOLTS STRAKE
Large ring-bolts, driven through the deck and One breadth of plank wrought from one end
beams before the main-hatch, for the use of of the ship to the other, either within or
the stoppers. They are carefully clinched on without board.
iron plates beneath.
Strand
STOPPERS
A number of yarns, twisted together and
Short ropes, with a knot at one end, and the which in turn may be twisted into rope; a
other end turned round a thimble into the rope is stranded when a strain is broken;
ring of the stopper-bolts, by which, and its rope may be designated by the number of
laniard, the cable is confined. strands composing. Rope is commonly
STOPPINGS-UP three-stranded. A vessel run ashore is said
The poppets, timber, &c. used to fill up the to be stranded.
vacancy between the upper-side of the Strap
bilgeways and the ship's bottom, for A ring of rope made by splicing the ends,
supporting her when launching. (See and used for slinging weights, holding the
Frontispiece.) parts of a block together, etc. A rope, wire or
store-and-forward messaging iron binding, encircling a block and with a
The protocol used by the InmarsatrC system thimble seized into it for taking a hook.
to transfer text or data in data packets to a stratosphere
receiving equipment. Error-correction The layer of the atmosphere 15-50 km above
information may be contained in the packets the Earths surface in which ozone prevents
to enable the receiver to perform ARQ. most ultraviolet radiation from reaching the
Storeroom Earths surface.
Maritime Glossary of Terms 83
The number of tons required to change a of the total drift error, initial position error,
vessels draft one inch in the water. TPI and search facility position error.
varies with the draft and its values can be
Total water current
found on a vessels deadweight scale.
The vector sum of currents affecting search
TOP AND BUTT objects.
A method of working English plank so as to TOUCH
make good conversion. As the plank runs
very narrow at the top clear of sap, this is The broadest part of a plank worked top and
butt, which place is six feet from the butt-
done by disposing the top-end of every plank
within six feet of the butt end of the plank end, or, the the middle of a plank worked
above or below it, letting every plank work as anchor-stock fashion. Also the sudden
broad as it will hold clear of sap, by which angles of the stern-timbers at the counters,
method only can every other seam produce &c.
a fair edge. (See Planking, Plate III.) Tow
TOP-HAMPER To pull through water; vessels towed.
Any unnecessary weight aloft, either on the Track
topside of the ship or about its tops and The path of the vessel.
rigging.
Track
Top-heavy The recommended direction or path to be
Too heavy aloft. followed when proceeding between pre-
Topping-Off determined position.
1) the operation of completing the loading of Track
a tank to a required ullage. 2) Filling up The path followed, or to be followed,
cargo tanks which were only partially filled at between one position and another
the loading port because of port or canal
draft restrictions. The filling up occurs Track spacing
outside the loading port via lightering The distance between adjacent parallel
activities, or at another loading port. search tracks.
TOPSIDE Trades
A name given to all that part of a ship's side The practically steady winds blowing toward
above the main-wales. the equator, N.E. in the northern and SE. in
the southern hemisphere.
TOP-TIMBER HALF-BREADTH
A section containing one half of the ship, at Traffic
the height of the top-timber line, Movement of shipping.
perpendicular to the plane of elevation. Traffic clearance
TOP-TIMBER LINE VTS authorization for a vessel to proceed
The curve limiting the height of the sheer at under conditions specified
the given breadth of the top-timbers. Traffic Lane
TOP-TIMBER SWEEP An area within definite limits inside which
(See FRAMES.) one-way traffic is established.
zooplankton the second trophic level, and A management process in which the setting
carnivorous organisms the third trophic level. of objectives and implementation of policies
and plans is devolved to the optimum
Truck
degree. There is a flow of information to
The flat circular piece secured on the top of policy-makers from the bottom used to revise
the mast. strategies, policies and plans and in the
True air speed design of policy instruments and legislation.
