{Under Construction}
I have an extensive list of terms that I'm adding in sporadically.
Letters completed so far: E, I, J, K, Q, V, X, Y, Z.
--A--
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A & AS -- Alterations and additions to the structure‚ rigging and equipment of a warship.
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Abaft -- Toward the stern‚ relative to some object
("abaft the fore hatch").
Abaft the Beam -- Further aft than the beam: a relative bearing of greater than 90 degrees from the bow: "two points abaft the beam‚ starboard side". That would describe "an object lying 22.5 degrees toward the rear of the ship‚ as measured clockwise from a perpendicular line from the right side‚ center‚ of the ship‚ toward the horizon."
Abandon Ship! -- An imperative to leave the vessel immediately‚ usually in the face of some imminent overwhelming danger. It is an order issued by the Master or a delegated person in command. It is usually the last resort after all other mitigating actions have failed or become impossible‚ and destruction or loss of the ship is imminent; and customarily followed by a command to "man the lifeboats" or life rafts.
Abeam -- On the beam‚ a relative bearing at right angles to the centerline of the ship's keel.
"Abel Brown" -- A sea shanty (song) about a young sailor trying to sleep with a maiden.
"Abel Brown" -- A sea shanty (song) about a young sailor trying to sleep with a maiden.
Able Seaman -- Also able-bodied seaman. A merchant seaman qualified to perform all routine duties.
Aboard -- On or in a vessel. Synonymous with "on board." (See also Close Aboard.)
Aboard -- On or in a vessel. Synonymous with "on board." (See also Close Aboard.)
About -- "To go about is to change the course of a ship by tacking. Ready about‚ or boutship‚ is the order to prepare for tacking."
Above Board -- On or above the deck‚ in plain view‚ not hiding anything. Pirates would secret their crews below decks‚ thereby creating the false impression that an encounter with another ship was a casual matter of chance.
Above-Water Hull -- The hull section of a vessel above the waterline‚ the visible part of a ship. Also‚ topsides.
Absentee Pennant -- Special pennant flown to indicate absence of commanding officer‚ admiral‚ his chief of staff‚ or officer whose flag is flying (division‚ squadron‚ or flotilla commander).
Absolute Bearing -- The bearing of an object in relation to north. Either true bearing‚ using the geographical or true north‚ or magnetic bearing‚ using magnetic north. (See also Bearing and Relative Bearing.)
Above Board -- On or above the deck‚ in plain view‚ not hiding anything. Pirates would secret their crews below decks‚ thereby creating the false impression that an encounter with another ship was a casual matter of chance.
Above-Water Hull -- The hull section of a vessel above the waterline‚ the visible part of a ship. Also‚ topsides.
Absentee Pennant -- Special pennant flown to indicate absence of commanding officer‚ admiral‚ his chief of staff‚ or officer whose flag is flying (division‚ squadron‚ or flotilla commander).
Absolute Bearing -- The bearing of an object in relation to north. Either true bearing‚ using the geographical or true north‚ or magnetic bearing‚ using magnetic north. (See also Bearing and Relative Bearing.)
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Accommodation Ladder -- A portable flight of steps down a ship's side.
Accommodation Ship (or accommodation hulk) -- A ship or hulk used as housing‚ generally when there is a lack of quarters available ashore. An operational ship can be used‚ but more commonly a hulk modified for accommodation is used.
Act of Pardon or Act of Grace -- A letter from a state or power authorizing action by a privateer. (See also Letter of Marque.)
Action Stations (also Battle Stations, General Quarters)
1. An announcement made aboard a naval warship to signal the crew to prepare for battle‚ imminent damage‚ or a damage emergency (such as a fire).
2. Specific positions in a naval warship to which one or more crew are assigned when battle stations is called.
1. An announcement made aboard a naval warship to signal the crew to prepare for battle‚ imminent damage‚ or a damage emergency (such as a fire).
2. Specific positions in a naval warship to which one or more crew are assigned when battle stations is called.
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Admiral -- Senior naval officer of Flag rank. In ascending order of seniority‚ Rear Admiral‚ Vice Admiral‚ Admiral and (until about 2001 when all UK five-star ranks were discontinued) Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy). Derivation Arabic‚ from Amir al-Bahr ("Ruler of the sea").
Admiralty -- 1. A high naval authority in charge of a state's Navy or a major territorial component. In the Royal Navy (UK) the Board of Admiralty‚ executing the office of the Lord High Admiral‚ promulgates Naval law in the form of Queen's (or King's) Regulations and Admiralty Instructions. 2. Admiralty law.
Admiralty Law -- Body of law that deals with maritime cases. In the UK administered by the Probate‚
Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice or supreme court.
Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice or supreme court.
Adrift -- 1. Afloat and unattached in any way to the shore or seabed‚ but not under way. When referring to a vessel‚ it implies that the vessel is not under control and therefore goes where the wind and current take her (loose from moorings or out of place). 2. Any gear not fastened down or put away properly. 3. Any person or thing that is misplaced or missing. When applied to a member of the navy or marine corps‚ such a person is "absent without leave" (AWOL) or‚ in United States Navy and United States Marine Corps terminology‚ is guilty of an "unexcused absence" (UA).
Advance Note -- A note for one month's wages issued to sailors on their signing a ship's articles.
Adviso -- See Aviso.
Adviso -- See Aviso.
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Afloat –- Of a vessel which is floating freely (not aground or sunk). More generally of vessels in service ("the company has 10 ships afloat").
Afore –-
1. In‚ on‚ or toward the front of a vessel.
2. In front of a vessel.
Aft --
1. The portion of the vessel behind the middle area of the vessel.
2. Towards the stern (of the vessel).
Afore –-
1. In‚ on‚ or toward the front of a vessel.
2. In front of a vessel.
Aft --
1. The portion of the vessel behind the middle area of the vessel.
2. Towards the stern (of the vessel).
Afterbrow --
1. On larger ships‚ a secondary gangway rigged in the area aft of midship.
2. On some military vessels‚ such as U.S. Naval vessels‚ enlisted personnel below E-7 board the ship at the afterbrow; officers and CPO/SCPO/MCPO board the ship at the brow.
Afternoon Watch -- The 1200–1600 watch.
1. On larger ships‚ a secondary gangway rigged in the area aft of midship.
2. On some military vessels‚ such as U.S. Naval vessels‚ enlisted personnel below E-7 board the ship at the afterbrow; officers and CPO/SCPO/MCPO board the ship at the brow.
Afternoon Watch -- The 1200–1600 watch.
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Aground -- Resting on or touching the ground or bottom (usually involuntarily).
Ahead -- Forward of the bow.
Ahoy -- A cry to draw attention. Term used to hail a boat or a ship‚ as "Boat ahoy!"
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Aground -- Resting on or touching the ground or bottom (usually involuntarily).
Ahead -- Forward of the bow.
Ahoy -- A cry to draw attention. Term used to hail a boat or a ship‚ as "Boat ahoy!"
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Aloft -- In the rigging of a sailing ship. Above the ship's uppermost solid structure; overhead or high above.
1. In the rigging of a sailing ship.
2. Above the ship's uppermost solid structure.
3. Overhead or high above.
Alongside -- By the side of a ship or pier.
Amidships -- The middle section of a vessel with reference to the athwartships plane‚ as distinguished from port or starboard ("Put your rudder amidships.").
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1. In the rigging of a sailing ship.
2. Above the ship's uppermost solid structure.
3. Overhead or high above.
Alongside -- By the side of a ship or pier.
Amidships -- The middle section of a vessel with reference to the athwartships plane‚ as distinguished from port or starboard ("Put your rudder amidships.").
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Anchor --
1. An object designed to prevent or slow the drift of a ship‚ attached to the ship by a line or chain; typically a metal‚ hook-like or plough-like object designed to grip the bottom under the body of water (but also see sea anchor).
2. To deploy an anchor ("She anchored offshore.").
1. An object designed to prevent or slow the drift of a ship‚ attached to the ship by a line or chain; typically a metal‚ hook-like or plough-like object designed to grip the bottom under the body of water (but also see sea anchor).
2. To deploy an anchor ("She anchored offshore.").
Anchor Ball -- Round black shape hoisted in the forepart of a vessel to show that it is anchored.
Anchor Buoy -- A small buoy secured by a light line to an anchor to indicate position of anchor on bottom.
Anchor Buoy -- A small buoy secured by a light line to an anchor to indicate position of anchor on bottom.
Anchor Cable (or Anchor Chain) -- Chain connecting the ship to the anchor.
Anchor Chain (or Anchor Cable) -- Chain connecting the ship to the anchor.
Anchor Detail -- Group of men who handle ground tackle when the ship is anchoring or getting under way.
Anchor Chain (or Anchor Cable) -- Chain connecting the ship to the anchor.
Anchor Detail -- Group of men who handle ground tackle when the ship is anchoring or getting under way.
Anchor Sentinel -- A separate weight on a separate line which is loosely attached to the anchor rode so that it can slide down it easily. It is made fast at a distance slightly longer than the draft of the boat. It is used to prevent the anchor rode from becoming fouled on the keel or other underwater structures when the boat is resting at anchor and moving randomly during slack tide. Also called a Kellet.
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Ahull --
1. Lying broadside to the sea.
2. To ride out a storm with no sails and helm held to leeward.
1. Lying broadside to the sea.
2. To ride out a storm with no sails and helm held to leeward.
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Aid to Navigation (ATON) -- Any device external to a vessel or aircraft specifically intended to assist navigators in determining their position or safe course‚ or to warn them of dangers or obstructions to navigation.
Aircraft Carrier -- A warship designed with a primary mission of deploying and recovering aircraft‚ acting as a seagoing airbase. Since 1918‚ the term generally has been limited to a warship with an extensive flight deck designed to operate conventional fixed-wing aircraft. Also called a flat top.
Alee --
1. On the lee side of a ship.
2. To leeward.
All Hands -- Entire ship's company‚ both officers and enlisted personnel.
All Night In -- Having no night watches.
All Standing -- Bringing a person or thing up short‚ that is an unforeseen and sudden stop.
Aircraft Carrier -- A warship designed with a primary mission of deploying and recovering aircraft‚ acting as a seagoing airbase. Since 1918‚ the term generally has been limited to a warship with an extensive flight deck designed to operate conventional fixed-wing aircraft. Also called a flat top.
Alee --
1. On the lee side of a ship.
2. To leeward.
All Hands -- Entire ship's company‚ both officers and enlisted personnel.
All Night In -- Having no night watches.
All Standing -- Bringing a person or thing up short‚ that is an unforeseen and sudden stop.
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--B--
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Back and Fill – To use the advantage of the tide being with you when the wind is not.
Backstays -- Long lines or cables‚ re--iaching from the stern of the vessel to the mast heads‚ used to support the mast.
Baggywrinkle -- A soft covering for cables (or any other obstructions) that prevents sail chafing from occurring.
Bailer -- A device for removing water that has entered the boat.
Ballast -- Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a vessel to provide stability. (See also Ballast Tank.)
Ballast Tank -- A device used on ships and submarines and other submersibles to control buoyancy and stability. (See also Ballast.)
Backstays -- Long lines or cables‚ re--iaching from the stern of the vessel to the mast heads‚ used to support the mast.
Baggywrinkle -- A soft covering for cables (or any other obstructions) that prevents sail chafing from occurring.
Bailer -- A device for removing water that has entered the boat.
Ballast -- Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a vessel to provide stability. (See also Ballast Tank.)
Ballast Tank -- A device used on ships and submarines and other submersibles to control buoyancy and stability. (See also Ballast.)
Balls to Four Watch -- The 0000–0400 watch. (US Navy).
Bank -- A large area of elevated sea floor.
Banyan -- Traditional Royal Navy term for a day or shorter period of rest and relaxation.
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Bar -- Large mass of sand or earth‚ formed by the surge of the sea. They are mostly found at the entrances of great rivers or havens‚ and often render navigation extremely dangerous‚ but confer tranquility once inside. Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "Crossing the bar" is an allegory for death. (See also: Touch and Go‚ Grounding.)
Bar Pilot -- A bar pilot guides ships over the dangerous sandbars at the mouth of rivers and bays.
Bar Pilot -- A bar pilot guides ships over the dangerous sandbars at the mouth of rivers and bays.
Barbette --
1. During the second half of the 19th century‚ a fixed armored enclosure protecting a ship's guns aboard warships without gun turrets‚ generally taking the form of a ring of armor over which guns mounted on an open-topped rotating turntable could fire.
2. Since the late 19th century‚ the inside fixed trunk of a warship's turreted gun-mounting‚ on which the turret revolves‚ containing the hoists for shells and cordite from the shell-room and magazine.
1. During the second half of the 19th century‚ a fixed armored enclosure protecting a ship's guns aboard warships without gun turrets‚ generally taking the form of a ring of armor over which guns mounted on an open-topped rotating turntable could fire.
2. Since the late 19th century‚ the inside fixed trunk of a warship's turreted gun-mounting‚ on which the turret revolves‚ containing the hoists for shells and cordite from the shell-room and magazine.
Barca-longa -- A two- or three-masted lugger used for fishing on the coasts of Spain and Portugal and more widely in the Mediterranean Sea in the late 17th century and 18th century. The British Royal Navy also used them for shore raids and as dispatch boats in the Mediterranean.
Bareboat Charter -- An arrangement for the chartering or hiring of a vessel‚ whereby the vessel 's owner provides no crew or provisions as part of the agreement; instead‚ the people who rent the vessel are responsible for crewing and provisioning her.
Barge --
1. A towed or self-propelled flat-bottomed boat‚ built mainly for river‚ canal‚ and coastal transport of heavy goods.
2. Admiral's barge: A boat at the disposal of an admiral for his or her use as transportation between a larger vessel and the shore or within a harbor.
Bark -- Alternative spelling of barque.
1. A towed or self-propelled flat-bottomed boat‚ built mainly for river‚ canal‚ and coastal transport of heavy goods.
2. Admiral's barge: A boat at the disposal of an admiral for his or her use as transportation between a larger vessel and the shore or within a harbor.
Bark -- Alternative spelling of barque.
