The bottom of a wave, the valley between the crests.

Back pressure.

The compressor is started automatically, depending on demand. Control panel is energized with no "pre-start" cycle required, as pre-lubrication pump and buffer (seal) air are always "on". A state of pre-start exists. Steam turbine compressors are "slow-ro ...

A white light, usually on the masthead, visible from all directions, used to indicate that a vessel is anchored.

On gaff-rigged sailing vessels the luff of the mainsail is secured to the mast by wooden hoops, which slide up or down the mast as the sail is raised or lowered.

A language of "dots" and "dashes" used to send messages, either sound using radio waves, or light using a searchlight or Aldis lamp.

A person or firm, licensed by the treasury department of their country when required, engaged in entering and clearing goods through Customs for a client (importer).

Costs that do not vary with the level of activity. Some fixed costs continue even if no cargo is carried. Terminal leases, rent and property taxes are fixed costs.

Wind-bound. When a vessel is kept in port by a head wind.

Pieces of ice, about the size of a small house, that have broken off a glacier.

A sail attached to the boom at the tack and clew, but not along the foot, or a fore-and-aft sail which is set without a boom.

A hitch used to join two ropes. It can be used between lines of different diameters.

The truck unit into which freight is loaded as in tractor trailer combination. See Container.

Polytetrafluorethylene.

The act of the U.S. Congress (1916) that created the U.S. Shipping Board to develop water transportation, operate the merchant ships owned by the government, and regulate the water carriers engaged in commerce under the flag of the United States. As of Ju ...

A preparatory order (wait

Words incorporated when signing under duress and not concurring entirely with import of document signed, and after stating grounds of non-concurrence.

Closing small leaks in a vessel's underwater body by drawing a sail, filled with oakum, underneath her.

The actual work required to compress and deliver a given gas quantity, including all thermodynamic, leakage and fluid friction losses. It does not include mechanical losses.

Cargo-securing devices mounted in the floor of containers; allow lashing and securing of cargo.