A distress call made by a vessel requiring assistance. These three letters were chosen because they were easy to make and read using Morse Code. Some believe the letters meant "Save Our Ship" or "Save Our Souls".

is one in which a portion of the original system energy is dissipated and cannot be returned to the system through its own operation. The system and/or surroundings cannot be returned to their original state.

Also known as (U.S.) Federal Bill of Lading Act of 1916. U.S. federal law enacting conditions by which a B/L may be issued. Penalties for issuing B/L's containing false data include monetary fines and/or imprisonment.

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

A nautical guy, often a negative connotation.

A development of the carrack, with the high forecastle eliminated.

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

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 clumsy and unskilled man.

Without sufficient crew.

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. ...

A receipt for goods issued by a carrier with an indication that the goods were damaged when received. Compare Clean Bill of Lading.

The renting of a boat

Said of a wind when it is light and variable in direction, not blowing steadily from any direction.

The line of longitude 180 degrees opposite Greenwich, England, located in the Pacific that marks the date change

A bollard with horizontal arms, forming the shape of a cross, as a means of belaying lines.

The basic unit of measurement for lumber. One board foot is equal to a oneinch board, 12 inches wide and one foot long. Thus, a board ten feet long, 12 inches wide, and one inch thick contains ten board feet.

Arrangements with a carrier for the acceptance and carriage of freight; i.e., a space reservation.

A structure erected to display a characteristic light as a warning of danger at sea and as an aid to navigation.

Fluid cooling agent.