The speed an aircraft is travelling through Two blocks
the air mass. TAS corrected for wind equals
When the two blocks of a tackle have been
ground speed. drawn as close together as possible.
TRUSS type-approval by Inmarsat
Short pieces of carved work, mostly in small This is the official approval given by Inmarsat
ships, fitted under the taffarel in the same to an SES model produced by an
manner as the term-pieces. independent manufacturer, when the SES is
TUCK, THE proved to meet technical standards set by
The aft part of the ship where the ends of the Inmarsat. Only models which have been
planks of the bottom are terminated by the granted type-approval (or case- approval)
tuck-rail, and all below the wing-transom are permitted by Inmarsat to access any
when it partakes of the figure of the wing- Inmarsat com m un ication system.
transom as far as the fashion-pieces. (See
SQUARE TUCK.)
TUCK-RAIL U
The rail which is wrought well with the upper Ullage
side of the wing-transom, and forms a rabbet
for the purpose of caulking the butt ends of See OUTAGE
the planks of the bottom. (See Sheer Ullages
Draught, Plate I.) Measurements taken with a steel tape from
Tug boat the lip of the ullage hole to the to the surface
of the liquid; usually read to the nearest 1/8
A small vessel fitted for towing.
inch.
TUMBLING HOME, OR FALLING HOME
Ultra High Frequency
The inclination of the top-side from a
Ultra High Frequency (300-3000 MHz)
perpendicular towards the centre or the
middle of the ship. The top-sides of three- Ultra Large Crude Carrier
decked ships have the greatest tumbling 320,000 DWT and above. Because of their
home, for the purpose of clearing the upper huge sizes these vessels have been almost
works from the smoke and fire of the lower exclusively only used for the carriage of
guns. The advantages and disadvantages of crude oils. Only the smallest of this category
tumbling home sides will be found discussed has carried any type of refined products.
hereafter. Several of these ULCC classed vessels were
Turn in all standing over 500,000 and the biggest of these ships
had a deadweight of 564,939 tons.
Go to bed without undressing.
Umbrella
Turn to
The cone-shaped shield at the top of the
An order to commence ship's work.
smokestack.
Turn turtle
Unbend
To capsize.
To untie.
Turn-buckle
Uncertainty Phase
A metal appliance consisting of a thread and
A situation wherein doubt exists as to the
screw capable of being set up or slacked
safety of an aircraft or a marine vessel, and
back and used for setting up on rigging.
of the persons on board.
Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit
uncompanded
Standard container dimension
A transmission method that does not use
twin-track (in GESAMP) companding techniques. See companded.
UNDER
Maritime Glossary of Terms 90
A term applied to any bevelling that is within to unship the tiller, is to take it out of the
a square, or forming an acute angle. (See rudder-head.
BEVELLING.)
Unwatched
Under below Said of a lighthouse not tended.
A warning from aloft (heads up).
Up anchor
Undermanned Hoist or haul in the anchor.
Insufficient number of crew; shorthanded.
UPPER BREADTH-SWEEP
Undertow (See FRAMES.)
A subsurface current in a surf.
UPPER HEIGHT OF BREADTH
Underway (See HEIGHT OF BREADTH.)
Said of a vessel when not at anchor, nor
UPPER STRAKE OF BOATS
made fast to the shore, or aground.
A strake thicker than those of the bottom,
Underway wrought round the gun-wales.
Describes a vessel which is not at anchor, or
UPPER WORKS
made fast to the shore, or aground
A general name given to all that part of the
Underwriter ship above the wales; or all that part which
In marine insurance one who subscribes his may be considered as separated from the
name to the policy indicating his acceptance bottom by the main-wale. (See Sheer
of the liability mentioned therein Draught, Plate I.)
consideration for which he receives a
UPPER-DECK
premium.
The highest of those decks which are
Union purchase continued throughout the whole length of a
A method of cargo handling by combining ship, without falls or interruption. (See
two derricks, one of which is fixed over the Inboard Works, Plate IV. and its Plan, Plate
hatch, the other over the ships side III.)
