Glossary of nautical terms

This is a glossary of nautical terms; some remain current, many date from the 17th-19th century. See also Wiktionary's nautical terms and Category:Nautical terms.

Contents:		A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U W Y External links

A

Above board – On or above the deck, in plain view, not hiding anything.
Above-water hull – The hull section of a vessel above waterline, the visible part of a ship. Also, topsides. On an offshore Oil platform, Topsides refers to the surface hardware installed
Act of Pardon / Act of Grace – A letter from a state or power authorising action by a privateer. A privateer was a private Warship authorized by a country's Government by Letters of marque to attack foreign shipping Also see Letter of Marque. A letter of marque is an official warrant or commission from a Government authorizing the designated agent to search seize or destroy specified assets
Abaft – Toward the stern, relative to some object ("abaft the fore hatch")
Abaft the beam – A relative bearing of greater than 90 degrees from the bow. Abaft is a nautical expression indicating a point that is behind a given part of a Boat or Ship. e. g. "two points abaft the port beam. "
Abandon Ship – An imperative to leave the vessel immediately, usually in the face of some imminent danger.
Abeam – 'On the beam', a relative bearing at right angles to the centerline of the ship's keel. In boats and ships keel can refer to either of two parts a structural element or a hydrodynamic element
Abel Brown – A sea song (shanty) about a young sailor trying to sleep with a maiden. [1].
Aboard – On or in a vessel. Close aboard means near a ship.
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).
Accommodation ladder – A portable flight of steps down a ship's side.
Admiral – Senior naval officer of Flag rank. In ascending order of seniority, Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, Admiral and Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy). Derivation reputedly Arabic, from "Emir al Bath" ("Ruler of the waters").
Admiralty – 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.
Admiralty law – Body of law that deals with maritime cases. Admiralty law (also referred to as maritime law) is a distinct body of Law which governs maritime questions and offenses In UK administered by the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice. For the Cameroonian court by this name see High Court of Justice (Cameroon, for the Israeli court of this name see Supreme Court of Israel.
Adrift – Afloat and unattached in any way to the shore or seabed. It may also imply that a vessel is not anchored and not under control, therefore goes where the wind and current take her, (loose from moorings, or out of place). Also refers to any gear not fastened down or put away properly. It can also be used to mean "absent without leave".
Advance note – A note for one month's wages issued to sailors on their signing a ship's articles.
Aft – Towards the stern (of the vessel)
Afternoon watch – The 1200-1600 watch. For the acronym see AFT. Aft, in naval Terminology, is an Adjective or Adverb meaning 'towards See also Watchstanding A watch system watch schedule or watch bill is a method of assigning regular periods of work duty aboard ships and some other
Aground – Resting on or touching the ground or bottom.
Ahead – Forward of the bow.
Ahoy – A cry to draw attention. Term used to hail a boat or a ship, as "Boat ahoy!"
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. navigational aid (also known as aid to navigation ATON or navaid) is any sort of marker which aids the traveler in navigation the term is most commonly
All hands – Entire ship's company, both officers and enlisted personnel.
All night in – Having no night watches.
Aloft – Above the ship's uppermost solid structure; overhead or high above.
Alongside – By the side of a ship or pier.
Amidships (or midships) – In the middle portion of ship, along the line of the keel.
Anchor – 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, object designed to grip the bottom under the body of water. An anchor is an object often made out of metal that is used to attach a ship to the bottom of a body of water at a specific point The M acro E xpansion T emplate A ttribute L anguage complements TAL, providing macros which allow the reuse of code across
Anchorage – A suitable place for a ship to anchor. Area of a port or harbor.
Anchor's aweigh – Said of an anchor when just clear of the bottom.
Anchor ball – Black shape hoisted in forepart of a ship to show that ship is anchored in a fairway.
Anchor buoy – A small buoy secured by a light line to anchor to indicate position of anchor on bottom.
Anchor chain or cable – Chain connecting the ship to the anchor.
Anchor detail – Group of men who handle ground tackle when the ship is anchoring or getting underway.
Anchor light – White light displayed by a ship at anchor. Two such lights are displayed by a ship over 150 feet (46 m) in length.
Anchor watch – Making sure that the anchor is holding and the vessel is not drifting. Important during rough weather and at night. Most marine GPS units have an Anchor Watch alarm capability. Basic concept of GPS operation A GPS receiver calculates its position by carefully timing the signals sent by the constellation of GPS Satellites high above the Earth
Andrew – Traditional lower-deck slang term for the Royal Navy.
Arc of Visibility – The portion of the horizon over which a lighted aid to navigation is visible from seaward.
Armament – A ship's weapons.
Articles of War – Regulations governing the military and naval forces of UK and USA; read to every ship's company on commissioning and at specified intervals during the commission. A military is an Organization authorized by its Nation to use force usually including use of Weapons in defending its Country (or by attacking The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Commissioning is the act or ceremony of placing a ship in active service
Ashore – On the beach, shore or land.
Astern – Toward the stern; an object or vessel that is abaft another vessel or object.
Asylum Harbour – A harbour used to provide shelter from a storm.
ASW – Anti-submarine warfare.
Athwart, athwartships – At right angles to the fore and aft or centerline of a ship
Avast – Stop! Cease or desist from whatever is being done.
Awash – So low in the water that the water is constantly washing across the surface.
Aweigh – Position of an anchor just clear of the bottom.
Aye, aye – Reply to an order or command to indicate that it, firstly, is heard; and, secondly, is understood and will be carried out. ("Aye, aye, sir" to officers)
Azimuth compass – An instrument employed for ascertaining position of the sun with respect to magnetic north. Azimuth ( is a mathematical concept defined as the angle usually measured in degrees (° between a reference plane and a point. A compass, magnetic compass or mariner's compass is a navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the earth's Magnetic poles It consists The azimuth of an object is its bearing from the observer measured as an angle clockwise from true north.
Azimuth circle – Instrument used to take bearings of celestial objects.