Bark or Barque -- A three-masted vessel with the fore and main
masts square-rigged and the rearmost fore and aft rigged; slightly
smaller than a ship.
Barkentine -- Alternative spelling of Barquentine.
Barque or Bark -- A sailing vessel of three or more masts‚ with all masts but the sternmost square-rigged‚ the sternmost being fore-and-aft-rigged.
Barkentine -- Alternative spelling of Barquentine.
Barque or Bark -- A sailing vessel of three or more masts‚ with all masts but the sternmost square-rigged‚ the sternmost being fore-and-aft-rigged.
Barquentine (Also Barkentine) -- A sailing vessel with three or more masts; with a square-rigged foremast and all other masts fore-and-aft rigged.
Barrack Ship -- A ship or craft designed to function as a floating barracks for housing military personnel.
Barrelman -- A sailor that was stationed in the crow's nest.
Battle Stations (also General Quarters‚ Action Stations) --
1. An announcement made aboard a naval warship to signal the crew to prepare for battle‚ imminent damage‚ or a damage emergency (such as a fire).
2. Specific positions in a naval warship to which one or more crew are assigned when battle stations is called.
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Beakhead --
1. The ram on the prow of a fighting galley of ancient and medieval times.
2. The protruding part of the foremost section of a sailing ship of the 16th to the 18th century‚ usually ornate‚ used as a working platform by sailors handling the sails of the bowsprit. It also housed the crew 's heads (toilets).
1. The ram on the prow of a fighting galley of ancient and medieval times.
2. The protruding part of the foremost section of a sailing ship of the 16th to the 18th century‚ usually ornate‚ used as a working platform by sailors handling the sails of the bowsprit. It also housed the crew 's heads (toilets).
Bearing -- The horizontal direction of a line of sight between two objects on the surface of the earth. (See also Absolute Bearing and Relative Bearing.)
Beating (Close Hauled, On the Wind): Sailing toward the wind source, or against the wind, with the sails pulled in all the way, tacking as you go, to reach a destination upwind.
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Boom Vang or Vang -- A sail control that lets one apply downward tension on a boom‚ countering the upward tension provided by the sail. The boom vang adds an element of control to sail shape when the sheet is let out enough that it no longer pulls the boom down. Boom vang tension helps control leech twist‚ a primary component of sail power.
Bos'n's Call, or a Bos'n's Pipe -- A whistle used by Boatswains (bosuns or bos'ns) to issue commands. Consisting of a metal tube which directs the breath over an aperture on the top of a hollow ball to produce high pitched notes. The pitch of the notes can be changed by partly covering the aperture with the finger of the hand in which the pipe is held. The shape of the instrument is similar to that of a smoking pipe.
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Brig -- A vessel with two masts, fore and main, with
square-rigged sails; averaging 250 tons; 190 feet in length; 25 feet in
the beam.
Brow -- A movable bridge used in boarding or leaving a ship at a pier; more commonly known as a "Gangplank".
Burgee -- A small flag‚ typically triangular‚ flown from the masthead of a yacht to indicate yacht-club membership.
By and Large -- By means into the wind‚ while large means with the wind. "By and large" is used to indicate all possible situations "the ship handles well both by and large".
By the Board -- Anything that has gone overboard.
By the Board -- Anything that has gone overboard.
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--C--
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Cabin -- an enclosed room on a deck or flat.
Cabin Boy -- attendant on passengers and crew. often a young man.
Cabin Boy -- attendant on passengers and crew. often a young man.
Cabin Sole -- the bottom surface of the enclosed space under the deck of a boat.
Cable -- A large rope.
Cable Length -- A measure of length or distance. Equivalent to (UK) 1/10 nautical mile‚ approx. 600 feet; (USA) 120 fathoms‚ 720 feet (219 m); other countries use different values.
Caboose -- a small ship's kitchen‚ or galley on deck.
Cable -- A large rope.
Cable Length -- A measure of length or distance. Equivalent to (UK) 1/10 nautical mile‚ approx. 600 feet; (USA) 120 fathoms‚ 720 feet (219 m); other countries use different values.
Caboose -- a small ship's kitchen‚ or galley on deck.
Camels -- Loaded vessels lashed tightly‚ one on each side of another vessel‚ and then emptied to provide additional buoyancy that reduces the draught of the ship in the middle.
Can – A type of navigational buoy often a vertical drum‚ but if not‚ always square in silhouette‚ colored red in IALA region A or green in IALA region B (the Americas‚ Japan‚ Korea and the Philippines). In channel marking its use is opposite that of a "nun buoy".
Canal Boat -- A specialized watercraft designed for operation on a canal.
Canister -- a type of antipersonnel cannon load in which lead balls or other loose metallic items were enclosed in a tin or iron shell. On firing‚ the shell would disintegrate‚ releasing the smaller metal objects with a shotgun-like effect.
Canoe Stern -- A design for the stern of a yacht which is pointed‚ like a bow‚ rather than squared off as a transom.
Cape Horn Fever -- The name of the fake illness a malingerer is pretending to suffer from.
Capital Ship -- A navy 's most important warships‚ generally possessing the heaviest firepower and armor and traditionally much larger than other naval vessels‚ but not formally defined. During the Age of Sail‚ generally understood to be ships-of-the-line; during the second half of the 19th century and the 20th century‚ understood to be battleships and battlecruisers; and since the 1940s considered to include aircraft carriers. Since the second half of the 20th century‚ ballistic missile submarines sometimes have been considered capital ships.
Canal Boat -- A specialized watercraft designed for operation on a canal.
Canister -- a type of antipersonnel cannon load in which lead balls or other loose metallic items were enclosed in a tin or iron shell. On firing‚ the shell would disintegrate‚ releasing the smaller metal objects with a shotgun-like effect.
Canoe Stern -- A design for the stern of a yacht which is pointed‚ like a bow‚ rather than squared off as a transom.
Cape Horn Fever -- The name of the fake illness a malingerer is pretending to suffer from.
Capital Ship -- A navy 's most important warships‚ generally possessing the heaviest firepower and armor and traditionally much larger than other naval vessels‚ but not formally defined. During the Age of Sail‚ generally understood to be ships-of-the-line; during the second half of the 19th century and the 20th century‚ understood to be battleships and battlecruisers; and since the 1940s considered to include aircraft carriers. Since the second half of the 20th century‚ ballistic missile submarines sometimes have been considered capital ships.
Capsize -- When a ship or boat lists too far and rolls over‚ exposing the keel. On large vessels‚ this often results in the sinking of the ship. (Compare Turtling‚ infra.)
Capstan -- A large winch with a vertical axis. A full-sized human-powered capstan is a waist-high cylindrical machine‚ operated by a number of hands who each insert a horizontal capstan bar in holes in the capstan and walk in a circle. Used to wind in anchors or other heavy objects; and sometimes to administer flogging over.
Captain --
1. The person lawfully in command of a vessel. "Captain" is an informal title of respect given to the commander of a naval vessel regardless of his or her formal rank; aboard a merchant ship‚ the ship 's master is her "captain."
2. A naval officer with a rank between commander and commodore.
3. In the United States Navy‚ United States Coast Guard‚ and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps‚ a commissioned officer of a grade superior to a commander and junior to a rear admiral (lower half)‚ equal in grade or rank to a United States Army‚ United States Marine Corps‚ or United States Air Force colonel.
1. The person lawfully in command of a vessel. "Captain" is an informal title of respect given to the commander of a naval vessel regardless of his or her formal rank; aboard a merchant ship‚ the ship 's master is her "captain."
2. A naval officer with a rank between commander and commodore.
3. In the United States Navy‚ United States Coast Guard‚ and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps‚ a commissioned officer of a grade superior to a commander and junior to a rear admiral (lower half)‚ equal in grade or rank to a United States Army‚ United States Marine Corps‚ or United States Air Force colonel.
Captain's Daughter -- The cat o' nine tails‚ which in principle is only used on board on the captain's (or a court martial's) personal orders.
Captain of the Port --
1. In the United Kingdom‚ a Royal Navy officer‚ usually a captain‚ responsible for the day-to-day operation of a naval dockyard.
2. In the United States‚ a United States Coast Guard officer‚ usually a captain‚ responsible for enforcement of safety‚ security‚ and marine environmental protection regulations in a commercial port.
1. In the United Kingdom‚ a Royal Navy officer‚ usually a captain‚ responsible for the day-to-day operation of a naval dockyard.
2. In the United States‚ a United States Coast Guard officer‚ usually a captain‚ responsible for enforcement of safety‚ security‚ and marine environmental protection regulations in a commercial port.
Car Float (also railroad car float or rail barge) -- An un-powered barge with railroad tracks mounted on its deck‚ used to move railroad cars across water obstacles.
Caravel (also
Caravelle) -- A small‚ highly maneuverable sailing ship with lateen rig
used by the Portuguese in the 15th and 16th centuries to explore along
the West African coast and into the Atlantic Ocean.
Cardinal -- Referring to the four main points of the compass: north‚ south‚ east and west.
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Chadburn -- A communications device used by the pilot to order engineers in the engine room to power the vessel at a certain desired speed. (Also called an Engine Order Telegraph.)
Chock -- Hole or ring attached to the hull to guide a line via that point.
Chock-A-Block -- Rigging blocks that are so tight against one another that they cannot be further tightened.
Chock-A-Block -- Rigging blocks that are so tight against one another that they cannot be further tightened.
Chronometer -- A timekeeper accurate enough to be used to determine longitude by means of celestial navigation.
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Clean Bill Of Health – A certificate issued by a port indicating that the ship carries no infectious diseases. Also called a Pratique.
Clean Slate -- At the helm‚ the watch keeper would record details of speed‚ distances‚ headings‚ etc. on a slate. At the beginning of a new watch the slate would be wiped clean.
Clear -- To perform customs and immigration legalities prior to leaving port.
Cleat -- A stationary device used to secure a rope aboard a vessel.
Clench -- A method of fixing together two pieces of wood‚ usually overlapping planks‚ by driving a nail through both planks as well as a washer-like rove. The nail is then burred or riveted over to complete the fastening.
Clew -- The lower corners of square sails or the corner of a triangular sail at the end of the boom.
Clew-Lines -- Used to truss up the clews‚ the lower corners of square sails.
Clear -- To perform customs and immigration legalities prior to leaving port.
Cleat -- A stationary device used to secure a rope aboard a vessel.
Clench -- A method of fixing together two pieces of wood‚ usually overlapping planks‚ by driving a nail through both planks as well as a washer-like rove. The nail is then burred or riveted over to complete the fastening.
Clew -- The lower corners of square sails or the corner of a triangular sail at the end of the boom.
Clew-Lines -- Used to truss up the clews‚ the lower corners of square sails.
Close Aboard -- Near a ship.
Close Hauled (Beating, On The Wind) -- Sailing toward the wind source, or against the wind, with the sails pulled in all the way, tacking as you go, to reach a destination upwind.
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Communication Tube‚ Speaking Tube‚ or Voice Tube -- An air-filled tube‚ usually armored‚ allowing speech between the conning tower with the below-decks control spaces in a warship.
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Cut and Run -- When wanting to make a quick escape‚ a ship might cut lashings to sails or cables for anchors‚ causing damage to the rigging‚ or losing an anchor‚ but shortening the time needed to make ready by bypassing the proper procedures.
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--D--
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Daggerboard -- A type of light centerboard that is lifted vertically; often in pairs‚ with the leeward one lowered when beating.
Davit –-
1. A spar formerly used on board ships as a crane to hoist the flukes of the anchor to the top of the bow‚ without injuring the sides of the ship.
2. A crane‚ often working in pairs and usually made of steel‚ used to lower things over the side of a ship‚ including launching a lifeboat over the side of a ship.
Davy Jones' Locker -- An idiom for the bottom of the sea.
Day Beacon -- An unlighted fixed structure which is equipped with a dayboard for daytime identification.
Day-Blink -- Moment at dawn where‚ from some point on the mast‚ a lookout can see above low lying mist which envelops the ship.
Davit –-
1. A spar formerly used on board ships as a crane to hoist the flukes of the anchor to the top of the bow‚ without injuring the sides of the ship.
2. A crane‚ often working in pairs and usually made of steel‚ used to lower things over the side of a ship‚ including launching a lifeboat over the side of a ship.
Davy Jones' Locker -- An idiom for the bottom of the sea.
Day Beacon -- An unlighted fixed structure which is equipped with a dayboard for daytime identification.
Day-Blink -- Moment at dawn where‚ from some point on the mast‚ a lookout can see above low lying mist which envelops the ship.
Dayboard -- The daytime identifier of an aid to navigation presenting one of several standard shapes (square‚ triangle‚ rectangle) and colors (red‚ green‚ white‚ orange‚ yellow‚ or black).
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Dead Ahead -- Exactly ahead‚ directly ahead‚ directly in front.
Dead In The Water -- Not moving (used only when a vessel is afloat and neither tied up nor anchored).
Dead In The Water -- Not moving (used only when a vessel is afloat and neither tied up nor anchored).
Dead Run -- See Running.
Dead Wake -- The trail of a fading disturbance in the water. (See also Wake.)
Deadeye -- A wooden block with holes (but no pulleys) which is spliced to a shroud. It is used to adjust the tension in the standing rigging of large sailing vessels‚ by lacing through the holes with a lanyard to the deck. Performs the same job as a turnbuckle.
Deadlight -- A strong shutter fitted over a porthole or other opening that can be closed in bad weather.
Deadrise -- The design angle between the keel (q.v.) and horizontal.
Deadwood -- A wooden part (vertical timbers or planking) of the centerline structure of a boat‚ usually between the sternpost and amidships. It is used to "fill the spaces where‚ owing to the shape of the vessel‚ the floor-timbers have to be discontinued."
Deadlight -- A strong shutter fitted over a porthole or other opening that can be closed in bad weather.
Deadrise -- The design angle between the keel (q.v.) and horizontal.
Deadwood -- A wooden part (vertical timbers or planking) of the centerline structure of a boat‚ usually between the sternpost and amidships. It is used to "fill the spaces where‚ owing to the shape of the vessel‚ the floor-timbers have to be discontinued."
