The U.S. federal body charged with enforcing acts of the U.S. Congress that affect common carriers in interstate commerce. STB replaced the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1997.

The principal vertical timber in a ship's bow.

A squadron of small ships.

Certificate given to a ship arriving from a foreign port, by the port's health officer, indicating that there are no cases of disease aboard the ship and the health of all on board is good.

An ornamental knot to provide a stopper on the end of a line.

Condition that exists when the air, gas, or fluid normally passing through an element is being shunted around the element.

Old term for waking a sailor asleep on watch by throwing a bucket of cold water over him.

Small sea that rises just above bows or gunwale.

A mast that is in place is stepped.

Small pump for shower drainage

The best of its type of fishing boat. Word originates from a time when the crew used to fish from the deck of a vessel. The best fisherman got the highest place on deck, up in the bow, so his line was the highest above the sea.

The speed and direction of the wind felt or measured when stationary. The motion of a boat will cause the wind to appear to be coming at a different direction and speed, which is known as apparent wind

To fasten a rope securely by taking turns around a cleat or bollard.

A buoy on the race course around which boats must turn.

The mark stencilled in and painted on a ship's side, designated by a circle and horizontal lines to mark the highest permissible load water lines under different conditions.

Said of a vessel when water level has fallen from the level at which she would float, so she would be aground and need to wait for the next tide before re-floating. Also said of the water that has receded and caused a vessel to go aground.

Tanks carried in various parts of a ship for water ballast, for stability and to make the ship seaworthy.

Successive shipments are permitted under letters of credit. Usually they must take place within a given period of time.

A cargo movement in which the water carrier provides a through service between an inland point and the port of load/discharge. The carrier is responsible for cargo and costs from origin on to destination. Also known as IPI or Through Service.

The operation of rinsing out a cask to prepare it for new contents. Casks were once the primary means of carrying on board the necessary water and victuals.