B

Back and fill – To use the advantage of the tide being with you when the wind is not.
Backstays – Long lines or cables, reaching from the rear of the vessel to the mast heads, used to support the mast. On a Sailing vessel a backstay is the piece of Standing rigging that runs from the mast to the Transom of the boat counteracting the Forestay
Baggywrinkle – A soft covering for cables (or any other obstructions) that prevents sail chafing from occurring. Baggywrinkle is a soft covering for cables (or any other obstructions to reduce Sail chafe.
Bank (sea floor) – A large area of elevated sea floor
Banyan – Traditional Royal Navy term for a day or shorter period of rest and relaxation. See also Sandbank A bank is a Shoal &mdasha comparatively shallow area or an underwater hill on the Continental shelf &mdashsurrounded by deeper A banyan is a fig that starts its life as an Epiphyte when its Seeds germinate in the cracks and crevices on a host Tree (or on structures like
Bar – Large mass of sand or earth, formed by the surge of the sea. A shoal or sandbar (also called sandbank) is a somewhat Linear Landform within or extending into a body of Water, They are mostly found at the entrances of great rivers or havens, and often render navigation extremely dangerous, but confer tranquility once inside. See also: Touch and go, grounding. Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem 'Crossing the bar' an allegory for death.
Barrelman – A sailor that was stationed in the crow's nest. Barrelman is in reference to a person who would be stationed in the barrel of the Foremast or Crow's nest of an ocean going vessel as a Navigational aid
Bar pilot – A bar pilot guides ships over the dangerous sandbars at the mouth of rivers and bays. A pilot is a Mariner who guides Ships through dangerous or congested waters such as Harbours or River mouths Legally the master remains
Beacon – A lighted or unlighted fixed aid to navigation attached directly to the earth’s surface. Beacons are aids to Navigation devices Intentionally conspicuous beacons help guide navigators to their destinations (Lights and daybeacons both constitute beacons. )
Beam – The beam of a ship is its width at the widest point, or a point alongside the ship at the mid-point of its length. The beam of a ship is its width at the widest point or at the mid-point of its length
Beam ends – The sides of a ship. "On her beam ends" may mean the vessel is literally on her side and possibly about to capsize; more often, the phrase means the vessel is listing 45 degrees or more.
Bear – Large dog like creature that if seen at sea is probably floating around upside down, dead or has been on your vessel. eg. . "look out. BEAR!"
Bear down – Turn away from the wind, often with reference to a transit.
Bearing – The horizontal direction of a line of sight between two objects on the surface of the earth.
Before the mast – Literally, the area of a ship before the foremast (the forecastle). Most often used to describe men whose living quarters are located here, officers being housed behind (abaft) the mast and enlisted men before the mast. This was because the midships area where the officers were berthed is more stable, being closer to the center of gravity, and thus more comfortable. It is less subject to the up and down movement resulting from the ship's pitching.
Belaying pins – Bars of iron or hard wood to which running rigging may be secured, or belayed.
Berth – A bed on a boat, or a space in a port or harbour where a vessel can be tied up. The term berth is used to describe a bed on a boat or train or a location in a port or harbour used specifically for mooring vessels while not at sea (or as a verb to describe
Best bower (anchor) – The larger of two anchors carried in the bow; so named as it was the last, best hope.
Between the Devil and the deep blue sea – See Devil seam.
Bilge – The bilge is the compartment at the bottom of the hull of a ship or boat where water collects so that it may be pumped out of the vessel at a later time. The bilge is the lowest compartment on a ship where the two sides meet
Bilged on her anchor – A ship that has run upon her own anchor.
Bimini – Weather-resistant fabric stretched over a stainless steel frame, fastened above the cockpit of a sailboat or flybridge of a power yacht which serves as a rain or sun shade.
Bimmy – A punitive instrument
Binnacle – The stand on which the ship's compass is mounted. Flagellation is the act of whipping (Latin flagellum, "whip" the human body
Binnacle list – A ship's sick list. The list of men unable to report for duty was given to the officer or mate of the watch by the ship's surgeon. The list was kept at the binnacle.
Bitt, plural Bitts – Posts mounted on the ship's bow, merely comprising two wooden uprights supporting a crossbar, for fastening ropes or cables; also used on various ships to tie boys over for painful (posterior) discipline, more informally than kissing the gunner's daughter. Spanking is a form of Corporal punishment that generally consists of striking the Buttocks of a Child or Teenager, usually by the parents
Bitter end – The anchor cable is tied to the bitts, when the cable is fully paid out, the bitter end has been reached. The last part of a rope or cable.
Bloody – An intensive derived from the substantive 'blood', a name applied to the Bucks, Scrowers, and Mohocks of the seventeenth centuries.
Blue Peter – A blue and white flag hoisted at the foretrucks of ships about to sail.
Boat – A craft or vessel designed to float on, and provide transport over, water. A boat is a Watercraft of modest size designed to float or plane on water and provide transport over it
Boatswain or bosun – A non-commissioned officer responsible for the sails, ropes and boats on a ship who issues "piped" commands to seamen. A boatswain or bosun /ˈbosn̩/ is an unlicensed member of the Deck department of a Merchant ship.
Bollard – From 'bol' or 'bole', the round trunk of a tree. A bollard is a short vertical post typically found where large Ships dock A substantial vertical pillar to which lines may be made fast. Generally on the quayside rather than the ship.
Bombay runner – Large cockroach.
Bonded Jacky – A type of tobacco or sweet cake.
Booby – A type of bird that has little fear and therefore is particularly easy to catch, hence booby prize.
Booby hatch – A sliding hatch or cover.
Boom – A spar used to extend the foot of a for-and-aft sail. In Sailing, a boom is a Spar (pole along the foot (bottom of a Fore and aft rigged Sail, that greatly improves control of the angle
Booms – Masts or yards, lying on board in reserve.
Boom vang (vang) – A sail control that lets one apply downward tension on the boom, countering the upward tension provided by the mainsail. A boom vang (US or kicking strap (UK is a line or piston system on a Sailboat used to exert downward force on the boom and thus control the shape A sail is any type of surface intended to generate Thrust by being placed in a Wind &mdashin essence a vertically-oriented Wing. In Sailing, a boom is a Spar (pole along the foot (bottom of a Fore and aft rigged Sail, that greatly improves control of the angle A mainsail is the most important sail raised from the main (or only mast of a sailing vessel The boom vang adds an element of control to mainsail shape when the mainsheet is let out enough that it no longer pulls the boom down. In Sailing, a boom is a Spar (pole along the foot (bottom of a Fore and aft rigged Sail, that greatly improves control of the angle Boom vang tension helps control leech twist, a primary component of sail power.
Bottomry – Pledging a ship as security in a financial transaction.
Buoy – A floating object of defined shape and color, which is anchored at a given position and serves as an aid to navigation.
Bow – The front of a ship. The bow (pronounced &mdashrhymes with how) is a nautical term that refers to the forward part of the hull of a Ship or Boat,
Bow-chaser, chase or chase-piece – A long gun with a relatively small bore, placed in the bow-port to fire directly ahead. Used especially while chasing an enemy vessel to damage its sails and rigging. (quoted from A Sea of Words)
Bowline – A type of knot, producing a strong loop of a fixed size, topologically similar to a sheet bend. The bowline ( or /ˈboʊlaɪn/ is an ancient but simple Knot used to form a fixed loop at the end of a rope Also a rope attached to the side of a sail to pull it towards the bow (for keeping the windward edge of the sail steady).
Bowse – To pull or hoist.
Bowsprit – A spar projecting from the bow used as an anchor for the forestay and other rigging. The bowsprit, or boltsprit, of a Sailing vessel is a pole extending forward from the vessel's prow
Boy seaman – a young sailor, still in training
Brail – To furl or truss a sail by pulling it in towards the mast, or the ropes used to do so. Boy Seaman (plural Boy seamen is a Boy (male minor who serves as seaman and/or is trained for such service
Brake – The handle of the pump, by which it is worked.
Brass monkeys or brass monkey weather – Very cold weather, origin unknown. The phrase "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey " is a Colloquial expression used by some English speakers A widely circulated folk etymology claiming to explain what a brass monkey is has been discredited by several people including Snopes [2] and the Oxford English Dictionary. Folk etymology is a term used in two distinct ways A commonly held misunderstanding of the origin of a particular word a False etymology. Snopes (ˈsnoʊps also known as the Urban Legends Reference Pages, is a Web site that is the most widely-known resource for validating or debunking Urban legends The Oxford English Dictionary ( OED) published by the Oxford University Press (OUP is a comprehensive Dictionary of the English
Bridge – A structure above the weather deck, extending the full width of the vessel, which houses a command centre, itself called by association, the bridge. The bridge of a Ship is an area or room from which the ship can be commanded
Bring to – Cause a ship to be stationary by arranging the sails.
Broaching-to – A sudden movement in navigation, when the ship, while scudding before the wind, accidentally turns her leeward side to windward, also use to describe the point when water starts to come over the gunwhale due to this turn.
Buffer – The chief bosun's mate (in the Royal Navy), responsible for discipline.
Bulkhead – An upright wall within the hull of a ship. A bulkhead is an upright wall within the hull of a Ship. Other kinds of partition elements within a ship are decks and Deckheads Etymology Particularly a load bearing wall.
Bull of Barney – A beast mentioned in an obscene sea proverb.
Bulwark – The extension of the ship's side above the level of the weather deck.
Bumboat – A private boat selling goods.
Bumpkin – An iron bar (projecting out-board from a ship's side) to which the lower and topsail brace blocks are sometimes hooked. Yokel is a derogatory term referring to the Stereotype of unsophisticated country people Chains supporting/stabilising the bowsprit.
Buntline – One of the lines tied to the bottom of a square sail and used to haul it up to the yard when furling.
Bunting Tosser – A signalman who prepares and flies flag hoists. Also known in the American Navy as a skivvy waver.
Buoyed Up – Lifted by a buoy, especially a cable that has been lifted to prevent it from trailing on the bottom.
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.

C

Cabin – an enclosed room on a deck or flat. A cabin or berthing is an enclosed room generally on a Ship or an Aircraft. A deck is a permanent covering over a compartment or a hull of a Ship.
Cabin boy – attendant on passengers and crew. A Cabin boy or ship's boy is a Boy (in the sense of low-ranking male employee not always a minor who waits on the officers and passengers of a Ship, especially
Cable – A large rope; also 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.
Canister – a type of anti personnel 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.
Cape Horn fever – The name of the fake illness a malingerer is pretending to suffer from.
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.
Capstan – A huge rotating hub (wheel) mounted vertically and provided with horizontal holes to take up the capstan bars (when manually rotated), used to wind in anchors or other heavy objects; and sometimes to administer flogging over. A capstan is a rotating machine used to apply Force to another element notably used on board ship and on dock walls for heaving-in or veering ropes cables and hawsers
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. The cat o' nine tails, commonly shortened to 'the cat' is a type of multi-tailed whipping device that originated as an implement for severe Physical punishment
Careening – Cause the ship to tilt on its side, usually to clean or repair the hull below the water line. Careening a sailing vessel means to beach it at high Tide in order usually to expose one side or another of the ship's hull for maintenance
Cat – 1. To prepare an anchor, after raising it by lifting it with a tackle to the Cat Head, prior to securing (fishing) it alongside for sea. (An anchor raised to the Cat Head is said to be catted). 2. The Cat o' Nine Tails (see below). 3. A cat-rigged boat or catboat.
Catamaran – A vessel with two hulls. A catamaran (From Tamil 'kattumaram' is a type of Multihulled Boat or Ship consisting of two hulls or vakas joined by some
Catboat – A cat-rigged vessel with only one sail, usually on a gaff. A catboat (alternate spelling cat boat or a cat-rigged Sailboat, is a Sailing vessel characterized by a single mast carried well forward (
Cat o' nine tails – A short nine-tailed whip kept by the bosun's mate to flog sailors (and soldiers in the Army). The cat o' nine tails, commonly shortened to 'the cat' is a type of multi-tailed whipping device that originated as an implement for severe Physical punishment The word whip describes two basic types of tools A long stick-like device usually slightly flexible with a small bit of leather or cord called a "popper" on the Flagellation is the act of whipping (Latin flagellum, "whip" the human body When not in use, the cat was kept in a baize bag, hence the term "cat out of the bag". "Not enough room to swing a cat" also derives from this,
Cat Head – A beam extending out from the hull used to support an anchor when raised in order to secure or 'fish' it.
Centreboard – A removable keel used to resist leeway. centreboard is a retractable Keel which pivots out of a slot in the hull of a Sailboat, known as a centerboard trunk (US or case
Chafing – Wear on line or sail caused by constant rubbing against another surface. Chafing when used as a nautical term describes the process of wear on a line or Sail caused by constant rubbing against a hard usually metallic surface
Chafing Gear – Material applied to a line or spar to prevent or reduce chafing. See Baggywrinkle. Baggywrinkle is a soft covering for cables (or any other obstructions to reduce Sail chafe.
Chain shot – Cannon balls linked with chain used to damage rigging and masts. In Artillery, chain-shot is an obsolete type of naval ammunition formed of two sub-calibre balls or half-balls chained together
Chain-wale or channel – A broad, thick plank that projects horizontally from each of a ship's sides abreast a mast, distinguished as the fore, main, or mizzen channel accordingly, serving to extend the base for the shrouds, which supports the mast.
Chase guns – Cannons mounted on the bow or stern. Those on the bow could be used to fire upon a ship ahead, while those on the rear could be used to ward off pursuing vessels.
Chine – A relatively sharp angle in the hull, as compared to the rounded bottoms of most traditional boat hulls. A chine in boating refers to a relatively sharp angle in the hull, as compared to the rounded bottoms of most traditional boat hulls
Chock-a-block – Rigging blocks that are so tight against one another that they cannot be further tightened.
Civil Red Ensign – The British Naval Ensign or Flag of the British Merchant Navy, a red flag with the Union Flag in the upper left corner. The British Merchant Navy, known simply as the Merchant Navy is the maritime register of the United Kingdom, and describes the seagoing commercial interests The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland uses as its national flag the royal banner locally known as the Union Flag or popularly Union Jack
Clean bill of health – A certificate issued by a port indicating that the ship carries no infectious diseases.
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.
Cleat – A stationary device used to secure a rope aboard a vessel. In nautical contexts a cleat is a device attaching a Rope. The traditional design is attached to a flat surface and features two “horns” extending parallel to the deck
Clew-lines – Used to truss up the clews, the lower corners of square sails. In Sailing the parts of a Sail have common terminology for each corner and edge of the sail
Club hauling The ship drops one of its anchors at high speed to turn abruptly. This was sometimes used as a means to get a good firing angle on a pursuing vessel.
Coaming – The raised edge of a hatchway used to help keep out water. Coaming is any vertical surface on a ship designed to deflect or prevent entry of water
Companionway – A raised and windowed hatchway in the ship's deck, with a ladder leading below and the hooded entrance-hatch to the main cabins. In the architecture of a Ship, a companion or companionway is a raised and windowed hatchway in the ship's deck, with a ladder leading below and the hooded A deck is a permanent covering over a compartment or a hull of a Ship.
Compass – Navigational instrument that revolutionised travel. A compass, magnetic compass or mariner's compass is a navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the earth's Magnetic poles It consists
Corrector – a device to correct the ship's compass. A corrector (English plural Correctors) is a person who or object that practices Correction, usually by removing or rectifying errors
Courses – The mainsail, foresail, and the mizzen. A foresail is one of a few different types of Sail set on the foremost mast ( foremast) of a Sailing vessel: A
Coxswain or cockswain – The helmsman or crew member in command of a boat. The coxswain (ˈkɒksən is the person in charge of a Boat, particularly its navigation and steering
As the crow flies – A direct line between two points (which might cross land) which is the way crows travel rather than ships which must go around land.
Crow's nest – Specifically a masthead constructed with sides and sometimes a roof to shelter the lookouts from the weather, generally by whaling vessels, this term has become a generic term for what is properly called masthead. A crow's nest is a structure in the upper part of the Mainmast of a ship that is used as a lookout point See masthead.
Cuddy – A small cabin in a boat. A Cuddy is a small cabin in a Boat. A Cuddy boat is a boat with a small cabin with maybe a small galley and small head.
Cunningham – A line invented by Briggs Cunningham, used to control the shape of a sail. In Sailing, a cunningham or cunningham's eye is a type of Downhaul used on a Bermuda rigged sailboat to change the shape of a sail Briggs Swift Cunningham II ( January 19 1907 - July 2 2003) was an American sportsman who raced cars and yachts
Cunt splice – A join between two lines, similar to an eye-splice, where each rope end is joined to the other a short distance along, making an opening which closes under tension. Rope splicing in Ropework is the forming of a semi-permanent join between two Ropes or two parts of the same rope by partly untwisting and then interweaving their strands
Cuntline – The "valley" between the strands of a rope or cable. Before serving a section of laid rope e. g. to protect it from chafing, it may be "wormed" by laying yarns in the cuntlines, giving that section an even cylindrical shape.
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.
Cut of his jib – The "cut" of a sail refers to its shape. Since this would vary between ships, it could be used both to identify a familiar vessel at a distance, and to judge the possible sailing qualities of an unknown one.

