a filter medium that retains contaminants primarily within tortuous passages.

Sailing term used to indicate a sailing vessel underway with no headsails set.

A watertight cockpit with scuppers, drains, or bailers that remove water.

An expression of surprise or unbelief, as when a ship strikes a rock or shoal so hard that her timbers shiver.

Bank that opens a straight or negotiable letter of credit and assumes the obligation to pay the bank or beneficiary if the documents presented are in accordance with the terms of the letter of credit.

An individual or company selling equipment and supplies for ships.

Abbreviation for "Currency Adjustment Factor." A charge, expressed as a percentage of a base rate, that is applied to compensate ocean carriers of currency fluctuations.

The moisture content of air.

An urgent message used on a radio regarding the safety of people or property. A PAN PAN message is not used when there is an immediate threat to life or property, instead the MAYDAY call is used. PAN PAN situations may develop into MAYDAY situations. As w ...

Seaman's name for a reef knot tied upside down. also called a "granny" knot.

A metal fitting on the mast that the stays attached to the mast; a fitting on the mast for securing rigging.

Heavy-duty wire used to lower heavy instruments overboard from the trawl winch.

An instrument that uses sound waves to measure the distance to the bottom.

A support wire running from the upper part of the mast to the bow of the boat designed to pull the mast forward. A forestay that attaches slightly below the top of the mast can be used to help control the bend of the mast. The most forward stay on the boa ...

A port designated by the government of a country for duty-free entry of any non-prohibited goods. Merchandise may be stored, displayed, used for manufacturing, etc., within the zone and re-exported without duties.

Document listing all personal goods of crew members.

Old expression for the engraving of the wind-rose on charts.

A white navigation light carried by vessels under way at night to indicate their presence and give an indication of their course.

The space between decks. The name of the deck or decks between the ceiling and main deck.

Fitted with drilling rig (oil derrick with rotary drill and a mud pumping system), drilling for petroleum.