A wooden wedge fitting into a drainage hole in the bottom of a boat for the purpose of draining the boat when she is out of water.

Articles packed so that one rests partially or entirely within another, thereby reducing the cubic-foot displacement.

When the distance between the wave crests is less than normal.

Waterproof clothing.

An old naval saying to indicate those young men who, through birth or connection, were able to enter the Royal Navy without examination. Their subsequent promotion was assured.

A mortgage which guarantees the interest rate charged will remain a set number of percentage points.

Towards, near, or at the bow; Prefix denoting at, near, or toward the bow.

A distress call made by a vessel requiring assistance. These three letters were chosen because they were easy to make and read using Morse Code. Some believe the letters meant "Save Our Ship" or "Save Our Souls".

A block with a single sheave which is hinged and opens on the side so that the bight of a line can be led into the block and closed without running the whole length through

The senior engineer officer responsible for the satisfactory working and upkeep of the main and auxiliary machinery and boiler plant on board ship.

Blocks of wood made to fit in the hawse-holes, or holes in the half-ports, when at sea. Those in the hawse-holes are sometimes called hawse-blocks.

An object made with more than one type of material.

A soft, black, mayonnaise-like deposit which is typically an emulsion of oil, water, and oil insolubles.

Also known as (U.S.) Federal Bill of Lading Act of 1916. U.S. federal law enacting conditions by which a B/L may be issued. Penalties for issuing B/L's containing false data include monetary fines and/or imprisonment.

Working Party on Machinery (IACS)

The highest navigation bridge. It usually includes an added set of controls above the level of the normal control station for better visibility.

The world's largest exchange for futures contracts, in terms of the number of contracts traded.

Fluid cooling agent.

Galley smokestack or chimney.

In sailboat racing, to take to opposite tack of the rest of the fleet when behind, hoping that the wind will shift to your benefit.