A bend or hitch used to attach a line to a ring or spar so that by pulling the end of the line, the hitch will come free. This is done by passing a bight of the line under the other part so that when strain is applied the bight is jammed. A pull on the en ...

Fluid cooling agent.

On a wooden vessel, the outermost deck plank covering the gunwale. also called Covering Board

Achieved when the air compressor is running at full RPM with a fully opened inlet and discharge, delivering the maximum volume at the rated pressure.

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

A spring line tied from the boat to chain rode, usually near the water's surface. It helps disperse tension forces. It also prevents damage to the boat by ground tackle and can help in the retrieval of the ground tackle in heavy weather.

See CFS.

A volume. Cubic meters per second.

elegant, luxurious. Originally an acronym for Port Over Starboard Home. Created by British travelers to India or Australia, describing the preferred accommodations aboard ship, which lessened effects of the tropical sun on the cabins during the voyage.

To bleed is the operation of draining any water out of a buoy which may have seeped inside after long use at sea.

The wind direction indicator on the masthead.

Light-weight foresail similar to a spinnaker but set without a pole.

A document specifying the nation of registry of the vessel.

The location from which the boat is steered, usually in the middle or at the stern of the boat.

Port of initial Customs entry of a vessel to any country. Also known as First Port of Call.

A legally binding agreement between two or more persons/organizations to carry out reciprocal obligations or value.

A combination of one or more blocks and the associated tackle necessary to give a mechanical advantage. Useful for lifting heavy loads.

A document, certified by a consular official, is required by some countries to describe a shipment. Used by Customs of the foreign country, to verify the value, quantity and nature of the cargo.

See Owner Code.

A block with a single sheave which is hinged and opens on the side so that the bight of a line can be led into the block and closed without running the whole length through