D

Daggerboard – A type of centerboard that is removed vertically. A daggerboard is a retractable Keel used by various Sailing craft centreboard is a retractable Keel which pivots out of a slot in the hull of a Sailboat, known as a centerboard trunk (US or case
Davy Jones’ Locker – An idiom for the bottom of the sea
Daybeacon – An unlighted fixed structure which is equipped with a dayboard for daytime identification. Davy Jones’s Locker is an Idiom for the bottom of the sea the resting place of drowned Sailors. An idiom is a Phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal Definition, but refers instead to a figurative meaning that is known only A day beacon is an unlighted nautical Sea mark. Typically day beacons supplement channels whose key points are marked by lighted Buoys Day beacons may
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).
Deadeye – A round wooden plank which serves a similar purpose to a block in the standing rigging of large sailing vessels. A deadeye is an item used in the standing and running Rigging of traditional Sailing ships. In Sailing, a block is a single or multiple Pulley. One or a number of sheaves are enclosed in an assembly between cheeks or chocks On a Sailing boat standing rigging generally refers to lines wires or rods which are more or less fixed in position while the boat is under sail
Deadrise – The design angle between the keel (q. v. ) and horizontal.
Decks – the structures forming the approximately horizontal surfaces in the ship's general structure. A deck is a permanent covering over a compartment or a hull of a Ship. Unlike flats, they are a structural part of the ship.
Deck hand – A person whose job involves aiding the deck supervisor in (un)mooring, anchoring, maintenance, and general evolutions on deck.
Deck supervisor – The person in charge of all evolutions and maintenance on deck; sometimes split into two groups: forward deck supervisor, aft deck supervisor.
Deckhead – The under-side of the deck above. A deckhead is the underside of a deck in a Ship. It bears the same relationship to a compartment on the deck below as does the ceiling to the room of a House Sometimes paneled over to hide the pipe work. This paneling, like that lining the bottom and sides of the holds, is the ceiling.
Derrick – A lifting device composed of one mast or pole and a boom or jib which is hinged freely at the bottom. A derrick is a lifting device composed of one mast or pole which is hinged freely at the bottom
Devil seam – The curved seam in the hull planking closest to the waterline when the ship is level. The seam between these two planks, set at a nominal right angle to each other, is the devil seam. This seam is particularly difficult to pay (and caulk) because there is little support in the direction of the compression created during caulking and expansion of the wood when wet. Hence, this seam "works" a lot. A sailor sealing this seam must first cause the ship to list (lean) toward the side opposite of the seam. This allows the sailor access to the seam by hanging below it, "between the Devil and the deep blue sea".
Devil to pay (or Devil to pay, and no pitch hot) – 'Paying' the Devil is sealing the devil seam. It is a difficult and unpleasant job (with no resources) because of the shape of the seam (closest to the waterline) and because you are positioned below the natural waterline.
Directional light – A light illuminating a sector or very narrow angle and intended to mark a direction to be followed.
Disrate – To reduce in rank or rating; demote.
Dog watch – A short watch period, generally half the usual time (e. Dog watch, in marine or Naval terminology is a watch, a period of work duty or a Work shift, between 1600 and 2000 (4 p See also Watchstanding A watch system watch schedule or watch bill is a method of assigning regular periods of work duty aboard ships and some other g. a two hour watch between two four hour ones). Such a watch might be included in order to slowly rotate the system over several days for fairness, or to allow both watches to eat their meals at approximately normal times.
Dolphin – A structure consisting of a number of piles driven into the seabed or riverbed in a circular pattern and drawn together with wire rope. dolphin is a man-made marine structure that extends above the water level and is not connected to shore
Downhaul – A line used to control either a mobile spar, or the shape of a sail. The downhaul is a line which is part of the rigging on a Sailboat; it applies downward force on a Spar or Sail. In Sailing, a spar is also know as a round pole of wood or Metal used on a Sailing ship.
Draft – The depth of a ship's keel below the waterline. The draft (or draught) of a ship's hull is the vertical distance between the Waterline and the bottom of the hull ( Keel) with the thickness
Draught – See draft. The draft (or draught) of a ship's hull is the vertical distance between the Waterline and the bottom of the hull ( Keel) with the thickness
Dressing down – Treating old sails with oil or wax to renew them, or a verbal reprimand.
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. Development and construction Designed by Naval architect Bowdoin B
Dunnage – Loose packing material used to protect a ship's cargo from damage during transport. Personal baggage.

E

Earrings – Small lines, by which the uppermost corners of the largest sails are secured to the yardarms.
Embayed – The condition where a sailing vessel is confined between two capes or headlands, typically where the wind is blowing directly onshore.
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. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 ( COLREGS) are published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO and set out the "rules Prior to extremis, the privileged vessel must maintain course and speed and the burdened vessel must maneuver to avoid collision.

