Work done by a man who bustles about doing nothing. Usually amplified by adding "running twice round the scuttle butt and once round the longboat".

Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit (containers): A measurement of cargo-carrying capacity on a containership, referring to a common container size of 20 ft in length.

Agency for International Development.

Account.

A special type of oil free, positive displacement reciprocating compressor, working without piston rings. The seal between piston and cylinder wall is produced by a series of labyrinths.

In the direction of the stern. The opposite of ahead.

American Society For Testing and Materials. -- a society for developing standards for materials and test methods.

The situation of the helm when it is put in the direction from which the wind blows.

Striking "bells" a little before the proper time at the end of a watch. More generally, doing something unjustifiably or unnecessarily early.

A line leading from forward on the ship and secured to a forward inboard thwart of the boat in such a way as to permit quick release.

The same as a-trip.

The unfortunate man who was assigned to remain on deck to watch over the ship's safety while the ship was in harbor, and the rest of the crew were off duty.

The situation of the anchor when it is raised clear of the ground. The same as a-weigh.

The efficiency of the filter in removing some portion of a specified test contaminant under a specific set of laboratory conditions. It determines the mass of the contaminant the filter removes from a known sample introduced to the filter.

When the cable is hove taut so as to bring the vessel nearly over her anchor. The yards are a-peek when they are topped up by contrary lifts.

A short vertically erected pole at the bow on which the national flag is hoisted on naval ships while at anchor.

(Cost and Freight) (...Named Port of Destination):A Term of Sale where the seller pays the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination, Terms of Sale but the risk of loss of or damage to the goods, as (continued) well a ...

A partially raised deck over the engine and boiler rooms, always around the smokestack, to let the hot air and fumes escape.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

Abbreviation for "Uniform Freight Classification."