Any bend or hitch which slips as a result of being improperly tied; an improvised knot which is not a recognized maritime knot as used at sea.

A nautical astronomical observation of the sun, moon, or a star, by which means a vessel's position can be determined. The sight was taken with a sextant at a specific time, determined by a chronometer.

A coating or precipitate deposited on surfaces such as water pipes, steam boilers that are in contact with hard water. Water that contains carbonates or bicarbonates of calcium or magnesium are likely to cause scale when heated.

A wooden wedge fitting into a drainage hole in the bottom of a boat for the purpose of draining the boat when she is out of water.

The pressure that would be produced by stopping a moving stream of liquid or gas.

Fresh bread.

freezing of a piston ring in its groove in a piston engine or reciprocating compressor due to heavy deposits in the piston ring zone.

The piston only compresses air with its stroke in one direction.

Snappy, seamanlike; a smart ship is an efficient one.

A common measurement of the internal volume of a ship with certain spaces excluded. One ton equals 100 cubic feet; the total of all the enclosed spaces within a ship expressed in tons each of which is equivalent to 100 cubic feet.

see Chanty.

To measure the depth of the water with a lead. Also said of a whale when it dives to the bottom.

The last part of a rope or last link in an anchor chain.

Response to an offer which varies the terms or conditions of that offer.

When the distance between the wave crests is less than normal.

Depth measured; the number indicating depth on a chart; the process of measuring fuel or water in ships' tanks. A ship is thought to be "in soundings" when she is inside the 100 fathom line, and "off soundings" when she is outside that line. ...

To carry sail to the full limit of strength of masts, yards, and tackles.

An anchor is said to bite when the flukes dig themselves into the ground and hold firm without dragging.

A valve which enables pressure to be reduced, or kept constant at a desired level.

First voyage of a ship.