Universal Co-ordinated Time UPRIGHT
a term which, for practical purposes, has the The position of a ship when she neither
same meaning as Greenwich Mean Time inclines to one side nor the other. Hence any
(GMT) thing is said to be upright when square with,
or perpendicular to, the keel. As the ship
Unlit
when building lies with a declivity for the
When the light of a buoy or a lighthouse are purpose of launching, it is evident, that every
inoperative thing within her intended to be perpendicular
Unnecessary SAR alert or upright, when afloat, must be set so much
A message sent by an RCC to the farther aft as its upper part or head inclines
appropriate authorities as a follow-up when from a plumb or perpendicular in its length,
the SAR system is unnecessarily activated according to the angle made by the declivity
by a false alert. of the ship in the same length.
Unreported upwelling
A situation where a craft has failed to report The slow upward transport of cold, nutrient-
its location or status when expected and rich water masses to the surface from depth.
remains missing. Coastal upwelling is usually induced by
surface winds.
Unseaworthiness
US CALLS
The states or condition of a vessel when it is
not in a proper state of maintenance, or if the Letter begin with "K". Liberian begin with
loading equipment or crew, or in any other numbers "A" or "E" or a numeral. Call letter
respect is not ready to encounter the must be used in cables after a vessels
ordinary perils of sea. name.
VOYAL WARD-ROOM
A large rope, used to unmoor, or heave up The apartment in which the officers mess,
the anchor, by communicating the effect of &c. next under the captain's cabin.
the capstan to the cable. WASH-BOARD
VTS area A shifting strake along the top-sides of a
Area controlled by a VTS Centre or VTS small vessel, used occasionally to keep out
Station the sea. (See Long Boat, Plate IV.)
Waste
Cotton yarn used for cleaning purposes.
W Watch cap
Waist A canvas cover secured over a funnel when
The portion of the deck between the not in use. Sailor's headwear, woolen type,
capable of covering the ears in cold weather.
forecastle and quarterdeck of a sailing
vessel. Watch officer
WAIST An officer taking his turn as officer of the
watch.
A name given to that part of the top-side
above the upper deck, between the main Water breaker
and fore drifts. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.) A small cask carried in ship's boats for
Wake drinking purposes.
A vessel's track through the water. WATER LINES, OR LINES OF FLOATATION
WALES
Those horizontal lines, supposed to be
The principal strakes of thickstuff wrought on
the outside of the ship upon the main- described by the surface of the water on the
bottom of a ship, and which are exhibited at
breadth, or broadest part of the body, and
which are called the main-wales. Also those certain depths upon the sheer-draught. Of
that are wrought between the ports, which these, the most particular are those
are called the channel-wales and middle or denominated the Light Water Line and the
Load Water Line; the former, namely, the
sheer-wales. The main-wales are the lower
wales, which are generally placed on the light-water line, being that line which shews
lower breadth. (See the respective Articles. the depression of the ship's body in the
water, when light or unladen, as when first
See also Sheer Draught, Plate I.)
launched; and the latter, which exhibits the
Walk back (to) (of anchors) same when laden with her guns and ballast
To reverse the action of a windlass to ease or cargo. (See Sheer Draught, Plate I.) In the
the cable (of anchors) half-breadth plan these lines are curves
limiting the half-breadth of the ship at the
Walk out (to) (of anchors)
height of the corresponding lines in the
To reverse the action of a windlass to lower sheer-plan.
the anchor until it is clear of the hawse pipe
and ready for dropping WATER WAYS
The edge of the deck next the timbers, which
Wall Wash Test
is wrought thicker than the rest of the deck,
The procedure of introducing an appropriate and so hollowed to the thickness of the deck
liquid into a vessels tank to test for as to form a gutter or channel for the water
hydrocarbon, color and other contaminants. to run through the scuppers. (See Upper
This test is done by physically pouring the Deck Plan, Plate III. and Midship Section,
liquid down vessels tank bulkheads and Plate III.)