Death Roll -- In a keel boat‚ a death roll is the act of broaching to windward‚ putting the spinnaker pole into the water and causing a crash-gybe of the boom and mainsail‚ which sweep across the deck and plunge down into the water. During a death roll‚ the boat rolls from side to side‚ becoming gradually more unstable until either it capsizes or the skipper reacts correctly to prevent it.
Debarcation or Disembarkation -- The process of leaving a ship or aircraft‚ or removing goods from a ship or aircraft.
Deck Supervisor -- The person in charge of all evolutions and maintenance on deck; sometimes split into two groups: forward deck supervisor and aft deck supervisor.
Deck Hand or Decky -- A person whose job involves aiding the deck supervisor in (un)mooring, anchoring‚ maintenance‚ and general evolutions on deck.
Deck Hand or Decky -- A person whose job involves aiding the deck supervisor in (un)mooring, anchoring‚ maintenance‚ and general evolutions on deck.
Deckhead -- The under-side of the deck above. The inside of the boat is normally paneled over to hide the structure‚ pipes‚ electrical wires. It can be in thin wood planks‚ often covered with a vinyl lining‚ or in thin PVC or now even in fiberglass planks.
Decks -- The top of the boat; the surface is removed to accommodate the seating area. The structures forming the approximately horizontal surfaces in the ship's general structure. Unlike flats‚ they are a structural part of the ship.
Decks -- The top of the boat; the surface is removed to accommodate the seating area. The structures forming the approximately horizontal surfaces in the ship's general structure. Unlike flats‚ they are a structural part of the ship.
Decks Awash -- A situation in which the deck of the vessel is partially or wholly submerged‚ possibly as a result of excessive listing or a loss of buoyancy.
Decommission -- To formally take (a naval vessel) out of active service‚ after which the vessel is said to be out of commission or decommissioned. Sometimes used less formally to mean taking a commercial ship out of service.
Depot Ship -- A ship which acts as a mobile or fixed base for other ships and submarines or supports a naval base.
Depth of Hold -- The height from the lowest part of the hull inside the ship‚ at its midpoint‚ to the ceiling that is made up of the uppermost full length deck. For old warships it is to the ceiling that is made up of the lowermost full length deck.
Derrick -- A lifting device composed of one mast or pole and a boom or jib which is hinged freely at the bottom.
Despatch Boat -- Alternative spelling of Dispatch Boat.
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Dispatch Boat -- A vessel ranging in size from a small boat to a large ship tasked to carry military dispatches from ship to ship‚ from ship to shore‚ or‚ occasionally‚ from shore to shore.
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Dogvane -- A small weather vane‚ sometimes improvised with a scrap of cloth‚ yarn or other light material mounted within sight of the helmsman. (See Tell-Tale).Driver -- The large sail flown from the mizzen gaff.
Driver-mast -- The fifth mast of a six-masted barquentine or gaff schooner. It is preceded by the jigger mast and followed by the spanker mast. The sixth mast of the only seven-masted vessel‚ the gaff schooner Thomas W. Lawson‚ was normally called the pusher-mast.
Driver-mast -- The fifth mast of a six-masted barquentine or gaff schooner. It is preceded by the jigger mast and followed by the spanker mast. The sixth mast of the only seven-masted vessel‚ the gaff schooner Thomas W. Lawson‚ was normally called the pusher-mast.
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Drogue : {Pronounced /ˈdroʊɡ/} -- A device to slow a boat down in a storm so that it does not speed excessively down the slope of a wave and crash into the next one. It is generally constructed of heavy flexible material in the shape of a cone. (See also Sea Anchor.)
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--E--
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Earings -- Small lines‚ by which the uppermost corners of the largest sails are secured to the yardarms.
East Indiaman -- Any ship operating under charter or license to the East India Company (England)‚ or to the Danish East India Company‚ French East India Company‚ Dutch East India Company‚ Portuguese East India Company‚ or Swedish East India Company from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
East Indiaman -- Any ship operating under charter or license to the East India Company (England)‚ or to the Danish East India Company‚ French East India Company‚ Dutch East India Company‚ Portuguese East India Company‚ or Swedish East India Company from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Echo Sounding -- Measuring the depth of the water using a sonar device. (See also Sounding and Swinging The Lead.)
Embayed -- The condition where a sailing vessel (especially one which sails poorly to windward) is confined between two capes or headlands by a wind blowing directly onshore.
En Echelon -- An arrangement of gun turrets whereby the turret on one side of the ship is placed further aft than the one on the other side‚ so that both turrets can fire to either side.
Engine Order Telegraph -- A communications device used by the pilot to order engineers in the engine room to power the vessel at a certain desired speed. (Also called a Chadburn.)
Engine Room -- One of the machinery spaces of a vessel‚ usually the largest one‚ containing the ship 's prime mover (usually a diesel or steam engine or a gas or steam turbine). Larger vessels may have more than one engine room.
Ensign --
1. The principal flag or banner flown by a ship to indicate her nationality.
2. The lowest grade of commissioned officer in the United States Navy.
Engine Order Telegraph -- A communications device used by the pilot to order engineers in the engine room to power the vessel at a certain desired speed. (Also called a Chadburn.)
Engine Room -- One of the machinery spaces of a vessel‚ usually the largest one‚ containing the ship 's prime mover (usually a diesel or steam engine or a gas or steam turbine). Larger vessels may have more than one engine room.
Ensign --
1. The principal flag or banner flown by a ship to indicate her nationality.
2. The lowest grade of commissioned officer in the United States Navy.
Extremis -- (Also known as “in extremis”) the point under International Rules of the Road (Navigation Rules) at which the privileged (or stand-on) vessel on collision course with a burdened (or give-way) vessel determines it must maneuver to avoid a collision. Prior to extremis‚ the privileged vessel must maintain course and speed and the burdened vessel must maneuver to avoid collision.
Eye Splice -- A closed loop or eye at the end a line‚ rope‚ cable‚ etc. It is made by unraveling its end and joining it to itself by intertwining it into the lay of the line. Eye splices are very strong and compact and are employed in moorings and docking lines among other uses.
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--F--
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Factory Ship -- A large ocean-going vessel with extensive on-board facilities for processing and freezing caught fish or whales. Some also serve as mother ships (q.v.) for smaller fishing or whaling vessels. Those used for processing fish are also known as fish processing vessels.
Fair --
1. A smooth curve‚ usually referring to a line of the hull which has no deviations.
2. To make something flush.
3. A line is fair when it has a clear run. 4. A wind or current is fair when it offers an advantage to a boat.
Fair Winds and Following Seas -- A blessing wishing the recipient a safe journey and good fortune.
Fairlead -- A ring‚ hook or other device used to keep a line or chain running in the correct direction or to prevent it rubbing or fouling.
Fairwater -- A structure that improves the streamlining of a vessel.
Falkuša -- A traditional fishing boat with a lateen sail on a single mast used by fishermen from the town of Komiža on the Adriatic island of Vis.
Fall -- The part of the tackle that is hauled upon.
Fall Off -- To change the direction of sail so as to point in a direction that is more down wind. To bring the bow leeward. Also bear away‚ bear off or head down. This is the opposite of pointing up or heading up.
1. A smooth curve‚ usually referring to a line of the hull which has no deviations.
2. To make something flush.
3. A line is fair when it has a clear run. 4. A wind or current is fair when it offers an advantage to a boat.
Fair Winds and Following Seas -- A blessing wishing the recipient a safe journey and good fortune.
Fairlead -- A ring‚ hook or other device used to keep a line or chain running in the correct direction or to prevent it rubbing or fouling.
Fairwater -- A structure that improves the streamlining of a vessel.
Falkuša -- A traditional fishing boat with a lateen sail on a single mast used by fishermen from the town of Komiža on the Adriatic island of Vis.
Fall -- The part of the tackle that is hauled upon.
Fall Off -- To change the direction of sail so as to point in a direction that is more down wind. To bring the bow leeward. Also bear away‚ bear off or head down. This is the opposite of pointing up or heading up.
Fantail -- Aft end of the ship‚ also known as the Poop deck.
Fardage -- Wood placed in bottom of ship to keep cargo dry. (See also dunnage).
Fast -- Fastened or held firmly (fast aground: stuck on the seabed; made fast: tied securely).
Fathom /ˈfæðəm/ -- A unit of length equal to 6 feet (1.8 m)‚ roughly measured as the distance between a man's outstretched hands. Particularly used to measure depth.
Fardage -- Wood placed in bottom of ship to keep cargo dry. (See also dunnage).
Fast -- Fastened or held firmly (fast aground: stuck on the seabed; made fast: tied securely).
Fathom /ˈfæðəm/ -- A unit of length equal to 6 feet (1.8 m)‚ roughly measured as the distance between a man's outstretched hands. Particularly used to measure depth.
Fathom -- A unit of length equal to six feet (approximately 1.8 m), chiefly used in reference to the depth of water.
Fathometer -- A depth finder that uses sound waves to determine the depth of water.
Felucca -- A traditional wooden sailing boat with a rig consisting of one or two lateen sails‚ used in protected waters of the Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean and particularly along the Nile in Egypt and Sudan‚ and also in Iraq.
Fend Off -- A command given to the crew to stop what they are now doing and to immediately manually prevent the boat from banging into the docks or other boats.
Fender -- An air or foam filled bumper used in boating to keep boats from banging into docks or each other.
Fetch --
1. The distance across water which a wind or waves have traveled.
2. To reach a mark without tacking.
1. The distance across water which a wind or waves have traveled.
2. To reach a mark without tacking.
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Fighting Top -- An enlarged top designed to allow gunfire downward onto an enemy ship. A fighting top could have small guns installed in it or could serve as a platform for snipers armed with muskets or rifles.
Fin -- A term used in European and British Commonwealth countries for a tower-like structure on the dorsal (topside) surface of a submarine; called a sail in the United States.
Fixed Propeller -- A propeller mounted on a rigid shaft protruding from the hull of a vessel‚ usually driven by an inboard motor; steering must be done using a rudder. (See also Outboard Motor and Sterndrive.)
Flotsam -- Debris or cargo that remains afloat after a shipwreck. (See also Jetsam.)
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Freeboard -- The height of a ship's hull (excluding superstructure) above the waterline. The vertical distance from the current waterline to the lowest point on the highest continuous watertight deck. This usually varies from one part to another.
Freighter -- A cargo ship.
Freighter -- A cargo ship.
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Fusta (also fuste‚ foist‚ or galliot) -- A narrow‚ light‚ and fast ship with shallow draft‚ powered by both oars and sail‚ with a single mast carrying a lateen sail; a favorite of North African corsairs during the 16th and 17th centuries.
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--G--
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Gaff --
1. Gaff rig: The spar that holds the upper edge of a four-sided fore-and-aft mounted sail.
2. Fishing gaff: A hook on a long pole to haul fish in.
Gaff Rigged -- A boat rigged with a four-sided fore-and-aft sail with its upper edge supported by a spar or gaff which extends aft from the mast.
Gaff Yang -- A line rigged to the end of a gaff and used to adjust a gaff sail's trim.
1. Gaff rig: The spar that holds the upper edge of a four-sided fore-and-aft mounted sail.
2. Fishing gaff: A hook on a long pole to haul fish in.
Gaff Rigged -- A boat rigged with a four-sided fore-and-aft sail with its upper edge supported by a spar or gaff which extends aft from the mast.
Gaff Yang -- A line rigged to the end of a gaff and used to adjust a gaff sail's trim.
Galleass --
1. An oared warship of the 1500s equipped with a gundeck‚ larger and equipped with more sails than a galley.
2. A flat-bottom commercial sailing vessel of the North Sea and western Baltic Sea.
Galleon -- A large‚ multi-decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Galley --
1. Galley‚ the kitchen of a ship.
2. Galley‚ a type of ship propelled by oars used especially in the Mediterranean for warfare‚ piracy‚ and trade from the 700s BC to the 1500s AD‚ with some in use until the early 1800s.
1. An oared warship of the 1500s equipped with a gundeck‚ larger and equipped with more sails than a galley.
2. A flat-bottom commercial sailing vessel of the North Sea and western Baltic Sea.
Galleon -- A large‚ multi-decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Galley --
1. Galley‚ the kitchen of a ship.
2. Galley‚ a type of ship propelled by oars used especially in the Mediterranean for warfare‚ piracy‚ and trade from the 700s BC to the 1500s AD‚ with some in use until the early 1800s.
3. A type of oared gunboat built by the United States in the late 18th century‚ akin to a brigantine but termed "galley" for administrative and funding purposes.
Galliot -- See Fusta.
Galliot -- See Fusta.
Gam -- A meeting of two (or more) whaling ships at sea. The ships each send out a boat to the other‚ and the two captains meet on one ship‚ while the two chief mates meet on the other.
Gammon Iron -- The bow fitting which clamps the bowsprit to the stem.
Gammon Iron -- The bow fitting which clamps the bowsprit to the stem.
Gangplank -- A movable bridge used in boarding or leaving a ship at a pier; also known as a "Brow".
Gangway -- An opening in the bulwark of the ship to allow passengers to board or leave the ship.
Garbling -- The (illegal) practice of mixing cargo with garbage.
Garboard -- The strake closest to the keel (from Dutch gaarboard).
Garboard Planks -- The planks immediately either side of the keel.
Gash -- Any refuse or rubbish which is discarded into a refuse container or dustbin which is known as "gash fanny" (South African Navy).
Gash Fanny -- Refuse container or dustbin.
Gangway -- An opening in the bulwark of the ship to allow passengers to board or leave the ship.
Garbling -- The (illegal) practice of mixing cargo with garbage.
Garboard -- The strake closest to the keel (from Dutch gaarboard).
Garboard Planks -- The planks immediately either side of the keel.
Gash -- Any refuse or rubbish which is discarded into a refuse container or dustbin which is known as "gash fanny" (South African Navy).
Gash Fanny -- Refuse container or dustbin.
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General Quarters (also Battle Stations, Action Stations) --
1. An announcement made aboard a naval warship to signal the crew to prepare for battle‚ imminent damage‚ or a damage emergency (such as a fire).
