A system of rivers and canals along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States allowing boats to travel along them without having to go offshore.

A government office where duties are paid, import documents filed, etc., on foreign shipments.

The upward curvature of the keel towards the bow and stern.

A reference book named after the original author, Nathaniel Bowditch. Updated versions contain tables and other information useful for navigation.

Going sideways due to a current's set.

To develop a hole or break in the hull through which seawater could enter. Term originated from a sprung plank.

A waybill covering two or more consignments of freight.

The same as FOB named inland carrier, except the buyer pays the transportation charge and the seller reduces the invoice by a like amount.

A blend of gases tailored to replace the normal atmosphere within a container.

Thin plates attached to the exterior of the hull to deaden any rolling.

The operation of swinging round, by means of braces, the yards of a square rigged ship to set the sails more efficiently to the wind.

A small naval sword worn by midshipmen or their equivalents when in full dress uniform.

A very high wind. Also called "Snotter"

The slight deflection of very small particles in a gas stream that occurs when rapidly moving gas molecules strike them.

A certified document showing the origin of goods; used in international commerce.

Procedure where carrier tests the temperature of the internal flesh of refrigerated commodities to assure that the temperature at time of shipment conforms to prescribed temperature ranges.

CFM. An airflow measurement of volume.

To place pieces of dunnage in between pieces of cargo in order to prevent shifting of the cargo.

To take down a sail quickly; the entire action of getting a sail out of the wind and furling it.

The aft edge of a sail, more commonly called the leech.