any loss of performance due to the presence of contamination. Two basic types of contamination failure are: Perceptible -- gradual loss of efficiency or performance, and Catastrophic -- dramatic, unexpected failure.

A winch with the ability to hold and haul a tensioned mooring rope and having a capacity for rope storage, controlled solely by hand.

A rate applicable to or from a group of points.- A special rate applicable to several different articles in a single shipment.

Port where cargo is unloaded and enters a country.

A representation on a plane surface of the spherical surface of the earth. The equivalent of a map for use by navigators.

Abnormal, rapid reciprocating movement of the disc on the seat of a pressure relief valve.

Another term used to describe brokerage firms because they earn their living by charging.

National flag or insignia flown by a ship at sea.

(1) A small coastal inlet generally protected from the worst of the prevailing winds. (2) A thin, hollowed line cut along a yacht's sheer below deck level and traditionally gilded.

Length of chain used for putting around logs or steel products.

The bank that adds its confirmation to another bank's (the issuing bank's) letter of credit and promises to pay the beneficiary upon presentation of documents specified in the letter of credit.

The minimum amount of a commodity or financial instrument which can be traded in a futures or option.

A metal plate, strap, or rod bolted to the hull structure to which the lower ends of shrouds and stays are attached

A region of relatively shallow water surrounding a land mass where the depth increases gradually before it plunges into the deeps of the ocean.

The North Star; visible in the northern hemisphere and indicates the direction of north. In the southern hemisphere the Southern Cross is used to find the direction of south.

A line drawn on a chart, as a result of a bearing, along which the boat is positioned

A set of radio, sound, and visual signals designed to aid in communications between vessels without language problems. It can be used with Morse Code, with signal pennants, and by spoken code letters.

The process of declaring the importation of foreign-made goods into the United States for use in the United States.

Finely-divided water swept from crest of waves by strong winds.

Cargo that will fit into a container and result in an economical shipment.