F

Fathom – A unit of length equal to 6 feet (1. A fathom is a unit of Length in the Imperial system (and the derived U 8 m), roughly measured as the distance between a man's outstretched hands.
Fender – An air or foam filled bumper used in boating to keep boats from banging into docks or each other. In boating a fender is a bumper used to keep Boats from banging into docks or each other
Figurehead – symbolic image at the head of a traditional sailing ship or early steamer. In politics a figurehead, by Metaphor with the carved figurehead at the prow of a sailing ship is a person who holds an important title or office yet executes little
Fireship – A ship loaded with flammable materials and explosives and sailed into an enemy port or fleet either already burning or ready to be set alight by its crew (who would then abandon it) in order to collide with and set fire to enemy ships. A fire ship, used in the days of wooden rowed or Sailing ships was a ship filled with combustibles deliberately set on fire and steered (or where possible allowed to drift
First rate – The classification for the largest sailing warships of the 17th through 19th centuries. First-rate was the designation used by the Royal Navy for its largest ships of the line, those mounting 100 guns or more on three gundecks They had 3 masts, 850+ crew and 100+ guns.
Fish – 1. Fish are aquatic Vertebrate animals that are typically ectothermic (previously Cold-blooded) covered with scales, and equipped with two To repair a mast or spar with a fillet of wood. 2. To secure an anchor on the side of the ship for sea (otherwise known as "catting". )
First Lieutenant – In the Royal Navy, the senior lieutenant on board; responsible to the Commander for the domestic affairs of the ship's company. First Lieutenant is a Military rank. The rank of Lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations (see Comparative military ranks Lieutenant (abbreviated Lt or Lieut) is a Military, Naval, Paramilitary, Fire service, Emergency medical services Commander is a Military rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service Also known as 'Jimmy the One' or 'Number One'. Removes his cap when visiting the mess decks as token of respect for the privacy of the crew in those quarters. Officer i/c cables on the forecastle. Forecastle, also spelled fo'c's'le (ˈfoʊksəl originally meant the upper deck of a Sailing ship, forward of the Foremast. In the U. S. Navy the senior person in charge of all Deck hands.
First Mate – The Second in command of a ship
Flag hoist – A number of signal flags strung together to convey a message, e. See also Seafarer's professions and ranks A Chief Mate (C/M or Chief Officer, usually also synonymous (except on Passenger liners which g. 'England expects. . . '.
Flank – The maximum speed of a ship. Faster than "full speed".
Flatback – A Great Lakes slang term for a vessel without any self unloading equipment.
Fluke – The wedge-shaped part of an anchor's arms that digs into the bottom.
Fly by night – A large sail used only for sailing downwind, requiring little attention. The phrase fly by night is a derisive term in the English language for Businesses that appear and disappear rapidly or that give an impression of transience
Following sea – Wave or tidal movement going in the same direction as a ship
Foot – The bottom of a sail. Following sea is a term commonly used in Boating. Definition A "following sea" refers to tidal and wave direction in reference to the heading In Sailing the parts of a Sail have common terminology for each corner and edge of the sail
Footloose – If the foot of a sail is not secured properly, it is footloose, blowing around in the wind.
Footrope – Each yard on a square rigged sailing ship is equipped with a footrope for sailors to stand on while setting or stowing the sails
Forecastle – A partial deck, above the upper deck and at the head of the vessel; traditionally the sailors' living quarters. Each yard on a Square rigged sailing ship is equipped with a footrope for sailors to stand on while setting or stowing the sails Forecastle, also spelled fo'c's'le (ˈfoʊksəl originally meant the upper deck of a Sailing ship, forward of the Foremast. Pronounced 'focsle'. The name is derived from the castle fitted to bear archers in time of war.
Founder – To fill with water and sink → Wiktionary
Fore – Towards the bow (of the vessel).
Forefoot – The lower part of the stem of a ship.
Foremast jack – An enlisted sailor, one who is housed before the foremast.
Forestays – Long lines or cables, reaching from the front of the vessel to the mast heads, used to support the mast. On a Sailing vessel a forestay, sometimes just called a stay is a piece of Standing rigging which keeps a mast from falling backwards
Freeboard – The height of a ship's hull (excluding superstructure) above the waterline. Freeboard or FREEBOARD may refer to Sporting Goods. The six-wheeled skateboard which acts like a snowboard (on pavement 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.
Full and by – Sailing into the wind (by), but not as close-hauled as might be possible, so as to make sure the sails are kept full. This provides a margin for error to avoid being taken aback (a serious risk for square-rigged vessels) in a tricky sea. Figuratively it implies getting on with the job but in a steady, relaxed way, without undue urgency or strain.
Furl – To roll or wrap a sail around the mast or spar to which it is attached.

G

Gaff – The spar that holds the upper edge of a fore-and-aft or gaff sail. Also a long hook with a sharp point to haul fish in.
Galley – the kitchen of the ship
Gangplank – A movable bridge used in boarding or leaving a ship at a pier; also known as a "brow". The galley is the compartment of a Ship, Submarine, Train or Aircraft where food is cooked and prepared
Garbled – Garbling was the (illegal) practice of mixing cargo with garbage.
Garboard – The strake closest to the keel (from Dutch gaarboard).
Global Positioning System – (GPS) A satellite based radionavigation system providing continuous worldwide coverage. Basic concept of GPS operation A GPS receiver calculates its position by carefully timing the signals sent by the constellation of GPS Satellites high above the Earth It provides navigation, position, and timing information to air, marine, and land users.
Grapeshot – Small balls of lead fired from a cannon, similar to shotgun shot on a larger scale. Grapeshot is a type of anti-personnel Ammunition used in Cannons Instead of solid shot a mass of loosely packed metal slugs is loaded into a canvas | NOTE Throughout this article "cannon" is used as BOTH the || singular and plural A shotgun (also known as a scattergun) is a Firearm that is usually designed to be fired from the shoulder which uses the energy of a fixed shell to fire a number Used to hurt people, rather than cause structural damage.
Grog – Watered-down pusser's rum consisting of half a gill with equal part of water, issued to all seamen over twenty. The word grog refers to a variety of Alcoholic beverages The word originally referred to a drink made with water or " small (CPOs and POs were issued with neat rum) From the British Admiral Vernon who, in 1740, ordered the men's ration of rum to be watered down. He was called "Old Grogram" because he often wore a grogram coat), and the watered rum came to be called 'grog'. The manufacture of Textiles is one of the oldest of human technologies. Often used (illegally) as currency in exchange for favours in quantities prescribed as 'sippers' and 'gulpers'. Additional issues of grog were made on the command 'splice the mainbrace' for celebrations or as a reward for performing especially onerous duties. Splice the mainbrace is an order given aboard naval vessels to issue the crew with a drink. The RN discontinued the practice of issuing rum in 1970. A sailor might repay a colleague for a favour by giving him part or all of his grog ration, ranging from "sippers" (a small amount) via "gulpers" (a larger quantity) to "grounders" (the entire tot).
Groggy – Drunk from having consumed a lot of grog.
Gunner's daughter – see Kissing the G. 's D.
Gunwale – Upper edge of the hull. The gunwale (ˈɡʌnəl "gunnel" to rhyme with "tunnel" is a nautical term describing the top edge of the side of a Boat.

H

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. In Sailing, a halyard or halliard is a line ( Rope) that is used to hoist (pull up a Sail, a Flag or a yard.
Hammock – Canvas sheets, slung from the deckhead in messdecks, in which seamen slept. The hammock is a fabric sling used for Sleeping or resting while suspended above ground A deckhead is the underside of a deck in a Ship. It bears the same relationship to a compartment on the deck below as does the ceiling to the room of a House "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 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. "
Hank – A fastener attached to the luff of the headsail that attaches the headsail to the forestay. A headsail of a Sailing vessel is any Sail set forward of the foremost mast. A headsail of a Sailing vessel is any Sail set forward of the foremost mast. On a Sailing vessel a forestay, sometimes just called a stay is a piece of Standing rigging which keeps a mast from falling backwards 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. A harbor or harbour (see spelling differences) or haven, is a place where ships may shelter from the Weather or are stored Harbours can be man-made or natural.
Haul wind – To point the ship so as to be heading in the same direction as the wind, generally not the fastest point of travel on a sailing vessel.
Hawse-hole – A hole in a ship's bow for a cable or chain, such as for an anchor, to pass through.
Hawsepiper – An informal maritime industry term used to refer to a merchant ship’s officer who began his or her career as an unlicensed merchant seaman and did not attend a traditional maritime college/academy to earn the officer license. Hawsepiper is an informal maritime industry term used to refer to a merchant ship’s officer who began his or her career as an unlicensed Merchant seaman and did
Head – The toilet or latrine of a vessel, which for sailing ships projected from the bows
Head of navigation – A term used to describe the farthest point above the mouth of a river that can be navigated by ships. The head (or heads) is a Ship 's water closet or Toilet. The term derives from Sailing ships in which the toilet area for the regular sailors A toilet is a Plumbing fixture and disposal system primarily intended for the disposal of the bodily wastes: Urine and fecal matter. A latrine (from Latin lavatrina a privy is a structure (usually small holding a single person for Defecation.
Headsail – Any sail flown in front of the most forward mast. A headsail of a Sailing vessel is any Sail set forward of the foremost mast. The mast of a sailing ship is a tall vertical or near vertical Spar, or arrangement of Spars which supports the Sails Large ships have several masts
Heave – A vessel's transient up-and-down motion.
Heaving to – To stop a sailing vessel by lashing the helm in opposition to the sails. In Sailing, heaving to (also heave to) is a way of slowing the boat's forward progress fixing the helm and foresail position so that the boat doesn't have to be actively The vessel will gradually drift to leeward, the speed of the drift depending on the vessel's design.
Heave down – Turn a ship on its side (for cleaning).
Heeling – Heeling is the lean caused by the wind's force on the sails of a sailing vessel. Heeling is the lean caused by the wind's force on the Sails of a sailing vessel
Helmsman – A person who steers a ship
Hogging or hog – The distortion of the hull where the ends of the keel are lower than the center. A helmsman is a person who steers a Ship, sailboat submarine or other type of maritime vessel Hogging is the stress a ship's hull or Keel experiences that causes the center of the keel to bend upward In boats and ships keel can refer to either of two parts a structural element or a hydrodynamic element
Hold – In earlier use, below the orlop deck, the lower part of the interior of a ship's hull, especially when considered as storage space, as for cargo. A ship's hold, in older Ships was below the Orlop deck, the lower part of the interior of a ship's hull, especially when considered as storage space as In later merchant vessels it extended up through the decks to the underside of the weather deck.
Holiday – A gap in the coverage of newly applied paint, slush, tar or other preservative.
Holystone – A chunk of sandstone used to scrub the decks. Holystone is a soft and brittle Sandstone that was formerly used for scouring and whitening the wooden decks of ships Sandstone is a Sedimentary rock composed mainly of Sand -size Mineral or rock grains. The name comes from both the kneeling position sailors adopt to scrub the deck (reminiscent of genuflection for prayer), and the stone itself (which resembled a Bible in shape and size).
Horn – A sound signal which uses electricity or compressed air to vibrate a disc diaphragm.
Horse – Attachment of sheets to deck of vessel ('Main-sheet horse).
Hounds – Attachments of stays to masts.
Hull – The shell and framework of the basic flotation-oriented part of a ship
Hydrofoil – A boat with wing-like foils mounted on struts below the hull. A hull is the body of a Ship or Boat. It is a central concept in floating vessels as it provides the Buoyancy that keeps the vessel from sinking A hydrofoil is a Boat with wing-like foils mounted on struts below the hull.

