The area of calm which lies inside the trade winds near the equator.

(1) A ruffle on the water indicating a breath of wind during a calm (2) A twisting hitch made in the bight of a rope to form two eyes, through which the hook of a tackle is passed for hoisting purposes.

The normal working pressure for an air motor (6 bar).

An electrical discharge caused by certain atmospheric conditions, which takes place around the rigging. Known by many other names, it was regarded by many superstitious seamen as a favorable omen, foretelling the end of stormy weather. And others believed ...

A red and white vertically striped buoy used in the United States to mark the middle of a channel. Midchannel buoys may be passed by on either side.

The standard atmosphere is defined as the pressure exerted by a column of mercury 760 mm high with a density of 13,595 g/cm

A container insulated on the walls, roof, floor, and doors, to reduce the effect of external temperatures on the cargo.

The distance the ship's side falls in towards the center line above the load water line. Opposite of flare.

A short spar projecting over the stern of a sailing vessel to sheet the mizzen sail when the mizzen-mast is so far aft that there's not enough room inboard to bring down the sheet and trim the sail. Also, a short spar extending from the stemhead in place ...

An old method of cleaning a vessels bottom by burning off weed, barnacles or other growth while the vessel was in dry dock or careened. Breaming was also known as graving.

The topmost planking in the sides, next below the gunwale, often thicker than other planking.

Traditionally a ship's bell is made of brass and has her name engraved on it. It is used for striking the bells which mark the passage of time (see Bells) and is also used as a fog signal as an audible warning of a ship's position.

An indicator which signals the difference in pressure between any two points of a system or a component.

A rope passed around (center) a boat or other object for hanging.

Money paid by shipper to Master of ship for diligence in care of cargo. Not now paid to Master, but added to freight. Amount was usually about 1% of freight.

The principal vertical timber in a ship's bow.

Is a pipe extending downward from the bottom of the airline to collect any condensation flow in the pipe.

The document containing all particulars relating to the terms of agreement between the Master of the vessel and the crew. Sometimes called ship's articles, shipping articles.

Articles handled only under certain conditions.

A line that controls the angle of the sail in its relation to the wind; attached to the clew of a sail to adjust its trim (make the sail the proper shape to catch the wind).