trapping a portion on filter paper. This test is
Water/Cut Measurement
Maritime Glossary of Terms 93
The procedure of locating the oil/water tables, however, are for small quantities (on-
interface for the purpose of determining the board quantities, remaining on board) when
volume of free water in a shore tank or the cargo or free water does not touch all
vessel compartment. It is also used to refer bulkheads of the vessel tank.
to the line of demarcation of the oil/water
Weigh
interface.
Lift anchor off the bottom.
Waterline
WELL
The line painted on the side of the vessel at (1) The apartment formed in the middle of
the water's edge to indicate the proper trim. the hold, by bulkheads erected to inclose the
Water-logged pumps, and protect them from injury, which
Filled with water but afloat. might otherwise accrue from the lading and
ballast, and also to give ready admittance for
Water's edge examining the state of the pumps, &c. (See
The surface of the water. Inboard Works, Plate IV.)
Watertight The well in a fishing smack is a strong
apartment to contain live fish, built water-
Capable of keeping out water.
tight in the middle of the hold, with a number
Watertight Door of holes through its bottom, by means of
A door so constructed that, when closed, it which the fish are continually supplied with
will prevent water under pressure from water, and preserved alive.
passing through. (2) also implies in the same range or even with a
Waterway surface.
The gutter at the sides of a ship's deck to Well enough
carry off water. An order meaning sufficient (enough).
Wave (or Chop) WELL-GROWN
The condition of the surface caused by local This term implies that the grain of the wood
wind and characterized by irregularity, short follows the shape required, as in knee
distance between crests, whitecaps, and timber, &c.
breaking motion.
WHELPS
Waypoint The brackets or projecting parts of a capstan
A position a vessel has to pass or at which from the barrel. (See CAPSTAN.)
she has to alter course according to her
voyage plan Where away
A call requesting direction in answer to the
Weather eye report of a lookout that an object has been
To keep a weather eye is to be on the alert sighted.
(heads up).
Whipping
WEDGE A method of preventing the ends of a line
A triangular solid, much used in the from unlaying or fraying by turns of small
construction of a ship, and too well known to stuff, stout twine or seizing wire with the
need description. It is one of the mechanic ends tucked.
powers, the most simple and of the greatest
force. (See MECHANICS.) White cap
The white froth on the crests of waves.
Wedge Formula
WHOLE-MOULDED
A mathematical means to approximate small
A term applied to the bodies of those ships
quantities of liquid and solid cargo and free
which are so constructed, that one mould
water on board prior to loading and after
made to the midship bend, with the addition
discharge based on cargo compartment
of a floor-hollow, will mould all the timbers
dimensions and vessel trim. The wedge
below the main-breadth, in the square-body.
formula is to be used only when the liquid
Before the art of ship-building was brought to
does not touch all bulk heads of the vessels
its present perfection, the method of whole-
tanks.
moulding was in great repute, and was much
Wedge Table practised by the unskilful; as, however, the
A pre-calculated vessel table based on the art improved, this method became less
wedge formula and displayed much like the approved of in the construction of ships,
vessels usual innage/ullage tables. These whose form of the midship bend was
Maritime Glossary of Terms 94
X
X25
The communication protocol used on ,the
national international PSDN networks to
exchange digital data between terminals
connected to the network.
X400
A message-handling protocol used on the
national international X.25 (PSDN) networks
by electronic mail (E-mail) services around
the world to exchange messages and
electronic files between subscribers.
Y
YACHT
A vessel of state or pleasure, usually
employed to carry noble personages, and
accordingly fitted with convenient apartments
and suitable furniture.
YARDS
The long cylindrical pieces of timber,
suspended upon the masts to extend the
sails to the wind.