I

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
Idlers – Members of a ship's company not required to serve watches. Icing on Ships is a serious hazard where cold Temperatures (below about -10°C combined with high Wind speed (typically force 8 or above on the Beaufort These were in general specialist tradesmen such as the carpenter and the sailmaker.
In Irons – When the bow of a sailboat is headed into the wind and the boat has stalled and is unable to maneuver
In the offing – In the water visible from on board a ship, now used to mean something imminent.
Inboard-Outboard drive system – A larger Power Boating alternative drive system to transom mounted outboard motors. The sterndrive, or stern drive is also called inboard/outboard (I/O and is a form of marine propulsion. A motorboat is a vessel propelled by an Internal combustion engine driving a jet pump or a Propeller. In Naval architecture, a transom is the surface that forms the Stern of a vessel An outboard motor is a propulsion system for smaller Boats General uses Outboard motors for a Boat are developed as a self-contained

J

Jack – Either a flag, or a sailor. 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.
Jacklines or Jack Stays – Lines, often steel wire with a plastic jacket, from the bow to the stern on both port and starboard. A jackline' is a rope or wire strung from a Ship 's bow to Stern to which a safety harness can be clipped allowing a crewmember to move about the The Jack Lines are used to clip on the safety harness to secure the crew to the vessel while giving them the freedom to walk on the deck.
Jack Tar – A sailor dressed in 'square rig' with square collar. Jack Tar was a common English term used to refer to seamen of the Merchant or Royal Navy, particularly during the period of the British Formerly with a tarred pigtail.
Jib – A triangular staysail at the front of a ship. A jib (also spelled jibb) is a triangular Staysail set ahead of the foremost mast of a sailing boat A staysail is a fore-and-aft rigged Sail whose luff can be affixed to a stay running forward (and most often but not always downwards from a
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.
Jollies – Traditional Royal Navy nickname for the Royal Marines.
Junk – 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. Oakum is a preparation of Tarred Fibre used in Shipbuilding, forcaulking or packing the joints of timbers in wooden vessels and thedeck planking of iron

K

Killick – A small anchor. An anchor is an object often made out of metal that is used to attach a ship to the bottom of a body of water at a specific point A fouled killick is the substantive badge of non-commissioned officers in the RN. 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.
Keel – The central structural basis of the hull
Keelhauling – Maritime punishment: to punish by dragging under the keel of a ship. In boats and ships keel can refer to either of two parts a structural element or a hydrodynamic element Keelhauling ( Dutch kielhalen, German Kielholen; "to drag along the keel" was a severe form of Corporal punishment meted
Kelson – The timber immediately above the keel of a wooden ship. The kelson or keelson is the member which particularly in a wooden vessel lies parallel with its Keel but above the transverse members such as timbers frames or
Kissing the gunner's daughter – bend over the barrel of a gun for punitive spanking with a cane or cat
Know the ropes – A sailor who 'knows the ropes' is familiar with the miles of cordage and ropes involved in running a ship. Kissing the Gunner's Daughter is a 1992 novel by the distinguished British mystery writer Ruth Rendell, featuring her popular recurring character Inspector Reg Wexford

L

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.
Laker –Great Lakes slang for a vessel who spends all its time on the 5 Great Lakes.
Land lubber – A person unfamiliar with being on the sea.
Lanyard – A rope that ties something off. A lanyard, laniard, or wrist strap is a Rope or cord often worn around the Neck or Wrist to carry something
Larboard – The left side of the ship (archaic, see port). Port is the nautical term (used on Boats and Ships) that refers to the left side of a ship as perceived by a person on board the ship and cf. starboard. Starboard is the nautical term that refers to the right side of a vessel as perceived by a person on board a vessel and facing the bow (front Derived from the old 'lay-board' providing access between a ship and a quay.
Large – See By and large.
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).
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.
Lay down – To lay a ship down is to begin construction in a shipyard. Shipyards and dockyards are places which repair and build ships These can be Yachts military
League – A unit of length, normally equal to three nautical miles. A league is a unit of Length or Area long common in Europe and Latin America, although no longer an official unit in any nation A nautical mile or sea mile is a unit of Length. It corresponds approximately to one minute of Latitude along any meridian.
Leech – The aft or trailing edge of a fore-and-aft sail; the leeward edge of a spinnaker; a vertical edge of a square sail. The leech is susceptible to twist, which is controlled by the boom vang and mainsheet.
Lee side – The side of a ship sheltered from the wind (cf. weather side).
Lee shore – A shore downwind of a ship. The terms lee shore and weather or windward shore are nautical terms used to describe a stretch of Shoreline. A ship which cannot sail well to windward risks being blown onto a lee shore and grounded.
Leeway – The amount that a ship is blown leeward by the wind. Leeway is the lateral movement of a ship to the Leeward of her course drift See also weatherly.
Leeward – In the direction that the wind is blowing towards. Windward is the direction from which the wind is blowing at the time in question
Let go and haul – An order indicating that the ship is in line with the wind.
Letter of marque and reprisal – A warrant granted to a privateer condoning specific acts of piracy against a target as a redress for grievances. A letter of marque is an official warrant or commission from a Government authorizing the designated agent to search seize or destroy specified assets A privateer was a private Warship authorized by a country's Government by Letters of marque to attack foreign shipping
Lifeboat – A small steel or wood boat located near the stern of a vessel. Used to get the crew to safety if something happens to the mothership.
Line – the correct nautical term for the majority of the cordage or "ropes" used on a vessel. A line will always have a more specific name, such as mizzen topsail halyard, which describes its use. The mast of a sailing ship is a tall vertical or near vertical Spar, or arrangement of Spars which supports the Sails Large ships have several masts A topsail is a Sail set above another sail on square-rigged vessels further sails may be set above topsails In Sailing, a halyard or halliard is a line ( Rope) that is used to hoist (pull up a Sail, a Flag or a yard.
Liner – Ship of The Line: a major warship capable of taking its place in the main (battle) line of fighting ships. Hence modern term for most prestigious passenger vessel: Liner. An ocean liner is a ship designed to transport people from one Seaport to another along regular long-distance Maritime routes according to a schedule
List – The vessel's angle of lean or tilt to one side, in the direction called roll.
Loaded to the gunwales – Literally, having cargo loaded as high as the ship's rail; also means extremely drunk.
Loggerhead – An iron ball attached to a long handle, used for driving caulking into seams and (occasionally) in a fight. Hence: 'at loggerheads'.
Loose cannon - An irresponsible and reckless individual whose behaviour (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.
Lubber's line – A vertical line inside a compass case indicating the direction of the ship's head.
Luff – 1. The forward edge of a sail. 2. To head a sailing vessel more towards the direction of the wind.
Luffing 1. For the forward edge of a sail see Parts of a sail. For other uses see Luff. When a sailing vessel is steered far enough to windward that the sail is no longer completely filled with wind (the luff of the sail is usually where this first becomes evident). Windward is the direction from which the wind is blowing at the time in question 2. Loosening a sheet so far past optimal trim that the sail is no longer completely filled with wind. In Sailing, a sheet is a line ( Rope, Cable or Chain) used to control the moveable corner(s of a Sail. 3. The flapping of the sail(s) which results from having no wind in the sail at all.
Lying ahull – Waiting out a storm by dousing all sails and simply letting the boat drift. In sailing lying ahull is a controversial method of weathering a storm by downing all sails battening the hatches and locking the tiller to Leeward.