2. Specific positions in a naval warship to which one or more crew are assigned when battle stations is called.
1. An announcement made aboard a naval warship to signal the crew to prepare for battle‚ imminent damage‚ or a damage emergency (such as a fire).
2. Specific positions in a naval warship to which one or more crew are assigned when battle stations is called.
Genoa -- Also known as Genny, usually the biggest jib on the boat. 150 percent genoa. For rating purposes, the length of a line drawn perpendicular to the luff and intersecting the clew is divided by the length of the base of the Foretriangle. For instance, if the former is 30 feet and the latter 20 feet, the genoa is 150%.
Genny -- Also known as Genoa, usually the biggest jib on the boat. 150 percent genoa For rating purposes, the length of a line drawn perpendicular to the luff and intersecting the clew is divided by the length of the base of the Foretriangle. For instance, if the former is 30 feet and the latter 20 feet, the genoa is 150%.
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Gibe -- (See Gybe).
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Going About or Tacking -- Changing from one tack to another by going through the wind. (See also Gybe.)
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Grounding -- When a ship (while afloat) touches the bed of the sea‚ or goes "aground" (q.v.).
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Gybe or Jibe (both /ˈdÊ’aɪb/) -- To change from one tack to the other away from the wind‚ with the stern of the vessel turning through the wind. (See also Going About and Wearing Ship.)
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--H--
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Half-Breadth Plan -- In shipbuilding‚ an elevation of the lines of a ship‚ viewed from above and divided lengthwise.
Halyard or Halliard -- Originally‚ ropes used for hoisting a spar with a sail attached; today‚ a line used to raise the head of any sail.
Halyard or Halliard -- Originally‚ ropes used for hoisting a spar with a sail attached; today‚ a line used to raise the head of any sail.
Hammock -- Canvas sheets‚ slung from the deckhead in messdecks‚ in which seamen slept. "Lash up and stow" a piped command to tie up hammocks and stow them (typically) in racks inboard of the ship's side to protect crew from splinters from shot and provide a ready means of preventing flooding caused by damage.
Hand -- To furl a sail.
Hand Bomber -- A ship using coal-fired boilers shoveled in by hand.
Hand Over Fist -- To climb steadily upwards‚ from the motion of a sailor climbing shrouds on a sailing ship (originally "hand over hand").
Handsomely -- With a slow even motion‚ as when hauling on a line "handsomely".
Handy Billy -- A loose block and tackle with a hook or tail on each end‚ which can be used wherever it is needed. Usually made up of one single and one double block.
Hand -- To furl a sail.
Hand Bomber -- A ship using coal-fired boilers shoveled in by hand.
Hand Over Fist -- To climb steadily upwards‚ from the motion of a sailor climbing shrouds on a sailing ship (originally "hand over hand").
Handsomely -- With a slow even motion‚ as when hauling on a line "handsomely".
Handy Billy -- A loose block and tackle with a hook or tail on each end‚ which can be used wherever it is needed. Usually made up of one single and one double block.
Hangar Deck -- An enclosed deck‚ usually beneath the flight deck‚ on an aircraft carrier intended for use as a hangar in servicing and storing aircraft.
Hank -- A fastener attached to the luff of the headsail that attaches the headsail to the forestay. Typical designs include a bronze or plastic hook with a spring-operated gate‚ or a strip of cloth webbing with a snap fastener.
Harbor -- A harbor or harbour‚ or haven‚ is a place where ships may shelter from the weather or are stored. Harbours can be man-made or natural.
Harbor Of Refuge – A place where ships in transit can find shelter from a storm. These are often man-made jetty enclosed areas along a featureless coastline where no nearby natural deep water harbors exist.
Hard -- A section of otherwise muddy shoreline suitable for mooring or hauling out.
Hank -- A fastener attached to the luff of the headsail that attaches the headsail to the forestay. Typical designs include a bronze or plastic hook with a spring-operated gate‚ or a strip of cloth webbing with a snap fastener.
Harbor -- A harbor or harbour‚ or haven‚ is a place where ships may shelter from the weather or are stored. Harbours can be man-made or natural.
Harbor Of Refuge – A place where ships in transit can find shelter from a storm. These are often man-made jetty enclosed areas along a featureless coastline where no nearby natural deep water harbors exist.
Hard -- A section of otherwise muddy shoreline suitable for mooring or hauling out.
Hard-A-Lee -- See Lee-Oh.
Harden Up -- Turn towards the wind; sail closer to the wind.
Hardtack -- A hard and long-lasting dry biscuit‚ used as food on long journeys. Also called Ship's Biscuit.
Harness Cask -- A large usually round tub lashed to a vessel's deck and containing dried and salted provisions for daily use.
Harness Tub -- See "Harness Cask".
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Header -- A change in the wind direction which forces the helmsman of a close hauled sailboat to steer.
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Hogging --
1. When the peak of a wave is amidships‚ causing the hull to bend so the ends of the keel are lower than the middle. The opposite of Sagging.
2. Also refers to a permanent distortion of the hull in the same manner caused‚ over time‚ by the bow and stern of a ship being less buoyant than the midships section.
1. When the peak of a wave is amidships‚ causing the hull to bend so the ends of the keel are lower than the middle. The opposite of Sagging.
2. Also refers to a permanent distortion of the hull in the same manner caused‚ over time‚ by the bow and stern of a ship being less buoyant than the midships section.
During the Age of Sail‚ shipwrights employed a number of different designs of braces to stiffen ships' hulls against this warping.
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--I--
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Icebreaker -- A special-purpose ship or boat designed to move and navigate through ice-covered waters.
Icing -- A serious hazard where cold temperatures (below about −10°C) combined with high wind speed (typically force 8 or above on the Beaufort scale) result in spray blown off the sea freezing immediately on contact with the ship.
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Icing -- A serious hazard where cold temperatures (below about −10°C) combined with high wind speed (typically force 8 or above on the Beaufort scale) result in spray blown off the sea freezing immediately on contact with the ship.
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Idlers -- Members of a ship's company not required to serve watches. These were in general specialist tradesmen such as the carpenter and the sailmaker.
In Ballast (or "In Ballast Condition") -- Of a vessel: Having only ballast (q.v.) – and no cargo – as a load.
In Irons -- When a sailing vessel has lost its forward momentum while heading into the wind‚ rendering it unable to steer.
In Ordinary -- An 18th- and 19th-century term originally used to refer to a naval vessel out of service for repair or maintenance‚ later coming to mean naval ships in reserve with no more than a caretaker crew.
In-Water Survey -- A method of surveying the underwater parts of a ship while it is still afloat instead of having to drydock it for examination of these areas as was conventionally done.
In Way Of -- In the vicinity of; in the area of.
Inboard --
1. Situated within a vessel.
2. Situated within a vessel and positioned close (or closer than another item‚ when contrasted with that item) to her centerline (q.v.).
3. Situated outside a vessel but nearer to her hull‚ e.g.‚ The larger boat was tied up alongside the ship inboard of the smaller boat. 4. Nearer the pier or shore‚ e.g.‚ The tanker and cargo ship were tied up at the pier alongside one another with the tanker inboard of the cargo ship.
In Irons -- When a sailing vessel has lost its forward momentum while heading into the wind‚ rendering it unable to steer.
In Ordinary -- An 18th- and 19th-century term originally used to refer to a naval vessel out of service for repair or maintenance‚ later coming to mean naval ships in reserve with no more than a caretaker crew.
In-Water Survey -- A method of surveying the underwater parts of a ship while it is still afloat instead of having to drydock it for examination of these areas as was conventionally done.
In Way Of -- In the vicinity of; in the area of.
Inboard --
1. Situated within a vessel.
2. Situated within a vessel and positioned close (or closer than another item‚ when contrasted with that item) to her centerline (q.v.).
3. Situated outside a vessel but nearer to her hull‚ e.g.‚ The larger boat was tied up alongside the ship inboard of the smaller boat. 4. Nearer the pier or shore‚ e.g.‚ The tanker and cargo ship were tied up at the pier alongside one another with the tanker inboard of the cargo ship.
Inboard Motor -- An engine mounted within the hull of a vessel‚ usually driving a fixed propeller by a shaft protruding through the stern. Generally used on larger vessels. (See also Sterndrive and Outboard Motor.)
Inboard-Outboard Drive System -- See Sterndrive.
Inglefield Clip -- A type of clip for attaching a flag to a flag halyard.
Inshore --
1. Near (especially in sight of) or toward the shore.
2. Of a wind‚ blowing from the sea to the land.
1. Near (especially in sight of) or toward the shore.
2. Of a wind‚ blowing from the sea to the land.
Iron Topsail -- An auxiliary motor on a schooner.
Iron Wind -- What sailors call inboard engines.
Ironclad -- A steam-propelled warship protected by iron or steel armor plates of the period from 1859 until the 1890s (when the term "ironclad" fell out of use).
Island -- The superstructure of an aircraft carrier that extends above the flight deck. A carrier that lacks one is said to be flush-decked.
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--J--
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Jack --
1. A sailor. Also jack tar or just tar.
2. A flag. Typically the flag was talked about as if it were a member of the crew. Strictly speaking‚ a flag is only a "jack" if it is worn at the jackstaff at the bow of a ship.
1. A sailor. Also jack tar or just tar.
2. A flag. Typically the flag was talked about as if it were a member of the crew. Strictly speaking‚ a flag is only a "jack" if it is worn at the jackstaff at the bow of a ship.
Jack Dusty -- A naval stores clerk.
Jack Tar -- A sailor dressed in 'square rig' with square collar. Formerly with a tarred pigtail.
Jack Tar -- A sailor dressed in 'square rig' with square collar. Formerly with a tarred pigtail.
Jackass-Barque -- Sometimes spelled Jackass Bark‚
is a sailing ship with three (or more) masts‚ of which the foremast is
square-rigged and the main is partially square-rigged (topsail‚
topgallant‚ etc.) and partially fore-and-aft rigged (course). The mizzen
mast is fore-and-aft rigged.
Jacklines or Jack Stays -- Lines‚ often steel wire with a plastic jacket‚ from the bow to the stern on both port and starboard. A crewmember clips his safety harness to a jackline‚ allowing him to walk along the deck while still being safely attached to the vessel.
Jacklines or Jack Stays -- Lines‚ often steel wire with a plastic jacket‚ from the bow to the stern on both port and starboard. A crewmember clips his safety harness to a jackline‚ allowing him to walk along the deck while still being safely attached to the vessel.
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Jenny -- See Genoa.
Jetty -- A man-made wall in open water rising several feet above high tide made of rubble and rocks used to create a breakwater‚ shelter‚ erosion control‚ a channel‚ or other such purpose.
Jetsam -- Debris ejected from a ship that sinks or washes ashore. (See also Flotsam.)
Jetsam -- Debris ejected from a ship that sinks or washes ashore. (See also Flotsam.)
Jib -- A triangular staysail at the front of a ship.
Jibboom -- A spar used to extend the bowsprit.
Jibe or Gybe (both /ˈdÊ’aɪb/) -- To change from one tack to the other away from the wind‚ with the stern of the vessel turning through the wind. (See also Going About and Wearing Ship.)
Jigger-mast -- The fourth mast‚ although ships with four or more masts were uncommon‚ or the aft most mast where it is smallest on vessels of less than four masts.
Joggle -- A slender triangular recess cut into the faying surface of a frame or steamed timber to fit over the land of clinker planking‚ or cut into the faying edge of a plank or rebate to avoid feather ends on a strake of planking. The feather end is cut off to produce a nib. The joggle and nib in this case is made wide enough to allow a caulking iron to enter the seam.
Jollies -- Traditional Royal Navy nickname for the Royal Marines.
Jonah -- A person (either a sailor or a passenger) who carries a jinx‚ one whose presence on board brings bad luck and endangers the ship.
Junk --
1. Old cordage past its useful service life as lines aboard ship. The strands of old junk were teased apart in the process called picking oakum.
2. A sailing ship of classic Chinese design with characteristic full batten sails that span the masts usually on unstayed rigs.
1. Old cordage past its useful service life as lines aboard ship. The strands of old junk were teased apart in the process called picking oakum.
2. A sailing ship of classic Chinese design with characteristic full batten sails that span the masts usually on unstayed rigs.
Jury Rig -- Both the act of rigging a temporary mast and sails and the name of the resulting rig. A jury rig would be built at sea when the original rig was damaged‚ then it would be used to sail to a harbor or other safe place for permanent repairs.
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Kedge -- A technique for moving or turning a ship by using a relatively light anchor known as a kedge. The kedge anchor may be dropped while in motion to create a pivot and thus perform a sharp turn. The kedge anchor may also be carried away from the ship in a smaller boat‚ dropped‚ and then weighed‚ pulling the ship forward.
Keel -- The central structural basis of the hull.
Keelhauling -- Maritime punishment: to punish by dragging under the keel of a ship.
Keelhauling -- Maritime punishment: to punish by dragging under the keel of a ship.
Kellet -- See Anchor Sentinel.
Kelson -- The timber immediately above the keel of a wooden ship.
Kentledge -- Weights (often scrap or pig iron) used as permanent high-density ballast.
Ketch -- A two-masted fore-and-aft rigged sailboat with the aft mast (the mizzen) mounted (stepped) afore (in front of) the rudder.
Kentledge -- Weights (often scrap or pig iron) used as permanent high-density ballast.
Ketch -- A two-masted fore-and-aft rigged sailboat with the aft mast (the mizzen) mounted (stepped) afore (in front of) the rudder.
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Killick --
1. A small anchor.
2. A fouled killick is the substantive badge of non-commissioned officers in the Royal Navy.
3. Seamen promoted to the first step in the promotion ladder are called 'Killick'. The badge signifies that here is an Able Seaman skilled to cope with the awkward job of dealing with a fouled anchor.
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Kicking Strap -- A rope‚ tackle or hydraulic ram running from the mast at or just above deck level to a point part-way along the boom of a yacht's mainsail or mizzen. Its function is to pull the boom down‚ flattening the sail in strong winds‚ reducing twist and preventing the boom from kicking up when running.
