A long ton of cargo that can be stowed in less than 40 cubic feet.

Scantling draft is the maximum draft at which the ship can withstand all the loads safely. In other words, it is the draft at which the strength of the ship is built. It may or may not be equal the tropical draft (Maximum to a ship can load as per load li ...

A set of bearings taken from an object with a known position, such as a landmark, to determine the ship's location. A type of running fix.

A letter of credit issued for the purchase and financing of merchandise, similar to acceptance-type letter of credit, except that it requires presentation of sight drafts payable on an installment basis.

An opening in the bulwark or rail for discharging large quantities of water, when thrown by the sea upon the ship's deck. Some ships have "swing gates" which allow water to drain off but which automatically close from the pressure of sea water.

A device to attach oars to a rowboat, allowing the operator to row rather than paddle the boat.

A proceeding wherein a shipper/consignee seeks authority to abandon all or parts of their cargo.

The curvature of an object such as a sail, keel or deck. Usually used when referring to an objects aerodynamic or hydrodynamic properties. The weather decks of ships are rounded up or arched in an athwartship direction for the purpose of draining any wate ...

One of the 4 cardinal compass points. East is at 90

The situation of the sails when the wind presses their surfaces against the mast, and tends to force the vessel astern.

A vertical post usually employed as a support - Also called a Sampson post

Also known as a junction buoy. A red and green horizontally striped buoy used in the United States to mark the separation of a channel into two channels. The preferred channel is indicated by the color of the uppermost stripe. Red on top indicates that th ...

The strake next to the keel (running fore and aft).

To let out a line

The water line when the ship rides empty.

On or within the ship

A large, cautious turn made to approach a gangway or to come alongside a vessel or jetty in a boat.

A small pier that projects from a larger pier.

Said of a vessel when her keel is close to the bottom and all but touching it.

In charge of union business for unlicensed personnel. Handles grievances.