M

Mainbrace – The brace attached to the mainmast. The braces on a Square-rigged ship are lines used to rotate the yards around the mast to allow the ship to sail at different angles to the wind The mast of a sailing ship is a tall vertical or near vertical Spar, or arrangement of Spars which supports the Sails Large ships have several masts
Mainmast (or Main) – The tallest mast on a ship. The mast of a sailing ship is a tall vertical or near vertical Spar, or arrangement of Spars which supports the Sails Large ships have several masts
Mainsheet – Sail control line that allows the most obvious effect on mainsail trim. In Sailing, a sheet is a line ( Rope, Cable or Chain) used to control the moveable corner(s of a Sail. A mainsail is the most important sail raised from the main (or only mast of a sailing vessel 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. In Sailing, a boom is a Spar (pole along the foot (bottom of a Fore and aft rigged Sail, that greatly improves control of the angle For more control over downward tension on the boom, use a boom vang. A boom vang (US or kicking strap (UK is a line or piston system on a Sailboat used to exert downward force on the boom and thus control the shape
Man of war – a warship from the age of sail
Man overboard! – A cry let out when a seaman has gone overboard
Marina – a docking facility for small ships and yachts. A man-of-war (also man of war, man-o'-war or simply man) is an armed naval vessel A warship is a Ship that is built and primarily intended for Combat. The Age of Sail was the period in which International trade and Naval warfare were dominated by Sailing Ships lasting from the 16th to the mid Man overboard refers to a situation in which a person has fallen off a Boat or Ship into the water and is in need of For other uses of this word see Marina (disambiguation. A marina is a sheltered Harbor where Boats and Yachts
Marines Soldiers afloat. Marines (from the English adjective marine, meaning of the sea, from Latin language mare, meaning sea via French adjective Royal Marines formed as the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot in 1664 with many and varied duties including providing guard to ship's officers should there be mutiny aboard. The Royal Marines ( RM) are the marine corps and amphibious Infantry of the United Kingdom and along with the Royal Navy Sometimes thought by seamen to be rather gullible, hence the phrase "tell it to the marines".
Mast – A vertical pole on a ship which supports sails or rigging. The mast of a sailing ship is a tall vertical or near vertical Spar, or arrangement of Spars which supports the Sails Large ships have several masts
Masthead – A small platform partway up the mast, just above the height of the mast's main yard. A lookout is stationed here, and men who are working on the main yard will embark from here. See also Crow's Nest.
Master – Either the commander of commercial vessel, or a senior officer of a naval sailing ship in charge of routine seamanship and navigation but not in command during combat.
Master-at-Arms – A non-commissioned officer responsible for discipline on a naval ship. A Master-at-Arms (MAA is a rating responsible for Discipline aboard a Naval ship. A non-commissioned officer (sometimes noncommissioned officer) also known as an NCO or Noncom, is an enlisted member of an Armed force Standing between the officers and the crew, commonly known in the Royal Navy as 'the Buffer'.
Matelot – A traditional Royal Navy term for an ordinary sailor.
Mess – An eating place aboard ship. MESS ( Multi Emulator Super System) is an Emulator for many game consoles and computer systems based on the MAME core A group of crew who live and feed together,
Mess deck catering – A system of catering in which a standard ration is issued to a mess supplemented by a money allowance which may be used by the mess to buy additional victuals from the pusser's stores or elsewhere. Each mess was autonomous and self-regulating. Seaman cooks, often members of the mess, prepared the meals and took them, in a tin canteen, to the galley to be cooked by the ship's cooks. A galley (from Greek γαλέα - galea is an ancient Ship which can be propelled entirely by human oarsmen, used for Warfare As distinct from "cafeteria messing" where food is issued to the individual hand, which now the general practice. InfosysElectronicCityCafeteriaJPG|thumb|250px|right|One of a number of cafeterias at Electronic City campus Infosys Technologies Ltd
Midshipman – A non-commissioned officer below the rank of Lieutenant. For the fish called midshipman see Midshipman fish. The rank of midshipman is one of the oldest ranks still in existence A non-commissioned officer (sometimes noncommissioned officer) also known as an NCO or Noncom, is an enlisted member of an Armed force Lieutenant (abbreviated Lt or Lieut) is a Military, Naval, Paramilitary, Fire service, Emergency medical services Usually regarded as being "in training" to some degree. Also known as 'Snotty'. 'The lowest form of animal life in the Royal Navy' where he has authority over and responsibility for more junior ranks, yet, at the same time, relying on their experience and learning his trade from them.
Mizzenmast (or Mizzen) – The third mast on a ship. The mast of a sailing ship is a tall vertical or near vertical Spar, or arrangement of Spars which supports the Sails Large ships have several masts
Mizzen staysail – Sail on a ketch or yawl, usually lightweight, set from, and forward of, the mizzen mast while reaching in light to moderate air. A staysail is a fore-and-aft rigged Sail whose luff can be affixed to a stay running forward (and most often but not always downwards from a A ketch is a Sailing Craft with two masts: a main mast and a shorter Mizzen mast abaft (rearward of the main mast YAWL (Yet Another Workflow Language is a Workflow language based on the Workflow patterns.
Monkey fist – a ball woven out of line used to provide heft to heave the line to another location. A monkey's fist or monkey paw is a type of Knot, so named because it looks somewhat like a small bunched fist/paw The monkey fist and other heaving-line knots were sometimes weighted with lead (easily available in the form of foil used to seal e. g. tea chests from dampness) although Clifford W. Ashley notes that there was a "definite sporting limit" to the weight thus added. The Ashley Book of Knots is an Encyclopedia of Knots first published in 1944 by Clifford Ashley.
Moor – to attach a boat to a mooring buoy or post. vessel is said to be moored when it is fastened to a fixed object such as a Pier, Quay or the seabed or to a floating object such as an anchor buoy Also, to a dock a ship.

N

Navigation rules – Rules of the road that provide guidance on how to avoid collision and also used to assign blame when a collision does occur. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 ( COLREGS) are published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO and set out the "rules Traffic on Roads may consist of Pedestrians ridden or herded Animals Vehicles Streetcars and other Conveyances either singly
Nipper – Short rope used to bind a cable to the "messenger" (a moving line propelled by the capstan) so that the cable is dragged along too (Used because the cable is too large to be wrapped round the capstan itself). During the raising of an anchor the nippers were attached and detached from the (endless) messenger by the ship's boys. Hence the term for small boys: 'nippers'.
No room to swing a cat – The entire ship's company was expected to witness floggings, assembled on deck. If it was very crowded, the bosun might not have room to swing the 'cat o' nine tails' (the whip).

O

Oilskin Foul-weather gear worn by sailors. Oilskin referred originally to a type of fabric - Canvas with literally a skin of Oil applied to it as waterproofing often Linseed oil.
Oreboat –Great Lakes Term for a vessel primarily used in the transport of iron ore.
Orlop deck The lowest deck of a ship of the line. The orlop deck is the lowest deck in a Ship (except for very old ships The deck covering in the hold.
Outhaul – A line used to control the shape of a sail. An outhaul is a line which is part of the Running rigging of a Sailboat, which is used to extend a Sail, and control the shape of the curve of the
Outward bound – To leave the safety of port, heading for the open ocean. Outward Bound may refer to Outward Bound, a non-profit organization which runs adventure and wilderness programs ''Outward Bound'' (play,
Overbear – To sail downwind directly at another ship, stealing the wind from its sails.
Overfall – Dangerously steep and breaking seas due to opposing currents and wind in a shallow area.
Overhaul – Hauling the buntline ropes over the sails to prevent them from chaffing.
Overhead – The "ceiling," or, essentially, the bottom of the deck above you.
Overreach – When tacking, to hold a course too long.
Over the barrel – Adult sailors were flogged on the back or shoulders while tied to a grating, but boys were beaten instead on the posterior (often bared), with a cane or cat, while bending, often tied down, over the barrel of a gun, known as (kissing) the gunner's daughter. A barrel or cask is a hollow cylindrical container traditionally made of Wood Staves and bound with Iron Hoops The Spanking is a form of Corporal punishment that generally consists of striking the Buttocks of a Child or Teenager, usually by the parents
Overwhelmed – Capsized or foundered.
Owner – traditional Royal Navy term for the Captain, a survival from the days when privately-owned ships were often hired for naval service.
Ox-Eye – A cloud or other weather phenomenon that may be indicative of an upcoming storm.

P

Parrel – A movable loop, used to fasten the yard to its respective mast.
Part brass rags – Fall out with a friend. From the days when cleaning materials were shared between sailors.
Pay – Fill a seam (with caulking or pitch), or to lubricate the running rigging; pay with slush (q. v. ), or protect 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.
Pier-head jump – When a sailor is drafted to a warship at the last minute, just before she sails.
Pilot – Navigator. A pilot is a Mariner who guides Ships through dangerous or congested waters such as Harbours or River mouths Legally the master remains A specially knowledgeable person qualified to navigate a vessel through difficult waters, e. g. harbour pilot etc.
Pipe (Bos'n's), or a Bos'n's Call – A whistle used by Boatswains (bosuns or bos'ns) to issue commands. A boatswain or bosun /ˈbosn̩/ is an unlicensed member of the Deck department of a Merchant ship. 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. A salute (also called obeisance) is a Gesture (often Hand gesture) or other action used to display respect Starboard is the nautical term that refers to the right side of a vessel as perceived by a person on board a vessel and facing the bow (front
Pitch – A vessel's motion, rotating about the beam axis, so the bow pitches up and down.
Pitchpole – To capsize a boat end over end, rather than by rolling over.
Pontoon – A flat-bottomed vessel used as a ferry or a barge or float moored alongside a jetty or a ship to facilitate boarding. A pontoon is a flat-bottomed Boat or the floats used to support a structure on water See also Merchant ship A ferry is a form of transport usually a Boat or Ship, used to carry (or ferry) passengers and BARGE, the Big August RecGambling Excursion is a yearly convention held in Las Vegas during the first weekend of August A ship /ʃɪp/ is a large vessel that floats on water Ships are generally distinguished from Boats based on size
Poop deck – A high deck on the aft superstructure of a ship. In Naval architecture, a poop deck is a deck that constitutes the Roof of a cabin built in the Aft (rear part of the superstructure of a
Pooped – 1. Swamped by a high, following sea. 2. Exhausted.
Port – Towards the left-hand side of the ship facing forward (formerly Larboard). Port is the nautical term (used on Boats and Ships) that refers to the left side of a ship as perceived by a person on board the ship and Denoted with a red light at night.
Press gang – Formed body of personnel from a ship of the Royal Navy (either a ship seeking personnel for its own crew or from a 'press tender' seeking men for a number of ships) that would identify and force (press) men, usually merchant sailors into service on naval ships usually against their will. Impressment (colloquially " the Press " or " press-ganging " is the act of conscripting people to serve in the military or navy usually The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore known as the Senior Service)
Preventer (Gybe preventer, Jibe preventer) – A sail control line originating at some point on the boom leading to a fixed point on the boat's deck or rail (usually a cleat or pad eye) used to prevent or moderate the effects of an accidental jibe. A jibe or gybe is a sailing maneuver where a Sailing vessel turns its Stern through the wind such that the wind direction changes from one side of the
Privateer – A privately-owned ship authorised by a national power (by means of a Letter of Marque) to conduct hostilities against an enemy. A privateer was a private Warship authorized by a country's Government by Letters of marque to attack foreign shipping A letter of marque is an official warrant or commission from a Government authorizing the designated agent to search seize or destroy specified assets Also called a private man of war.
Propeller walk or prop walk – tendency for a propeller to push the stern sideways. Propeller walk is the term for a Propeller 's tendency to rotate a boat as well as accelerating it forwards or backwards In theory a right hand propeller in reverse will walk the stern to port.
Prow – a poetical alternative term for bows. The prow is the very most forward part of a Ship 's Bow that cuts through the water
Pusser – Purser, the one who is buys, stores and sells all stores on board ships, including victuals, rum and tobacco. A ship's purser (also purser or pusser) is the person on a Ship responsible for the handling of Money on board Originally a private merchant, latterly a warrant officer. Also, in modern use, a term for the Navy in general (pussers) or a sailor in particular (a pusser).
Principal Warfare Officer – PWO, one of a number of Warfare branch specialist officers.