1. A small anchor.
2. A fouled killick is the substantive badge of non-commissioned officers in the Royal Navy.
3. Seamen promoted to the first step in the promotion ladder are called 'Killick'. The badge signifies that here is an Able Seaman skilled to cope with the awkward job of dealing with a fouled anchor.
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Kicking Strap -- A rope‚ tackle or hydraulic ram running from the mast at or just above deck level to a point part-way along the boom of a yacht's mainsail or mizzen. Its function is to pull the boom down‚ flattening the sail in strong winds‚ reducing twist and preventing the boom from kicking up when running.
King Plank -- The centerline plank of a laid deck. Its sides are often recessed‚ or nibbed‚ to take the ends of their parallel curved deck planks.
King's (Queen's) Regulations -- The standing orders governing the British Royal Navy issued in the name of the current Monarch.
Kingston Valve -- A valve‚ which can be opened from the inside of the ship‚ that connects the sea to internal fuel‚ water‚ or ballast tanks (See Also Seacock).
Kissing The Gunner's Daughter -- Bending over the barrel of a gun for punitive beating with a cane or cat.
Kitchen Rudder -- Hinged cowling around a fixed propeller‚ allowing the drive to be directed to the side or forwards to maneuver the vessel.
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Knee -- 1. Connects two parts roughly at right angles‚ e.g. deck beams to frames. 2. A vertical rubber fender used on pushboats or piers‚ sometimes shaped like a human leg bent slightly at the knee.
Knighthead --
1. A mitred backing timber which extends the after line of the rabbet in the stem to give extra support to the ends of the planks and the bowsprit.
2. A bollard or bitt.
3. Either of two timbers rising from the keel of a sailing ship and supporting the inner end of the bowsprit.
1. A mitred backing timber which extends the after line of the rabbet in the stem to give extra support to the ends of the planks and the bowsprit.
2. A bollard or bitt.
3. Either of two timbers rising from the keel of a sailing ship and supporting the inner end of the bowsprit.
Knock -- See Header.
Knockdown -- The condition of a sailboat being pushed abruptly to horizontal‚ with the mast parallel to the water surface.
Knot -- A unit of speed: 1 nautical mile (1.8520 km; 1.1508 mi) per hour. Originally speed was measured by paying out a line from the stern of a moving boat; the line had a knot every 47 feet 3 inches (14.40 m)‚ and the number of knots passed out in 30 seconds gave the speed through the water in nautical miles per hour. Sometimes "knots" is mistakenly stated as "knots per hour‚" but the latter is a measure of acceleration (i.e.‚ "nautical miles per hour per hour") rather than of speed.
Know The Ropes -- A sailor who 'knows the ropes' is familiar with the miles of cordage and ropes involved in running a ship.
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--L--
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Ladder -- On board a ship‚ all "stairs" are called ladders‚ except for literal staircases aboard passenger ships. Most "stairs" on a ship are narrow and nearly vertical‚ hence the name. Believed to be from the Anglo-Saxon word hiaeder‚ meaning ladder.
Lagan -- Debris that has sunk to the seabed.
Laid Up -- To be placed in reserve or mothballed. The latter usage is used in modern times and can refer to a specific set of procedures used by the US Navy to preserve ships in good condition.
Laker -- Great Lakes slang for a vessel which spends all her time on the five Great Lakes.
Land Lubber -- A person unfamiliar with being on the sea.
Lanyard -- A rope that ties something off.
Laid Up -- To be placed in reserve or mothballed. The latter usage is used in modern times and can refer to a specific set of procedures used by the US Navy to preserve ships in good condition.
Laker -- Great Lakes slang for a vessel which spends all her time on the five Great Lakes.
Land Lubber -- A person unfamiliar with being on the sea.
Lanyard -- A rope that ties something off.
Larboard -- Obsolete term for the left side of a ship. Derived from "lay-board" providing access between a ship and a quay‚ when ships normally docked with the left side to the wharf. Replaced by port side or port‚ to avoid confusion with starboard.
Large -- See By and Large.
Lateen Sail or Latin-Rig -- A fore-and-aft triangular sail set on a long yard mounted at an angle to the mast.
Large -- See By and Large.
Lateen Sail or Latin-Rig -- A fore-and-aft triangular sail set on a long yard mounted at an angle to the mast.
Lateral System -- A system of aids to navigation in which characteristics of buoys and beacons indicate the sides of the channel or route relative to a conventional direction of buoyage (usually upstream).
Launch --
1. Traditionally‚ a launch was the largest ship 's boat carried by a warship.
2. In modern usage‚ a large motorboat.
3. To dispatch a ship down a slipway‚ prior to fitting-out and commissioning.
Lay -- To come and go‚ used in giving orders to the crew‚ such as "lay forward" or "lay aloft". To direct the course of vessel. Also‚ to twist the strands of a rope together. To make it to a mark‚ buoy‚ or harbor‚ such as "We will lay the mark".
Launch --
1. Traditionally‚ a launch was the largest ship 's boat carried by a warship.
2. In modern usage‚ a large motorboat.
3. To dispatch a ship down a slipway‚ prior to fitting-out and commissioning.
Lay -- To come and go‚ used in giving orders to the crew‚ such as "lay forward" or "lay aloft". To direct the course of vessel. Also‚ to twist the strands of a rope together. To make it to a mark‚ buoy‚ or harbor‚ such as "We will lay the mark".
Lay Day -- An unexpected delay time during a voyage often spent at anchor or in a harbor. It is usually caused by bad weather‚ equipment failure or needed maintenance.
Laying Down -- Laying the keel of a ship in a shipyard to begin her construction.
Lazaret (also Lazarette or Lazaretto) --
1. A small stowage locker at the aft end of a boat.
2. A ship or building used for quarantine of sick patients.
3. An area on some merchant ships where provisions are stored.
4. In modern shipbuilding and on powerboats of all sizes‚ the location of the steering gear equipment for the vessel.
Laying Down -- Laying the keel of a ship in a shipyard to begin her construction.
Lazaret (also Lazarette or Lazaretto) --
1. A small stowage locker at the aft end of a boat.
2. A ship or building used for quarantine of sick patients.
3. An area on some merchant ships where provisions are stored.
4. In modern shipbuilding and on powerboats of all sizes‚ the location of the steering gear equipment for the vessel.
Lazy Jacks‚ Lazyjacks -- A network of cordage rigged to a point on the mast and to a series of points on either side of the boom that cradles and guides the sail onto the boom when the sail is lowered.
Lead --
1. A plummet or mass of lead attached to a line‚ used in sounding depth at sea.
2. In former usage‚ to estimate velocity in knots.
Leadline (Also Sounding Line) -- An instrument used in navigation to measure water depth; the line attached to a lead.
Lead --
1. A plummet or mass of lead attached to a line‚ used in sounding depth at sea.
2. In former usage‚ to estimate velocity in knots.
Leadline (Also Sounding Line) -- An instrument used in navigation to measure water depth; the line attached to a lead.
Leadsman -- A sailor who takes soundings with a lead‚ measuring the depth of water.
League – A unit of length‚ normally equal to three
nautical miles.
Lee-Oh or Hard-A-Lee -- The command given to come about (tack through the wind) on a sailing boat.
Lee Side -- The side of a ship sheltered from the wind (cf. Weather Side).
Letter of Marque and Reprisal or just Letter of Marque -- A warrant granted to a privateer condoning specific acts of piracy against a target as a redress for grievances.
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Liner --
1. During the Age of Sail‚ a ship-of-the-line‚ a major warship capable of taking its place in the main battleline of fighting ships.
2. Any cargo or passenger ship running scheduled service along a specific route with published ports of call‚ excluding ferries and other vessels engaged in short-sea trading. When referring to cargo ships‚ liner in this sense contrasts with tramp‚ which refers to a ship engaged in spot-market trade that does not follow a regular schedule or make regular calls at specific ports. When referring to passenger ships‚ liner in this sense refers to ships providing scheduled transportation between regular ports of call and excludes cruise ships‚ which voyage merely for recreational purposes and not primarily as a form of transportation between ports.
3. Ocean liner: Any large and prestigious passenger ship‚ including cruise ships.
1. During the Age of Sail‚ a ship-of-the-line‚ a major warship capable of taking its place in the main battleline of fighting ships.
2. Any cargo or passenger ship running scheduled service along a specific route with published ports of call‚ excluding ferries and other vessels engaged in short-sea trading. When referring to cargo ships‚ liner in this sense contrasts with tramp‚ which refers to a ship engaged in spot-market trade that does not follow a regular schedule or make regular calls at specific ports. When referring to passenger ships‚ liner in this sense refers to ships providing scheduled transportation between regular ports of call and excludes cruise ships‚ which voyage merely for recreational purposes and not primarily as a form of transportation between ports.
3. Ocean liner: Any large and prestigious passenger ship‚ including cruise ships.
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Loose Cannon -- An irresponsible and reckless individual whose behavior (either intended or unintended) endangers the group he or she belongs to. A loose cannon‚ weighing thousands of pounds‚ would crush anything and anyone in its path‚ and possibly even break a hole in the hull‚ thus endangering the seaworthiness of the whole ship.
Loose Footed -- A mainsail that is not connected to a boom along its foot.
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Lubber's Line -- A vertical line inside a compass case indicating the direction of the ship's head.
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--M--
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Mae West -- A Second World War personal flotation device used to keep people afloat in the water; named after the 1930s actress Mae West‚ well known for her large bosom.
Magnetic Bearing -- An absolute bearing (q.v.) using magnetic north.
Magnetic North -- The direction towards the North Magnetic Pole. Varies slowly over time.
Magnetic Bearing -- An absolute bearing (q.v.) using magnetic north.
Magnetic North -- The direction towards the North Magnetic Pole. Varies slowly over time.
Main (or Mainmast ) -- The tallest mast on a ship.
Main Deck -- The uppermost continuous deck extending from bow to stern.
Mainbrace -- One of the braces attached to the mainmast.
Mainmast (or Main) -- The tallest mast on a ship.
Main Deck -- The uppermost continuous deck extending from bow to stern.
Mainbrace -- One of the braces attached to the mainmast.
Mainmast (or Main) -- The tallest mast on a ship.
Mainsheet -- Sail control line that allows the most obvious effect on mainsail trim. Primarily used to control the angle of the boom‚ and thereby the mainsail‚ this control can also increase or decrease downward tension on the boom while sailing upwind‚ significantly affecting sail shape. For more control over downward tension on the boom‚ use a boom vang.
Mainstay -- The stay running from the top of the mainmast to the bottom of the foremast‚ or from the top of the foremast to the ship's stem.
Making Way -- When a vessel is moving under its own power.
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Mainstay -- The stay running from the top of the mainmast to the bottom of the foremast‚ or from the top of the foremast to the ship's stem.
Making Way -- When a vessel is moving under its own power.
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Midshipman's Hitch -- An alternative to the Blackwall hitch‚ preferred if the rope is greasy. Made by first forming a Blackwall hitch and then taking the underneath part and placing over the bill of the hook.
Midshipman's Nuts -- Broken pieces of biscuit as dessert.
Midshipman's Roll -- A slovenly method of rolling up a hammock transversely‚ and lashing it endways by one clue.
Midshipman's Nuts -- Broken pieces of biscuit as dessert.
Midshipman's Roll -- A slovenly method of rolling up a hammock transversely‚ and lashing it endways by one clue.
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--N--
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Narrows -- A narrow part of a navigable waterway.
National Load Line (Also Plimsoll Line) -- A special marking‚ positioned amidships‚ that indicates the draft of the vessel and the legal limit to which the vessel may be loaded for specific water types and temperatures.
Nautical Mile -- A unit of length corresponding approximately to one minute of arc of latitude along any meridian arc. By international agreement it is exactly 1‚852 metres (approximately 6‚076 feet).
Naval Programme -- The British system of authorizing naval construction by an annual bill in Parliament.
Naval Programme -- The British system of authorizing naval construction by an annual bill in Parliament.
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--O--
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Oakum -- Material used for caulking hulls. Often hemp picked from old untwisted ropes.\
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Ocean Liner – See Liner.
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Offing -- the more distant part of the sea as seen from the shore and generally beyond anchoring ground.
Offshore --
1. Moving away from the shore.
2. Of a wind‚ blowing from the land to the sea.
3. At some distance from the shore; located in the sea away from the coast.
Offshore --
1. Moving away from the shore.
2. Of a wind‚ blowing from the land to the sea.
3. At some distance from the shore; located in the sea away from the coast.
On the Wind (Beating, Close Hauled) -- Sailing toward the wind source, or against the wind, with the sails pulled in all the way, tacking as you go, to reach a destination upwind.
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Outboard Motor -- A motor mounted externally on the transom of a small boat. The boat may be steered by twisting the whole motor‚ instead of or in addition to using a rudder. (See also Inboard Motor and Sterndrive.)
Outdrive -- The lower part of a sterndrive (q.v.).
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--P--
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Packet -- A boat, of any kind, that travels a regular route along a coast or river, carrying passengers, freight, and mail.
Packet‚ Packet Boat‚ or Packet Ship --
1. Originally‚ a vessel employed to carry post office mail packets to and from British embassies‚ colonies and outposts.
2. Later‚ any regularly scheduled ship‚ carrying passengers‚ as in packet trade.
Packet Trade -- Any regularly scheduled cargo‚ passenger and mail trade conducted by ship.
Packetman -- A seaman aboard a ship engaged in packet trade.
1. Originally‚ a vessel employed to carry post office mail packets to and from British embassies‚ colonies and outposts.
2. Later‚ any regularly scheduled ship‚ carrying passengers‚ as in packet trade.
Packet Trade -- Any regularly scheduled cargo‚ passenger and mail trade conducted by ship.
Packetman -- A seaman aboard a ship engaged in packet trade.
Painter -- A rope attached to the bow of a dinghy‚ usually used to tow dingy or handle it at dockside‚ or in water.
Panting -- The pulsation in and out of the bow and stern plating as the ship alternately rises and plunges deep into the water.
Panting -- The pulsation in and out of the bow and stern plating as the ship alternately rises and plunges deep into the water.
