A metal fitting with an arm that uses a spring to close automatically when connected to another object.

C The international temperature scale where water freezes at 0 (degrees) and boils at 100 (degrees). Also known as the centigrade scale.

A vertical post extending above the deck for securing mooring lines

An apparatus consisting of an outside shell and a sheave through which a rope may be passed (pulley).

Statement on the condition of the vessel. The sufficiency of a vessel in materials, construction, equipment, crew and outfit for the trade in which it is employed. Any sort of disrepair to the vessel by which the cargo may suffer, overloading, untrained o ...

The stationary seating surface, the inlet of a valve.

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

Flapping (of sails)

A device that indicates pressure differential above or below atmospheric pressure.

(1) The flag traditionally flown by pirate ships. (2) The name given by sailors to the bubonic plague, whose victims were said to turn black.

A document specifying the nation of registry of the vessel.

The triangle formed by the masthead, the base of the mast at deck level, and the lower end of the headstay.

see Turnbuckle

To temporarily stop all movement of a line through a block by placing the hauling part across the sheave of the block. This jams the sheave and holds it tight, and a pull on the hauling part will release it.

On a square-rigged ship, a light weather sail set next above the royal in fair weather.

A marine hardware store.

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

The point (speed of sound) at which air flow through an orifice can not increase regardless of pressure drop.

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 ...

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