Q

Queen's (King's) Regulations – The standing orders governing the Royal Navy of UK issued in the name of the current Monarch. The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore known as the Senior Service)
Quarterdeck – The aftermost deck of a warship. In the age of sail, the quarterdeck was the preserve of the ship's officers.
Quayside – Refers to the dock or platform used to fasten a vessel to

R

Radar – Acronym for RAdio Detection And Ranging. Radar is a system that uses electromagnetic waves to identify the range altitude direction or speed of both moving and fixed objects such as Aircraft, ships 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.
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.
Ratlines – Rope ladders permanently rigged from bulwarks and tops to the mast to enable access to top masts and yards. See Ratlines (history for escape routes of WWII war criminals Total Operations Processing System, or TOPS, is a computer system for managing the Locomotives and Rolling stock ( Railroad cars owned by Also serve to provide lateral stability to the masts.
Reach – A point of sail from about 60° to about 160° off the wind. Points of sail describes a sailing boat's course in relation to the wind direction Reaching consists of "close reaching" (about 60° to 80°), "beam reaching" (about 90°) and "broad reaching" (about 120° to 160°)
Red Duster – Traditional nickname for the Civil Red Ensign.
Reduced cat – A light version on the cat o'nine tails for use on boys; also called "boys' pussy".
Reef
- 1. Reef: 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. Reefing is a sailing manoeuvre intended to reduce the area of a Sail on a Sailboat or Sailing ship, which can improve the ship's stability and reduce
- 2. Reef: Rock or coral, possibly only revealed at low tide, shallow enough that the vessel will at least touch if not go aground. In nautical terminology a reef is a rock, sandbar, or other feature lying beneath the surface of the water (six fathoms or less at low water
Reef points – Small lengths of cord attached to a sail, used to secure the excess fabric after reefing.
Reef-bands – Long pieces of rough canvas sewed across the sails to give them additional strength.
Reef-tackles – Ropes employed in the operation of reefing.
Rigging – The system of masts and lines on ships and other sailing vessels. Rigging (from Anglo-Saxon wrigan or wringing, "to clothe" is on Sailboats and Sailing ships the collection of
Righting couple – The force which tends to restore a ship to equilibrium once a heel has altered the relationship between her centre of buoyancy and her centre of gravity.
Rigol – The rim or 'eyebrow' above a port-hole or scuttle.
Roll – A vessel's motion rotating from side to side, about the fore-aft axis. List (qv) is a lasting tilt in the roll direction.
Rolling-tackle – A number of pulleys, engaged to confine the yard to the weather side of the mast; this tackle is much used in a rough sea.
the Ropes' refers to the lines in the rigging.
Rope's end A summary punishment device.
Rummage sale – A sale of damaged cargo (from French arrimage).
Running rigging – Rigging used to manipulate sails, spars, etc. Running rigging is the term for the Rigging of a sailing vessel that is used for raising lowering and controlling the Sails - as opposed to the Standing Rigging (from Anglo-Saxon wrigan or wringing, "to clothe" is on Sailboats and Sailing ships the collection of in order to control the movement of the ship. Cf. standing rigging.

S

Sagging – When a trough of a wave is amidship. Hogging is the stress a ship's hull or Keel experiences that causes the center of the keel to bend upward
Sail-plan – A set of drawings showing various sail combinations recommended for use in various situations. A sail-plan is a set of drawings usually prepared by a naval architect.
Saltie – Great Lakes term for a vessel that sails the oceans.
Sampson post – A strong vertical post used to support a ship's windlass and the heel of a ship's bowsprit. A ship /ʃɪp/ is a large vessel that floats on water Ships are generally distinguished from Boats based on size A windlass is an apparatus for moving heavy weights Typically a windlass consists of a horizontal cylinder (barrel which is rotated by the turn of a crank or belt The bowsprit, or boltsprit, of a Sailing vessel is a pole extending forward from the vessel's prow
Scandalize – To reduce the area of a sail by expedient means (slacking the peak and tricing up the tack) without properly reefing it.
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.
Scuppers – An opening on the side rail that allows water to run off the deck.
Scuttle – A small opening, or lid thereof, in a ship's deck or hull. To cut a hole in, or sink something.
Scuttlebutt – A barrel with a hole in used to hold water that sailors would drink from. Also: gossip. Gossip is idle talk or Rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others
Sea anchor – A stabilizer deployed in the water for heaving to in heavy weather. A sea anchor, used to stabilize a boat in heavy weather Anchors not to the sea floor but to the water itself as a kind of Brake. In Sailing, heaving to (also heave to) is a way of slowing the boat's forward progress fixing the helm and foresail position so that the boat doesn't have to be actively It acts as a brake and keeps the hull in line with the wind and perpendicular to waves.
Sea chest – A valve on the hull of the ship to allow water in for ballast purposes.
Seaman – Generic term for sailor, or (part of) a low naval rank
Seaworthy – Certified for, and capable of, safely sailing at sea. Seaman as a rate refers to one of the lowest rates in a Navy.
Self-Unloader – Great Lakes slang term for a vessel with a conveyor or some other method of unloading the cargo without shoreside equipment.
Sennet whip – A summary punitive implement
Shakes – Pieces of barrels or casks broken down to save space. A rope is a length of Fibers twisted or Braided together to improve strength for pulling and Connecting. They are worth very little, leading to the phrase "no great shakes".
Sheer – The upward curve of a vessel's longitudinal lines as viewed from the side.
Sheet – A rope used to control the setting of a sail in relation to the direction of the wind. In Sailing, a sheet is a line ( Rope, Cable or Chain) used to control the moveable corner(s of a Sail.
Ship – Strictly, a three-masted vessel square-rigged on all three masts, though generally used to describe most medium or large vessels. Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word 'scip'.
Ship's bell – Striking the ship's bell is the traditional method of marking time and regulating the crew's watches. A Ship's Bell is usually made of brass and has the ship's name engraved on it
Ship's company – The crew of a ship. A crew comprises a body or a class of people who work at a common activity generally in a structured or hierarchical organization A ship /ʃɪp/ is a large vessel that floats on water Ships are generally distinguished from Boats based on size
Shoal – Shallow water that is a hazard to navigation. A shoal or sandbar (also called sandbank) is a somewhat Linear Landform within or extending into a body of Water,
Shrouds – Standing rigging running from a mast to the sides of a ships. a Sailboat, the shrouds are pieces of Standing rigging which hold the mast up from side to side
Sick bay – The compartment reserved for medical purposes. Sick bay is a nautical term for the compartment in a Ship used for medical purposes
Siren – A sound signal which uses electricity or compressed air to actuate either a disc or a cup shaped rotor. A siren is a loud noise maker The original version would yield sounds under water suggesting a link with the Sirens of Greek mythology
Skipper – The captain of a ship.
Skysail – A sail set very high, above the royals. Only carried by a few ships.
Skyscraper – A small, triangular sail, above the skysail. Used in light winds on a few ships.
Slop chest – A ship's store of merchandise, such as clothing, tobacco, etc. , maintained aboard merchant ships for sale to the crew.
Slush – Greasy substance obtained by boiling or scraping the fat from empty salted meat storage barrels, or the floating fat residue after boiling the crew's meal. In the Royal Navy the perquisite of the cook who could sell it or exchange it (usually for alcohol) with other members of the crew. The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore known as the Senior Service) Used for greasing parts of the running rigging of the ship and therefore valuable to the master and bosun.
Slush fund – The money obtained by the cook selling slush ashore. Slush fund is a colloquial term which has come to mean an auxiliary monetary account or a reserve fund Used for the benefit of the crew (or the cook).
Small bower (anchor) – The smaller of two anchors carried in the bow.
Son of a gun – The space between the guns was used as a semi-private place for trysts with prostitutes and wives, which sometimes led to birth of children with disputed parentage. Another claim is that the origin the term resulted from firing a ship's guns to hasten a difficult birth.
Sonar – A sound-based device used to detect and range underwater targets and obstacles. Sonar (which started as an Acronym for sound navigation and ranging) is a technique that uses Sound propagation (usually underwater to navigate Formerly known as ASDIC.
Spanker – A fore-and-aft or gaff-rigged sail on the aft-most mast of a square-rigged vessel and the main fore-and-aft sail (spanker sail) on the aft-most mast of a (partially) fore-and-aft rigged vessel such as a schooner, a barquentine, and a barque. A schooner (ˈskuːnɚ is a type of sailing vessel characterized by the use of fore-and-aft sails on two or more masts Schooners were first used by the Description A barquentine (also spelled barkentine) is a Sailing vessel with three or more masts; with a Square rigged A barque, barc, or bark is a type of sailing vessel History of the term The word barc appears to have come from Celtic languages
Spanker-mast – The aft-most mast of a fore-and-aft or gaff-rigged vessel such as schooners, barquentines, and barques. A full-rigged ship has a spanker sail but not a spanker-mast (see Jigger-mast). The mast of a sailing ship is a tall vertical or near vertical Spar, or arrangement of Spars which supports the Sails Large ships have several masts
Spar – A wooden, in later years also iron or steel pole used to support various pieces of rigging and sails. In Sailing, a spar is also know as a round pole of wood or Metal used on a Sailing ship. 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. A tall ship is a large traditionally rigged sailing vessel Popular modern tall ship rigs include topsail Schooners Brigantines Brigs and The German language (de ''Deutsch'') is a West Germanic language and one of the world's major languages.
Spindrift – Finely-divided water swept from crest of waves by strong winds. " Spindrift " is the second single of Rush 's 2007 album Snakes & Arrows.
Spinnaker – A large sail flown in front of the vessel while heading downwind. A spinnaker is a special type of Sail that is designed specifically for Sailing off the wind from a reaching course to a downwind i
Spinnaker pole – A spar used to help control a spinnaker or other headsail. spinnaker pole is a Spar used in Sailboats (both Dinghys and Yachts) to help support and control a variety of Headsails, particularly A headsail of a Sailing vessel is any Sail set forward of the foremost mast.
Splice – To join lines (ropes, cables etc. Rope splicing in Ropework is the forming of a semi-permanent join between two Ropes or two parts of the same rope by partly untwisting and then interweaving their strands ) by unravelling their ends and intertwining them to form a continuous line. To form an eye or a knot by splicing.
Square meal – A sufficient quantity of food. Meals on board ship were served to the crew on a square wooden plate in harbor or at sea in good weather. Food in the Royal Navy was invariably better or at least in greater quantity than that available to the average landsman. However, while square wooden plates were indeed used on board ship, there is no established link between them and this particular term. The OED gives the earliest reference from the U. S. in the mid 19th century.
Squared away – Yards held rigidly perpendicular to their masts and parallel to the deck. This was rarely the best trim of the yards for efficiency but made a pretty sight for inspections and in harbor. The term is applied to situations and to people figuratively to mean that all difficulties have been resolved or that the person is performing well and is mentally and physically prepared.
Squat effect is the phenomenon by which a vessel moving quickly through shallow water creates an area of lowered pressure under its keel that reduces the ship's buoyancy, particularly at the bow. The squat effect is the hydrodynamic phenomenon by which a vessel moving quickly through shallow water creates an area of lowered pressure under its keel that reduces The reduced buoyancy causes the ship to "squat" lower in the water than would ordinarily be expected.
Standing rigging – Rigging which is used to support masts and spars, and is not normally manipulated during normal operations. On a Sailing boat standing rigging generally refers to lines wires or rods which are more or less fixed in position while the boat is under sail Rigging (from Anglo-Saxon wrigan or wringing, "to clothe" is on Sailboats and Sailing ships the collection of Cf. running rigging.
Starboard – Towards the right-hand side of a vessel facing forward. Starboard is the nautical term that refers to the right side of a vessel as perceived by a person on board a vessel and facing the bow (front Denoted with a green light at night. Derived from the old steering oar or 'steerboard' which preceded the invention of the rudder.
Starter – A rope used as a punitive device. See teazer, togey.
Stay – Rigging running fore (forestay) and aft (backstay) from a mast to the hull. Stays are the heavy ropes wires or rods on Sailing vessels that run from the masts to the hull, usually fore-and-aft along the centerline of the vessel
Staysail – A sail whose luff is attached to a forestay. A staysail is a fore-and-aft rigged Sail whose luff can be affixed to a stay running forward (and most often but not always downwards from a In Sailing the parts of a Sail have common terminology for each corner and edge of the sail
Steering oar or steering board – A long, flat board or oar that went from the stern to well underwater, used to control the vessel in the absence of a rudder. The steering oar or steering board is an oversized Oar or Board to control the direction of a Ship or other Watercraft prior to the A rudder is a device used to steer a Ship, Boat, Submarine, Hovercraft, or other conveyance that move through a fluid (generally air or
Stem – The extension of keel at the forward of a ship.
Stern – The rear part of a ship, technically defined as the area built up over the sternpost, extending upwards from the counter to the taffrail. The stern is the rear or aft part of a Ship or Boat, technically defined as the area built up over the Sternpost, extending upwards from the Counter
Stern tube – The tube under the hull to bear the tailshaft for propulsion (usually at stern).
Stonnacky – A punitive device. Caning is a Physical punishment (see that article for generalities and alternatives consisting of a number of hits (known as "strokes" or "cuts" with
Strake – One of the overlapping boards in a clinker built hull. A strake is part of a Boat or Ship. It is a horizontal strip of wooden planking or steel plating on the exterior hull of a vessel running longitudinally
Studding-sails (pronounced 'stunsail') – Long and narrow sails, used only in fine weather, on the outside of the large square sails. A studding sail or studsail is a Sail used to increase the sail area of a Square rigged vessel in light winds
Surge – A vessel's transient motion in a fore and aft direction.
Sway – A vessel's motion from side to side. Also used as a verb meaning to hoist. "Sway up my dunnage. "
Swigging – To take up the last bit of slack on a line such as a halyard, anchor line or dockline by taking a single turn round a cleat and alternately heaving on the rope above and below the cleat while keeping the tension on the tail.
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. A compass, magnetic compass or mariner's compass is a navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the earth's Magnetic poles It consists
Swinging the lamp – Telling sea stories. Referring to lamps slung from the deckhead which swing while at sea. A deckhead is the underside of a deck in a Ship. It bears the same relationship to a compartment on the deck below as does the ceiling to the room of a House Often used to indicate that the story teller is exaggerating.
Swinging the lead – Measuring the depth of water beneath a ship using a lead-weighted sounding line. Characteristics Lead has a dull luster and is a dense, Ductile, very soft highly A sounding line or lead line is a length of thin Rope with a Plummet, generally of Lead, at its end A sailor who was feigning illness etc to avoid a hard job was said to be 'swinging the lead'.