Parbuckle -- A method of lifting a roughly cylindrical object such as a spar. One end of a rope is made fast above the object‚ a loop of rope is lowered and passed around the object‚ which can be raised by hauling on the free end of rope.
Parley -- A discussion or conference‚ especially between enemies‚ over terms of a truce or other matters.
Parrel -- A movable loop or collar‚ used to fasten a yard or gaff to its respective mast. Parrel still allows the spar to be raised or lowered and swivel around the mast. Can be made of wire or rope and fitted with beads to reduce friction.
Parley -- A discussion or conference‚ especially between enemies‚ over terms of a truce or other matters.
Parrel -- A movable loop or collar‚ used to fasten a yard or gaff to its respective mast. Parrel still allows the spar to be raised or lowered and swivel around the mast. Can be made of wire or rope and fitted with beads to reduce friction.
Part Brass Rags -- Fall out with a friend. From the days when cleaning materials were shared between sailors.
Passageway -- Hallway of a ship.
Passenger-cargoman -- A merchant ship configured primarily for the transportation of cargo but also for the transportation of at least some passengers.
Passageway -- Hallway of a ship.
Passenger-cargoman -- A merchant ship configured primarily for the transportation of cargo but also for the transportation of at least some passengers.
Pay Off -- To let a vessel's head fall off from the wind (to leeward.)
Paying -- Filling a seam (with caulking or pitch)‚ lubricating the running rigging; paying with slush (q.v.)‚ protecting from the weather by covering with slush. (See also: The Devil To Pay. (French from paix‚ pitch)
Paymaster – The officer responsible for all money matters in RN ships including the paying and provisioning of the crew‚ all stores‚ tools and spare parts. (See also: Purser.)
Paying -- Filling a seam (with caulking or pitch)‚ lubricating the running rigging; paying with slush (q.v.)‚ protecting from the weather by covering with slush. (See also: The Devil To Pay. (French from paix‚ pitch)
Paymaster – The officer responsible for all money matters in RN ships including the paying and provisioning of the crew‚ all stores‚ tools and spare parts. (See also: Purser.)
Peak --
1. The upper aftermost corner of a fore-and-aft sail; used in many combinations‚ such as peak-halyards‚ peak-brails‚ etc.
2. The narrow part of a vessel's bow‚ or the hold within it.
3. The extremity of an anchor fluke; the bill.
Pelagic --
1. Living in the open ocean rather than coastal or inland waters‚ (e.g.‚ " a pelagic shark").
2. Taking place in the open ocean (e.g.‚ "pelagic fishing‚" "pelagic sealing").
1. The upper aftermost corner of a fore-and-aft sail; used in many combinations‚ such as peak-halyards‚ peak-brails‚ etc.
2. The narrow part of a vessel's bow‚ or the hold within it.
3. The extremity of an anchor fluke; the bill.
Pelagic --
1. Living in the open ocean rather than coastal or inland waters‚ (e.g.‚ " a pelagic shark").
2. Taking place in the open ocean (e.g.‚ "pelagic fishing‚" "pelagic sealing").
Pendant -- A length of wire or rope secured at one end to a mast or spar and having a block or other fitting at the lower end. Often used incorrectly when referring to a Pennant (flag).
Pennant -- A long‚ thin triangular flag flown from the masthead of a military ship (as opposed to a burgee‚ the flags thus flown on yachts).
Picket Boat -- A boat on sentry duty‚ or one placed on a line forward of a position to warn against an enemy advance.
Pennant -- A long‚ thin triangular flag flown from the masthead of a military ship (as opposed to a burgee‚ the flags thus flown on yachts).
Picket Boat -- A boat on sentry duty‚ or one placed on a line forward of a position to warn against an enemy advance.
Pier -- A raised structure‚ typically supported by widely spread piles or pillars‚ used industrially for loading and unloading commercial ships‚ recreationally for walking and housing attractions at a seaside resort‚ or as a structure for use by boatless fishermen. The lighter structure of a pier contrasts with the more solid foundations of a quay or the closely spaced piles of a wharf. In North America‚ the term "pier" used alone connotes either a pier used (or formerly used) by commercial shipping or one used for fishing‚ while in Europe the term used alone connotes a recreational pier at a seaside resort.
Pier-Head Jump -- When a sailor is drafted to a warship at the last minute‚ just before she sails.
Pilot -- Navigator. A specially knowledgeable person qualified to navigate a vessel through difficult waters‚ e.g. harbour pilot etc.
Pilot -- Navigator. A specially knowledgeable person qualified to navigate a vessel through difficult waters‚ e.g. harbour pilot etc.
PIM (Points or Plan of Intended Movement) -- The charted course for a naval unit's movements.
Pinnace --
1. Pinnace (ship's boat)‚ a small‚ light boat propelled by oars or a sail‚ used as a tender to larger vessels during the Age of Sail.
2. Full-rigged pinnace‚ a small "race built" galleon‚ squared rigged with either two or three masts.
3. In modern usage‚ any small boat other than a launch or lifeboat associated with a larger vessel.
1. Pinnace (ship's boat)‚ a small‚ light boat propelled by oars or a sail‚ used as a tender to larger vessels during the Age of Sail.
2. Full-rigged pinnace‚ a small "race built" galleon‚ squared rigged with either two or three masts.
3. In modern usage‚ any small boat other than a launch or lifeboat associated with a larger vessel.
Pintle -- The pin or bolt on which a ships rudder pivots. The pintle rests in the gudgeon.
Pipe (Bos'n's)‚ or a Bos'n's Call -- A whistle used by Boatswains (bosuns or bos'ns) to issue commands. Consisting of a metal tube which directs the breath over an aperture on the top of a hollow ball to produce high pitched notes. The pitch of the notes can be changed by partly covering the aperture with the finger of the hand in which the pipe is held. The shape of the instrument is similar to that of a smoking pipe.
Pipe Down -- A signal on the bosun's pipe to signal the end of the day‚ requiring lights (and smoking pipes) to be extinguished and silence from the crew.
Piping the Side -- A salute on the bos'n's pipe(s) performed in the company of the deck watch on the starboard side of the quarterdeck or at the head of the gangway‚ to welcome or bid farewell to the ship's Captain‚ senior officers and honoured visitors.
Piping the Side -- A salute on the bos'n's pipe(s) performed in the company of the deck watch on the starboard side of the quarterdeck or at the head of the gangway‚ to welcome or bid farewell to the ship's Captain‚ senior officers and honoured visitors.
Piracy -- An act of robbery or criminal violence at sea by the occupants of one vessel against the occupants of another vessel (thus excluding such acts committed by the crew or passengers of a vessel against others aboard the same vessel). Piracy is distinguished from privateering‚ which is authorized by national authorities and therefore a legitimate form of war-like activity by non-state actors.
Pirate -- One who engages in an act of piracy.
Pirate -- One who engages in an act of piracy.
Pitch -- A vessel's motion‚ rotating about the beam/transverse axis‚ causing the fore and aft ends to rise and fall repetitively.
Pitchpole -- To capsize a boat stern over bow‚ rather than by rolling over.
Plane -- To skim over the water at high speed rather than push through it.
Pitchpole -- To capsize a boat stern over bow‚ rather than by rolling over.
Plane -- To skim over the water at high speed rather than push through it.
Plimsoll Line (Also National Load Line) -- A special marking‚ positioned amidships‚ that indicates the draft of the vessel and the legal limit to which the vessel may be loaded for specific water types and temperatures.
Plotting Room – See Transmitting Station.
Point -- A unit of bearing equal to one thirty-second of a circle‚ i.e.‚ 11.25°. A turn of 32 points is a complete turn through 360°.
Point Up -- To change the direction of a sailboat so that it is more up wind. To bring the bow windward. Also called heading up. This is the opposite of falling off.
Points of Sail -- The course of a sailing vessel in relation to the direction of the wind‚ divided into six points: in irons (pointed directly into the wind)‚ close hauled (sailing as close into the direction of the wind as possible)‚ close reach (between close hauled and beam reach)‚ beam reach (perpendicular to the wind)‚ broad reach (wind behind the vessel at an angle)‚ and running downwind or running before the wind (the wind is behind the vessel).
Pontoon -- A flat-bottomed vessel used as a ferry‚ barge‚ car float or a float moored alongside a jetty or a ship to facilitate boarding.
Poop Deck -- A high deck on the aft superstructure of a ship.
Pooped --
1. Swamped by a high‚ following sea.
2. Exhausted.
Poop Deck -- A high deck on the aft superstructure of a ship.
Pooped --
1. Swamped by a high‚ following sea.
2. Exhausted.
Port --
1. The left side of the boat. Towards the left-hand side of the ship facing forward (formerly Larboard). Denoted with a red light at night.
2. An opening in a ship's side‚ esp. a round one for admitting light and air‚ fitted with thick glass and‚ often‚ a hinged metal cover‚ a window.
1. The left side of the boat. Towards the left-hand side of the ship facing forward (formerly Larboard). Denoted with a red light at night.
2. An opening in a ship's side‚ esp. a round one for admitting light and air‚ fitted with thick glass and‚ often‚ a hinged metal cover‚ a window.
Port of Registry -- The port listed in a vessel 's registration documents and lettered on her stern. Often used incorrectly as a synonym for "home port"‚ meaning the port at which the vessel is based‚ but which may differ from her port of registry.
Port Tack -- When sailing with the wind coming from the port side of the vessel. Must give way to boats on starboard tack.
Porthole (or Port) -- An opening in a ship's side‚ esp. a round one for admitting light and air‚ fitted with thick glass and‚ often‚ a hinged metal cover; a window.
Port Tack -- When sailing with the wind coming from the port side of the vessel. Must give way to boats on starboard tack.
Porthole (or Port) -- An opening in a ship's side‚ esp. a round one for admitting light and air‚ fitted with thick glass and‚ often‚ a hinged metal cover; a window.
Post-Captain -- An obsolete alternative form of the rank of captain in the Royal Navy; once achieved promotion thereafter was entirely due to seniority.
Powder Hulk -- A hulk used to store gunpowder.
Powder Magazine -- A small room/closet area in the hull of the ship used for storing gunpowder in barrels‚ or‚ "kegs"‚ usually located centrally so as to have easy access to the grated loading area. Sometimes may be an enclosed closet with a door‚ so it can be locked and only the captain would have the key‚ similar to how rum is stored.
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Powder Hulk -- A hulk used to store gunpowder.
Powder Magazine -- A small room/closet area in the hull of the ship used for storing gunpowder in barrels‚ or‚ "kegs"‚ usually located centrally so as to have easy access to the grated loading area. Sometimes may be an enclosed closet with a door‚ so it can be locked and only the captain would have the key‚ similar to how rum is stored.
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Pratique -- A certificate issued by a port indicating that the ship carries no infectious diseases. Also called a Clean bill of health.
Propeller (fixed) -- A propeller mounted on a rigid shaft protruding from the hull of a vessel‚ usually driven by an inboard motor.
Propeller (folding) -- A propeller with folding blades‚ furling to reduce drag on a sailing vessel when not in use.
Propeller (folding) -- A propeller with folding blades‚ furling to reduce drag on a sailing vessel when not in use.
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Purser -- The person who buys‚ stores and sells all stores on board ships‚ including victuals‚ rum and tobacco. Originally a private merchant‚ latterly a warrant officer.
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--Q--
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Q Flag -- All yellow signal flag meaning "My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique."
Quarter -- The side of a boat aft of beam and forward of the stern.
Quarterdeck -- The aftermost deck of a warship. In the age of sail‚ the quarterdeck was the preserve of the ship's officers.
Quay --
1. A stone or concrete structure on navigable water used for loading and unloading vessels‚ generally synonymous with a wharf (q.v.)‚ although the solid foundations of a quay contrast with the closely spaced piles of a wharf. When "quay" and "wharf" are used as synonyms‚ the term "quay" is more common in everyday speech in the United Kingdom‚ many Commonwealth countries‚ and the Republic of Ireland‚ while "wharf" is more commonly used in the United States.
2. To land or tie up at a quay.
1. A stone or concrete structure on navigable water used for loading and unloading vessels‚ generally synonymous with a wharf (q.v.)‚ although the solid foundations of a quay contrast with the closely spaced piles of a wharf. When "quay" and "wharf" are used as synonyms‚ the term "quay" is more common in everyday speech in the United Kingdom‚ many Commonwealth countries‚ and the Republic of Ireland‚ while "wharf" is more commonly used in the United States.
2. To land or tie up at a quay.
Quayside --
1. An area alongside a quay.
2. Having the attribute of being alongside a quay‚ e.g.‚ "The ship is moored quayside."
Queen's (King's) Regulations -- The standing orders governing the British Royal Navy issued in the name of the current Monarch.
1. An area alongside a quay.
2. Having the attribute of being alongside a quay‚ e.g.‚ "The ship is moored quayside."
Queen's (King's) Regulations -- The standing orders governing the British Royal Navy issued in the name of the current Monarch.
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--R--
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Rabbet or Rebate -- A groove cut in wood to form part of a joint.
Radar -- Acronym for Radio Detection And Ranging. An electronic system designed to transmit radio signals and receive reflected images of those signals from a "target" in order to determine the bearing and distance to the "target".
Radar Reflector -- A special fixture fitted to a vessel or incorporated into the design of certain aids to navigation to enhance their ability to reflect radar energy. In general‚ these fixtures will materially improve the visibility for use by vessels with radar.
Radar -- Acronym for Radio Detection And Ranging. An electronic system designed to transmit radio signals and receive reflected images of those signals from a "target" in order to determine the bearing and distance to the "target".
Radar Reflector -- A special fixture fitted to a vessel or incorporated into the design of certain aids to navigation to enhance their ability to reflect radar energy. In general‚ these fixtures will materially improve the visibility for use by vessels with radar.
Rail Barge (also Car Float or Railroad Car Float) -- An unpowered barge with railroad tracks mounted on its deck‚ used to move railroad cars across water obstacles.
Railroad Car Float (also Car Float or Rail Barge) -- An unpowered barge with railroad tracks mounted on its deck‚ used to move railroad cars across water obstacles.
