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

The amount of atmospheric dust which a filter will capture.

In water transportation, the deliberate sacrifice of cargo to make the vessel safe for the remaining cargo. Those sharing in the spared cargo proportionately cover the loss.

An old expression meaning heartily or quickly.

To calculate your position using time, the position of celestial bodies, and mathematical tables. Position is determined by measuring the apparent altitude of one of these objects above the horizon using a sextant and recording the times of these sighting ...

The space between the two sides of the shell of a block in which the sheave is fitted.

A compartment where the crew lives.

Said of a vessel with little stability, whether due to design or to stowage of cargo.

The point of a tide when the water is the highest.

The tensile or compressive loading on the crosshead assembly with compressive piston rod loading on the outward stroke and tensile piston rod loading on the inward stroke.

Used to denote movements of cargo containers interchangeably between transport modes, i.e., motor, water, and air carriers, and where the equipment is compatible within the multiple systems.

A metal pin by which the plating and other parts of iron and steel vessels are joined. Rivets are known by their heads, such as: Flush, pan, snap, plug, tap, countersunk, mushroom, and swollen neck.

Said of the anchor chain when moored and the chain does not lead clear of another chain.

Abbreviation for "Master Container Freight Station." See CFS.

Slang sailing expression for a piece of metal or shroud that can cut or stab you.

A type of journal bearing in centrifugal air compressors.

Lines drawn on a weather map indicating regions of equal pressure. When the lines are close together, this indicates a rapid change in air pressure, accompanied by strong winds.

A knot used to form a knob in the end of a line to prevent the end from running through a block or other narrow space.

To luff or luff up is to head into the wind, causing sails to flutter.

During the operation of tacking, the moment when a sailing vessel is head to the wind and hanging there, with her head not paying off on the opposite tack. Such a vessel is said to be "in stays" or "in irons".