T

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.
Teazer – A rope used as a punitive device. A rope is a length of Fibers twisted or Braided together to improve strength for pulling and Connecting.
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.
Timoneer – From the French timonnier, is a name given, on particular occasions, to the steersman of a ship.
Toe the line or Toe the mark – At parade, sailors and soldiers were required to stand in line, their toes in line with a seam of the deck.
Togey – A rope used as a punitive device
Topmast – The second section of the mast above the deck; formerly the upper mast, later surmounted by the topgallant mast; carrying the topsails. A rope is a length of Fibers twisted or Braided together to improve strength for pulling and Connecting. The masts of traditional sailing ships were not single spars but were constructed of separate sections or masts each with its own Rigging.
Topgallant – the mast or sails above the tops.
Topsail – The second sail (counting from the bottom) up a mast. A topsail is a Sail set above another sail on square-rigged vessels further sails may be set above topsails These may be either square sails or fore-and-aft ones, in which case they often "fill in" between the mast and the gaff of the sail below.
Topsides – the part of the hull between the waterline and the deck. On an offshore Oil platform, Topsides refers to the surface hardware installed Also, Above-water hull
Touch and go – The bottom of the ship touching the bottom, but not grounding. This is a glossary of nautical terms; some remain current many date from the 17th-19th century
Towing – The operation of drawing a vessel forward by means of long lines.
Travellers – Small fittings that slide on a rod or line. A mechanical traveller is a moving part of a Machine, typically a ring that slides between different positions on a supporting rod when the machine goes through its operating The most common use is for the inboard end of the mainsheet; a more esoteric form of traveller consists of "slight iron rings, encircling the backstays, which are used for hoisting the top-gallant yards, and confining them to the backstays".
Traffic Separation Scheme – Shipping corridors marked by buoys which separate incoming from outgoing vessels. Improperly called Sea Lanes.
Transom – a more or less flat surface across the stern of a vessel. In Naval architecture, a transom is the surface that forms the Stern of a vessel The stern is the rear or aft part of a Ship or Boat, technically defined as the area built up over the Sternpost, extending upwards from the Counter
Trice - To haul and tie up by means of a rope.
Trick – A period of time spent at the wheel ("my trick's over").
Trim – Relationship of ship's hull to waterline.
Turtling – When a sailboat (in particular a dinghy) capsizes to a point where the mast is pointed straight down and the hull is on the surface resembling a turtle shell.

U

Under the weather – Serving a watch on the weather side of the ship, exposed to wind and spray.
Under way – A vessel that is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.
Underwater hull or underwater ship – The underwater section of a vessel beneath the waterline, normally not visible except when in drydock.
Upper-yardmen – Specially selected personnel destined for high office.

V

Vanishing angle – The maximum degree of heel after which a vessel becomes unable to return to an upright position.

W

Wake – Turbulence behind a ship
Wales – A number of strong and thick planks running length-wise along the ship, covering the lower part of the ship's side. A wake is the region of Turbulence immediately to the rear of a solid body caused by the flow of Air or Water around the body
Watch – A period of time during which a part of the crew is on duty. See also Watchstanding A watch system watch schedule or watch bill is a method of assigning regular periods of work duty aboard ships and some other Changes of watch are marked by strokes on the ship's bell. A Ship's Bell is usually made of brass and has the ship's name engraved on it
Watercraft – Water transport vessels. A watercraft is a Vehicle, vessel or craft designed to move across (or through Water, including saltwater and freshwater for pleasure recreation physical Ships, boats, personal water craft. A ship /ʃɪp/ is a large vessel that floats on water Ships are generally distinguished from Boats based on size A boat is a Watercraft of modest size designed to float or plane on water and provide transport over it A personal water craft ( PWC) is a Recreational Watercraft that the rider sits or stands on rather than inside
Weather gage – Favorable position over another sailing vessel to with respect to the wind. The weather gage is a Nautical term used to describe the advantageous position of a fighting Sailing vessel, relative to another
Weather deck – Whichever deck is that exposed to the weather – usually either the main deck or, in larger vessels, the upper deck.
Weather side – The weather side of a ship is the side exposed to the wind.
Weatherly – A ship that is easily sailed and maneuvered; makes little leeway when sailing to windward.
Weigh anchor – To heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing.
Wells – Places in the ship's hold for the pumps.
White Horses – Waves in wind strong enough to produce foam or spray on the wave tops.
Wheelhouse – Location on a ship where the steering wheel is located, often interchanged with pilothouse and bridge.
Wide berth – To leave room between two ships moored (berthed) to allow space for maneuver.
Windage – Wind resistance of the boat. Windage is a Force created on an object by Friction when there is relative movement between Air and the object
Windbound – A condition wherein the ship is detained in one particular station by contrary winds.
Windward – In the direction that the wind is coming from. Windward is the direction from which the wind is blowing at the time in question
Windlass – A winch mechanism, usually with a horizontal axis. A windlass is an apparatus for moving heavy weights Typically a windlass consists of a horizontal cylinder (barrel which is rotated by the turn of a crank or belt Used where mechanical advantage greater than that obtainable by block and tackle was needed (such as raising the anchor on small ships).

Y

Yard – The horizontal spar from which a square sail is suspended.
Yardarm – The very end of a yard. A yard is a Spar on a mast from which Sails are set It may be constructed of timber steel or from more modern materials like Aluminum or 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
Yaw – A vessel's motion rotating about the vertical axis, so the bow yaws from side to side.