Rake -- To incline from the perpendicular; something so inclined is raked or raking‚ e.g.‚ a raked or raking stem‚ stern‚ mast‚ funnel‚ etc.
Ram --
1. A weapon consisting of an underwater prolongation of the bow of a vessel to form an armored beak‚ intended to be driven into the hull of an enemy vessel in order to puncture the hull and disable or sink that vessel.
2. An armored warship of the second half of the 19th century designed to use such a weapon as her primary means of attack.
3. To intentionally collide with another vessel with the intention of damaging or sinking her.
4. To accidentally collide bow-first with another vessel.
Range Clock -- A clockwork device used aboard a warship to continuously calculate the range to an enemy ship.
Range Lights -- Two lights associated to form a range (a line formed by the extension of a line connecting two charted points) which often‚ but not necessarily‚ indicates the channel centerline. The front range light is the lower of the two‚ and nearer to the mariner using the range. The rear light is higher and further from the mariner.
Rating --
1. In British usage‚ an enlisted member of a country's navy‚ i.e.‚ all members of the navy who are not officers or warrant officers.
2. In contemporary United States Navy and United States Coast Guard usage‚ the occupational specialty of an enlisted member of the service.
1. A weapon consisting of an underwater prolongation of the bow of a vessel to form an armored beak‚ intended to be driven into the hull of an enemy vessel in order to puncture the hull and disable or sink that vessel.
2. An armored warship of the second half of the 19th century designed to use such a weapon as her primary means of attack.
3. To intentionally collide with another vessel with the intention of damaging or sinking her.
4. To accidentally collide bow-first with another vessel.
Range Clock -- A clockwork device used aboard a warship to continuously calculate the range to an enemy ship.
Range Lights -- Two lights associated to form a range (a line formed by the extension of a line connecting two charted points) which often‚ but not necessarily‚ indicates the channel centerline. The front range light is the lower of the two‚ and nearer to the mariner using the range. The rear light is higher and further from the mariner.
Rating --
1. In British usage‚ an enlisted member of a country's navy‚ i.e.‚ all members of the navy who are not officers or warrant officers.
2. In contemporary United States Navy and United States Coast Guard usage‚ the occupational specialty of an enlisted member of the service.
Ratlines (Also "Rattlins" or "Ratlins") -- The rungs fastened between the shrouds permanently rigged from bulwarks and tops to the mast to form ladders enabling access to the topmasts and yards.
Razee --
1. A sailing ship that has been cut down to reduce the number of decks.
2. To cut down a sailing ship to reduce the number of decks.
1. A sailing ship that has been cut down to reduce the number of decks.
2. To cut down a sailing ship to reduce the number of decks.
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Reaching -- Sailing across the wind: from about 60° to about 160° off the wind. Reaching consists of "close reaching" (about 60° to 80°)‚ "beam reaching" (about 90°) and "broad reaching" (about 120° to 160°). (See also Beating.)
Reaching Sail -- A specifically designed sail for tighter reaching legs. Reaching sails are often used in racing with a true wind angle of 35 to 95 degrees. They are generally used before the wind angle moves aft enough to permit spinnakers to be flown.
Ready About --
1. Instruction to crew to prepare to come about.
2. A call to indicate imminent tacking (See Going About).
1. Instruction to crew to prepare to come about.
2. A call to indicate imminent tacking (See Going About).
Receiver of Wreck -- A government official whose duty is to give owners of shipwrecks the opportunity to retrieve their property and ensure that law-abiding finders of wreck receive an appropriate reward.
Receiving Hulk (or Receiving Ship) -- A hulk used in harbor to house newly recruited sailors before they are assigned to a crew.
Red Duster -- Traditional nickname for the Red Ensign‚ the civil ensign (flag) carried by United Kingdom civilian vessels.
Red-to-Red -- A passage of two vessels moving in the opposite direction on their port sides‚ so called because the red navigation light on one of the vessels faces the red light on the other vessel.
Receiving Hulk (or Receiving Ship) -- A hulk used in harbor to house newly recruited sailors before they are assigned to a crew.
Red Duster -- Traditional nickname for the Red Ensign‚ the civil ensign (flag) carried by United Kingdom civilian vessels.
Red-to-Red -- A passage of two vessels moving in the opposite direction on their port sides‚ so called because the red navigation light on one of the vessels faces the red light on the other vessel.
Reduced Cat -- A light version on the cat o'nine tails for use on boys; also called "boys' pussy".
Reef --
1. Reefing: To temporarily reduce the area of a sail exposed to the wind‚ usually to guard against adverse effects of strong wind or to slow the vessel.
2. Reef: Rock or coral‚ possibly only revealed at low tide‚ shallow enough that the vessel will at least touch if not go aground.
Reef --
1. Reefing: To temporarily reduce the area of a sail exposed to the wind‚ usually to guard against adverse effects of strong wind or to slow the vessel.
2. Reef: Rock or coral‚ possibly only revealed at low tide‚ shallow enough that the vessel will at least touch if not go aground.
Reef-Points -- Small flat lengths of braided cord attached by eyelets to a sail along the reef band‚ used to secure the excess fabric after reefing. Typically‚ a reef point consists of two lengths of cord which taper towards their ends—the narrow end of each is threaded through an eye in the wide end of the other and then the pair are rove through the eyelet in the reef band such that one length hangs before and the other abaft the sail.
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Relative Bearing -- A bearing relative to the direction of the ship: the clockwise angle between the ship's direction and an object. (See also Absolute Bearing and Bearing.)
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Rigol -- The rim or 'eyebrow' above a port-hole or scuttle.
Rip Rap -- A man-made pile of rocks and rubble often surrounding an off-shore lighthouse or as a base for an aid to navigation.
Roads -- (See Roadstead.)
Roadstead -- A sheltered area outside a harbour where a ship can lie safe at anchor‚ also known as a roads.
Running Before The Wind or Running -- Sailing more than about 160° away from the wind. If directly away from the wind‚ it's a dead run.
Rip Rap -- A man-made pile of rocks and rubble often surrounding an off-shore lighthouse or as a base for an aid to navigation.
Roads -- (See Roadstead.)
Roadstead -- A sheltered area outside a harbour where a ship can lie safe at anchor‚ also known as a roads.
Running Before The Wind or Running -- Sailing more than about 160° away from the wind. If directly away from the wind‚ it's a dead run.
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--S--
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Safe Harbour -- A harbour which provides safety from bad weather.
Safe Haven -- A safe harbour‚ including natural harbours‚ which provide safety from bad weather or attack.
Safe Haven -- A safe harbour‚ including natural harbours‚ which provide safety from bad weather or attack.
Sagging -- When the trough of a wave is amidships‚ causing the hull to deflect so the ends of the keel are higher than the middle. The opposite of Hogging.
Sail --
1. A piece of fabric attached to a vessel and arranged such that it causes the wind to drive the vessel along. It may be attached to the vessel via a combination of mast‚ spars‚ and ropes.
2. The power harnessed by a sail or sails to propel a vessel.
3. To use sail power to propel a vessel.
4. A trip in a boat or ship‚ especially a sailboat or sailing ship.
5. In American usage‚ a sail is a tower-like structure on the dorsal (topside) surface of submarines constructed since the mid-20th century which houses periscopes‚ access trunks for the bridge‚ etc.; called a fin in European and British Commonwealth countries. It differs from the conning tower of earlier submarines‚ which was similar in appearance to a sail or fin‚ but housed instruments and controls from which the periscopes were used to direct the submarine and launch torpedo attacks‚ functions not performed in a modern sail (or fin).
1. A piece of fabric attached to a vessel and arranged such that it causes the wind to drive the vessel along. It may be attached to the vessel via a combination of mast‚ spars‚ and ropes.
2. The power harnessed by a sail or sails to propel a vessel.
3. To use sail power to propel a vessel.
4. A trip in a boat or ship‚ especially a sailboat or sailing ship.
5. In American usage‚ a sail is a tower-like structure on the dorsal (topside) surface of submarines constructed since the mid-20th century which houses periscopes‚ access trunks for the bridge‚ etc.; called a fin in European and British Commonwealth countries. It differs from the conning tower of earlier submarines‚ which was similar in appearance to a sail or fin‚ but housed instruments and controls from which the periscopes were used to direct the submarine and launch torpedo attacks‚ functions not performed in a modern sail (or fin).
Sail Loft -- A large open space used by sailmakers to spread out sails.
Sailmaker -- A craftsman who makes and repairs sails‚ working either on shore in a sail loft or aboard a large‚ ocean-going sailing ship.
Sail-Plan –- A set of drawings showing various sail combinations recommended for use in various situations.
Sailing Skiff –- (See 'Skiff'.)
Sail-Plan –- A set of drawings showing various sail combinations recommended for use in various situations.
Sailing Skiff –- (See 'Skiff'.)
Sally Ship -- A method of freeing a vessel grounded on mud in which the
crew forms a line and runs back and forth athwartships (q.v.) to cause
her to rock back and forth‚ breaking the mud 's suction and freeing her
with little or no hull damage. When this is required‚ the crew is given
the order Sally ship!
Saltie -- Great Lakes term for a vessel that sails the oceans.
Saltie -- Great Lakes term for a vessel that sails the oceans.
Salty Dog -- Slang for a sailor‚ especially for a seaman in the navy.
Sampan -- A relatively flat bottomed Chinese wooden boat from 3.5 to 4.5 m long; some with a small shelter and may be used as permanent habitation on inland waters; generally used in coastal areas or rivers and as traditional fishing boats. It is unusual for a sampan to sail far from land as they do not have the means to survive rough weather.
Sampson Post -- A strong vertical post used to support a ship's windlass and the heel of a ship's bowsprit.
Sampson Post -- A strong vertical post used to support a ship's windlass and the heel of a ship's bowsprit.
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Scandalize -- To reduce the area and efficiency of a sail by expedient means (slacking the peak and tricing up the tack) without properly reefing‚ thus slowing boat speed. Also used in the past as a sign of mourning.
Scantlings -- Dimensions of ships structural members‚ e.g.‚ frame‚ beam‚ girder‚ etc.
Schooner --
1. A vessel with two or more masts, fore and main, with square-rigged sails; averaging 100 tons; 68 feet long; 23 feet in the beam; the largest ever built had seven masts.
2. A type of sailing vessel characterized by the use of fore-and-aft sails on two or more masts with the forward mast being no taller than the rear masts‚ first used by the Dutch in the 16th or 17th century.
1. A vessel with two or more masts, fore and main, with square-rigged sails; averaging 100 tons; 68 feet long; 23 feet in the beam; the largest ever built had seven masts.
2. A type of sailing vessel characterized by the use of fore-and-aft sails on two or more masts with the forward mast being no taller than the rear masts‚ first used by the Dutch in the 16th or 17th century.
Schreecher -- This is a specialty sail whose name comes from combining the names Spinnaker and Reaching Sails and can be used as an upwind genoa sail‚ reaching sail or downwind sail.
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Scow --
1. A method of preparing an anchor for tripping by attaching an anchor cable to the crown and fixing to the ring by a light seizing (also known as becue). The seizing can be broken if the anchor becomes fouled.
2. A type of clinker dinghy‚ characteristically beamy and slow.
3. An inland racing boat with no keel‚ a large sail plan‚ and a planing hull.
1. A method of preparing an anchor for tripping by attaching an anchor cable to the crown and fixing to the ring by a light seizing (also known as becue). The seizing can be broken if the anchor becomes fouled.
2. A type of clinker dinghy‚ characteristically beamy and slow.
3. An inland racing boat with no keel‚ a large sail plan‚ and a planing hull.
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Screw --
1. Propeller.
2. Propeller-driven (e.g.‚ screw frigate‚ screw sloop).
1. Propeller.
2. Propeller-driven (e.g.‚ screw frigate‚ screw sloop).
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Scud -- A name given by sailors to the lowest clouds‚ which are mostly observed in squally weather.
Scudding -- A term applied to a vessel when carried furiously along by a tempest.
Scull --
1. An oar used for sculling.
2. A boat propelled by sculling‚ generally for recreation or racing.
1. An oar used for sculling.
2. A boat propelled by sculling‚ generally for recreation or racing.
Sculling -- A method of using oars to propel watercraft in which the oar or oars touch the water on both the port and starboard sides of the craft‚ or over the stern. On sailboats with transom-mounted rudders‚ forward propulsion can be made by a balanced side to side movement of the tiller‚ a form of sculling.
Scuppers -- Originally a series of pipes fitted through the ships side from inside the thicker deck waterway to the topside planking to drain water overboard‚ larger quantities drained through freeing ports‚ which were openings in the bulwarks.
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Scuttle -- A small opening‚ or lid thereof‚ in a ship's deck or hull.
Scuttlebutt --
1. A barrel with a hole in used to hold water that sailors would drink from. By extension (in modern naval usage)‚ a shipboard drinking fountain or water cooler.
2. Slang for gossip.
Scuttling -- Making a hole in the hull of a vessel or opening seacocks‚ especially in order to sink a vessel deliberately.
1. A barrel with a hole in used to hold water that sailors would drink from. By extension (in modern naval usage)‚ a shipboard drinking fountain or water cooler.
2. Slang for gossip.
Scuttling -- Making a hole in the hull of a vessel or opening seacocks‚ especially in order to sink a vessel deliberately.
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Sea Anchor -- A stabilizer deployed in the water for heaving to in heavy weather. It acts as a brake and keeps the hull in line with the wind and perpendicular to waves. Often in the form of a large bag made of heavy canvas. (See also Drogue.)
Seacock -- a valve in the hull of a boat.
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Shift Tides -- Sighting the positions of the sun and moon using a sextant and using a nautical almanac to determine the location and phase of the moon and calculating the relative effect of the tides on the navigation of the ship.
Ship -- A vessel of at least three square-rigged masts; averaging 500 tons; 130 feet in length; 30 feet in the beam.
Ship's Biscuit -- A hard and long-lasting dry biscuit‚ used as food on long journeys. Also called Hardtack.
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Skiff –- A small boat‚ traditionally a coastal or river craft‚ for leisure or fishing‚ with a single person or small crew. Sailing skiffs have developed into high performance competitive classes.
