A raft used in case of emergencies, such as sinking or fire.

Alphabet used by the Navy when making sure that a letter is understood; i.e. "BRAVO OSCAR ALPHA TANGO spells BOAT"

The center plank on a wooden deck.

To assemble passengers and/or crew.

Used for sending messages to outside companies. Messages are transmitted via Western Union, ITT and RCA. Being replaced by fax and internet.

A cap for the top of the mast.

A suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in a gas.

Said to weigh.

An additional keel secured outside the main keel, usually as protection in the event of grounding.

In transit, or in passage.

On vessels constructed of wood, the narrow gap between the planks which form the decks and sides and were caulked to make them watertight. Since wood swells when it's in contact with water, a narrow seam is necessary to allow for the expansion.

A flat tray, generally made of wood but occasionally of steel, on which goods particularly those in boxes, cartons or bags, can be stacked. Its purpose is to facilitate the movement of such goods, mainly by the use of forklift trucks.

Sailor's phrase for a seaman who has died.

Thin strips of wood put around the hatches, to keep the tarpaulin down. Also put upon rigging to keep it from chafing. A large batten widened at the end, and put upon rigging, is called a scotchman.

The sudden heave of the ship.

Abbreviation for "Less than Container Load." The quantity of freight which is less than that required for the application of a container load rate. Loose Freight.

Power as calculated from compressor-indicator diagrams.

Magnetic variation. The difference, east or west, between magnetic north and true north, measured as an angle. Magnetic variation varies in different geographic locations.

A phrase with a nautical derivation, meaning a man under the influence of drink or unsteadiness through drink.