The casing of a block within which the sheave revolves.

A marine term referring to loading freight into ships' holds.

A situation where a vessel has gone aground at the top of the spring tides and has to wait for up to a fortnight (during which the neap tides occur) for the next tide high enough to float her off. Vessels beneaped at around the time of the equinoxes when ...

Mortgage on a ship executed by the master who is out of touch with the owners and needs to raise money for repairs or to complete a voyage. also known as Bummaree.

Military B/L: B/L issued by the U.S. military; also known as GBL, or Form DD1252.

Straight (Consignment) B/L: Indicates the shipper will deliver the goods to the consignee. It does not convey title (non-negotiable). Most often used when the goods have been pre-paid.

The raised platform extending athwartships, the part of the ship from which the ship is steered and navigated.

Overboard (over the side).

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

A cluster of piles for mooring.

A port in the bulwark for the purpose of freeing the deck of water.

An opening in a ship's deck for passageway or for handling cargo or stores.

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

A unit equal to 5,280 feet on land. A nautical mile is 6076.115.

A tar substance obtained from the pine tree and used in paying the seams of a vessel. Motion of vessel.

A permit by the port doctor for an incoming vessel, being clear of contagious disease, to have the liberty of the port.

The part of the bow above the water.

A U-shaped piece of iron or steel with eyes in the end closed by a shackle pin.

Battens, or a series of parallel runners, fitted beneath boxes or packages to raise them clear of the floor to permit easy access of forklift blades or other handling equipment.

The captain.