An act beyond human control, such as lightning, flood or earthquake. – An unpredictable situation which is beyond the power of man. A natural event, not preventable by any human power, such as flood, storms, or lighting usually quoted as “force majeure” ...

An old maritime expression meaning "immediately", as "let go amain" (drop the anchor at once!).

The owners of a ship are entitled to payment as freight for merchandise returned through the fault of either the consignees or the consignors. Such payment, which is over and above the normal freight, is called backfreight.

States that the pressure of a gas, at constant volume, varies directly with the absolute temperature.

In the direction of the vessel's head. Wind ahead is from the direction toward which the vessel's head points. In a forward direction.

Auxiliary engine

Placing a port on a vessel's itinerary because the volume of cargo offered at that port justifies the cost of routing the vessel.

The angle a celestial body makes with the horizon.

A term from Latin meaning, "according to value."

To remove the ballast from the a ship.

a filter medium primarily intended to hold soluble and insoluble contaminants on its surface by molecular adhesion.

A letter of credit that contains a limited engagement clause which states that the issuing bank promises to pay the beneficiary upon presentation of the required documents at its counters or the counters of the named bank.

A notice sent to a local or foreign buyer advising that shipment has gone forward and containing details of packing, routing, etc. A copy of the invoice is often enclosed and, if desired, a copy of the bill of lading.

A time draft (or bill of exchange) that the drawee (payer) has accepted and is unconditionally obligated to pay at maturity.- Broadly speaking, any agreement to purchase goods under specified terms.

A colorless gaseous compound of nitrogen and hydrogen used in refrigeration and in making of fertilizers and explosives. Found in some ambient air conditions.

An instrument for measuring electrical current in amperes.

The working portion of a cruise between ports. A long cruise may have many legs. The distance sailed on one tack. The course from one race mark to another.

A light line with a weight on the end used for heaving from ship to shore (or ship to ship) when coming alongside. A heavier cable or hawser is attached which can then be hauled over using the heaving line.

The act if striking or collision of a moving vessel against a stationary object.

That time during which weather that prevents working shall not count as laytime