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Slip --
1. A berth for a ship or boat; a place for a ship or boat to moor.
2. The difference between the theoretical distance traveled per revolution of a vessel's propeller and the actual advance of the vessel.
3. In marine engineering‚ the motion of the center of resistance of the float of a paddle wheel or the blade of an oar through the water horizontally.
4. In marine engineering‚ the difference between a vessel's actual speed and the speed it would have if the propelling instrument acted upon a solid.
5. In marine engineering‚ the velocity relative to still water of the backward current of water produced by the propeller.
6. In marine insurance‚ a memorandum of the particulars of a risk for which a policy is to be executed‚ usually bearing the broker's name and initiated by the underwriters.
Sloop -- A small, single-masted vessel, fore and aft rigged, with a main sail and a jib; from schooner size downward.
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Sounding -- Measuring the depth of the water. Traditionally done by swinging the lead‚ now commonly by echo sounding.
Sounding Line (Also Leadline) -- An instrument used in navigation to measure water depth; the line attached to a lead.
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Spar -- A wooden‚ in later years also iron or steel, pole used to support various pieces of rigging and sails. The big five-masted full-rigged tall ship Preussen (German spelling: Preußen) had crossed 30 steel yards‚ but only one wooden spar-- the little gaff of its spanker sail.
Spar Torpedo -- A weapon consisting of a bomb placed at the end of a long spar and attached to a boat.
Spar Torpedo -- A weapon consisting of a bomb placed at the end of a long spar and attached to a boat.
Speaking Tube‚ Communication Tube‚ or Voice Tube -- An air-filled tube‚ usually armored‚ allowing speech between the conning tower with the below-decks control spaces in a warship.
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Sterndrive -- A propeller drive system similar to the lower part of an outboard motor extending below the hull of a larger power boat or yacht‚ but driven by an engine mounted within the hull. Unlike a fixed propeller, (but like an outboard)‚ the boat may be steered by twisting the drive. (See also Inboard Motor and Outboard Motor.)
Studding-Sails /ˈstÊŒnsÉ™l/ -- Long and narrow sails‚ used only in fine weather‚ on the outside of the large square sails.
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Swinging The Compass -- Measuring the accuracy in a ship's magnetic compass so its readings can be adjusted—often by turning the ship and taking bearings on reference points.
Swinging The Lamp -- Telling sea stories. Referring to lamps slung from the deckhead which swing while at sea. Often used to indicate that the story teller is exaggerating.
Swinging The Lead --
1. Measuring the depth of water beneath a ship using a lead-weighted sounding line. Regarded as a relatively easy job‚ thus:
2. Feigning illness etc to avoid a hard job.
Swinging The Compass -- Measuring the accuracy in a ship's magnetic compass so its readings can be adjusted—often by turning the ship and taking bearings on reference points.
Swinging The Lamp -- Telling sea stories. Referring to lamps slung from the deckhead which swing while at sea. Often used to indicate that the story teller is exaggerating.
Swinging The Lead --
1. Measuring the depth of water beneath a ship using a lead-weighted sounding line. Regarded as a relatively easy job‚ thus:
2. Feigning illness etc to avoid a hard job.
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--T--
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Tabernacle -- A large bracket attached firmly to the deck‚ to which the foot of the mast is fixed. It has two sides or cheeks and a bolt forming the pivot around which the mast is raised and lowered.
Tack --
1. A leg of the route of a sailing vessel‚ particularly in relation to tacking (q.v.) and to starboard tack and port tack (also q.v.).
2. Hard tack: (q.v.).
3. The front bottom corner of a sail.
1. A leg of the route of a sailing vessel‚ particularly in relation to tacking (q.v.) and to starboard tack and port tack (also q.v.).
2. Hard tack: (q.v.).
3. The front bottom corner of a sail.
Tacking --
1. Zig-zagging so as to sail directly towards the wind (and for some rigs also away from it).
2. Going about (q.v.).
1. Zig-zagging so as to sail directly towards the wind (and for some rigs also away from it).
2. Going about (q.v.).
Tacking or Going About -- Changing from one tack to another by going through the wind. (See also Gybe.)
Tacking Duels -- In sailboat racing on an upwind leg of the race course the complex maneuvers of lead and overtaking boats to vie for the aerodynamic advantage of clear air. This results from the ongoing strategy of the lead boat's effort to keep the following boat(s) in the blanket of disturbed bad air he is creating.
Tactical Diameter -- The perpendicular distance between a ship's course when the helm is put hard over and her course when she has turned through 180 degrees; the ratio of the tactical diameter divided by the ship's length between perpendiculars gives a dimensionless parameter which can be used to compare the maneuverability of ships.
Taffrail -- A rail at the stern of the boat that covers the head of the counter timbers.
Tailshaft -- A kind of metallic shafting (a rod of metal) to hold the propeller and connected to the power engine. When the tailshaft is moved‚ the propeller may also be moved for propulsion.
Taken Aback -- An inattentive helmsmen might allow the dangerous situation to arise where the wind is blowing into the sails 'backwards'‚ causing a sudden (and possibly dangerous) shift in the position of the sails.
Tailshaft -- A kind of metallic shafting (a rod of metal) to hold the propeller and connected to the power engine. When the tailshaft is moved‚ the propeller may also be moved for propulsion.
Taken Aback -- An inattentive helmsmen might allow the dangerous situation to arise where the wind is blowing into the sails 'backwards'‚ causing a sudden (and possibly dangerous) shift in the position of the sails.
Taking The Wind Out Of His Sails – To sail in a way that steals the wind from another ship. cf. overbear.
Tally -- The operation of hauling aft the sheets‚ or drawing them in the direction of the ship's stern.
Tanker (also Tank Ship or Tankship) -- A ship designed to transport liquids in bulk.
Target Ship -- A vessel‚ typically an obsolete or captured warship‚ used for naval gunnery practice or for weapons testing. The term includes both ships intended to be sunk and ships intended to survive and see repeated use as a target.
Tally -- The operation of hauling aft the sheets‚ or drawing them in the direction of the ship's stern.
Tanker (also Tank Ship or Tankship) -- A ship designed to transport liquids in bulk.
Target Ship -- A vessel‚ typically an obsolete or captured warship‚ used for naval gunnery practice or for weapons testing. The term includes both ships intended to be sunk and ships intended to survive and see repeated use as a target.
Task Force -- Temporary naval organizations composed of particular ships‚ aircraft‚ submarines‚ military land forces‚ or shore service units‚ assigned to fulfill certain missions. Seemingly drawn originally from Royal Navy heritage‚ the emphasis is placed on the individual commander of the unit‚ and references to 'CTF' are common for "Commander Task Force".
Tattle Tale -- Light cord attached to a mooring line at two points a few inches apart with a slack section in between (resembling an inch-worm) to indicate when the line is stretching from the ship’s rising with the tide. Obviously only used when moored to a fixed dock or pier and only on watches with a flood tide.
Tell-Tale (sometimes Tell-Tail) -- A light piece of string‚ yarn‚ rope or plastic (often magnetic audio tape) attached to a stay or a shroud to indicate the local wind direction. They may also be attached to the surface and/or the leech of a sail to indicate the state of the air flow over the surface of the sail. They are referenced when optimizing the trim of the sails to achieve the best boat speed in the prevailing wind conditions. (See Dogvane).
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The Devil To Pay -- To pay the deck seams meant to seal them with tar. The devil seam was the most difficult to pay because it was curved and intersected with the straight deck planking. Some sources define the “devil” as the below-the-waterline-seam between the keel and the adjoining planking. Paying the Devil was considered to be a most difficult and unpleasant task.
Thole -- Vertical wooden peg or pin inserted through the gunwale to form a fulcrum for oars when rowing. Used in place of a rowlock.
Three Sheets to the Wind -- On a three-masted ship‚ having the sheets of the three lower courses loose will result in the ship meandering aimlessly downwind. Also‚ a sailor who has drunk strong spirits beyond his capacity.
Thwart -- A bench seat across the width of an open boat.
Three Sheets to the Wind -- On a three-masted ship‚ having the sheets of the three lower courses loose will result in the ship meandering aimlessly downwind. Also‚ a sailor who has drunk strong spirits beyond his capacity.
Thwart -- A bench seat across the width of an open boat.
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Top -- The platform at the upper end of each (lower) mast of a square-rigged ship‚ typically one-fourth to one-third of the way up the mast. The main purpose of a top is to anchor the shrouds of the topmast that extends above it. (See also Fighting Top.)
Touch and Go --
1. The bottom of the ship touching the bottom‚ but not grounding.
2. Stopping at a dock or pier for a very short time without tying up‚ to let off or take on crew or goods. 3. Practice of aircraft on aircraft carriers touching the carrier deck and taking off again without dropping hooks.
1. The bottom of the ship touching the bottom‚ but not grounding.
2. Stopping at a dock or pier for a very short time without tying up‚ to let off or take on crew or goods. 3. Practice of aircraft on aircraft carriers touching the carrier deck and taking off again without dropping hooks.
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Transmitting Station -- British term for a room located in the interior of a ship containing computers and other specialised equipment needed to calculate the range and bearing of a target from information gathered by the ship's spotters and range finders. These were designated "plotting rooms" by the United States Navy.
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Turtling -- In dinghy sailing especially (but can include other boats)‚ a boat is said to be turtling or to turn turtle when the boat is fully inverted with the mast pointing down to the lake bottom or seabed.
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--U--
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V-Hull -- The shape of a boat or ship in which the contours of the hull come in a straight line to the keel.
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Vang --
1. A rope (line) leading from gaff to either side of the deck‚ used to prevent the gaff from sagging.
2. See Boom Vang.
1. A rope (line) leading from gaff to either side of the deck‚ used to prevent the gaff from sagging.
2. See Boom Vang.
Vanishing Angle -- The maximum degree of heel after which a vessel becomes unable to return to an upright position.
Vessel – Any craft designed for transportation on water‚ such as a ship or boat.
Voice Pipe or Voice Tube -- See Communication Tube.
Voyage --
1. A long journey by ship.
2. To go on such a journey.
Vessel – Any craft designed for transportation on water‚ such as a ship or boat.
Voice Pipe or Voice Tube -- See Communication Tube.
Voyage --
1. A long journey by ship.
2. To go on such a journey.
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--W--
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Waft -- A signal flag on a vessel.
Waist -- the central deck of a ship between the forecastle and the quarterdeck.
Wake --
Waist -- the central deck of a ship between the forecastle and the quarterdeck.
Wake --
1.) Turbulence behind a vessel. Not to be confused with Wash.
2.) The swell caused by a boat passing through water.
Wale -- Any of the strong and thick planks running length-wise along a vessel‚ forming the lower part of the vessel's sides.
Wale -- Any of the strong and thick planks running length-wise along a vessel‚ forming the lower part of the vessel's sides.
Wardroom --
1. The living quarters of a naval ship designated for the use of commissioned officers other than the captain.
2. A collective term for the commissioned officers of a naval ship excluding her captain; e.g.‚ "The captain rarely referred to his wardroom for advice‚ and this led to their discontent."
1. The living quarters of a naval ship designated for the use of commissioned officers other than the captain.
2. A collective term for the commissioned officers of a naval ship excluding her captain; e.g.‚ "The captain rarely referred to his wardroom for advice‚ and this led to their discontent."
Warp --
1. To move a vessel by hauling on a line or cable that is fastened to an anchor or pier; especially to move a sailing ship through a restricted place such as a harbor.
2. A line or cable used in warping a ship.
Wash -- The waves created by a vessel. Not to be confused with Wake.
Watch -- A period of time during which a part of the crew is on duty. Changes of watch are marked by strokes on the ship's bell.
1. To move a vessel by hauling on a line or cable that is fastened to an anchor or pier; especially to move a sailing ship through a restricted place such as a harbor.
2. A line or cable used in warping a ship.
Wash -- The waves created by a vessel. Not to be confused with Wake.
Watch -- A period of time during which a part of the crew is on duty. Changes of watch are marked by strokes on the ship's bell.
Watercraft -- Water transport vessels. Ships‚ boats‚ personal water craft‚ etc.
Waterline -- The line where the hull of a ship meets the water's surface.
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Wearing Ship -- Tacking away from the wind in a square-rigged vessel. (See also Gybe.)
Weather Ship -- A ship stationed in the ocean as a platform for surface and upper air meteorological observations for use in weather forecasting.
Weather Side – The side of a ship exposed to the wind. (cf. Lee Side).
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--X--
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--Y--
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Yacht -- A recreational boat or ship; the term includes sailing yachts‚ motor yachts‚ and steam yachts.
Yard --
1. Yard: The horizontal spar from which a square sail is suspended.
2. A dockyard or shipyard.
Yard Number -- Each shipyard typically numbers the ships that it has built in consecutive order. One use is to identify the ship before a name has been chosen.
Yardarm -- The very end of a yard. Often mistaken for a "yard"‚ which refers to the entire spar. As in to hang "from the yardarm" and the sun being "over the yardarm" (Late enough to have a drink).
Yarr -- Acknowledgement of an order‚ or agreement. Also aye‚ aye.
Yaw -- A vessel's rotational motion about the vertical axis‚ causing the fore and aft ends to swing from side to side repetitively.
Yard --
1. Yard: The horizontal spar from which a square sail is suspended.
2. A dockyard or shipyard.
Yard Number -- Each shipyard typically numbers the ships that it has built in consecutive order. One use is to identify the ship before a name has been chosen.
Yardarm -- The very end of a yard. Often mistaken for a "yard"‚ which refers to the entire spar. As in to hang "from the yardarm" and the sun being "over the yardarm" (Late enough to have a drink).
Yarr -- Acknowledgement of an order‚ or agreement. Also aye‚ aye.
Yaw -- A vessel's rotational motion about the vertical axis‚ causing the fore and aft ends to swing from side to side repetitively.
Yawl -- A fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessel with two masts‚ main and mizzen‚ the mizzen stepped abaft the rudder post.
Yawl Boat -- A rowboat on davits at the stern of the boat.
Yawl Boat -- A rowboat on davits at the stern of the boat.
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Page Created: 28 May 2022
Page Updated: 29 Oct 2023
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