Weight of the goods alone without any immediate wrappings, e.g., the weight of the contents of a tin can without the weight of the can.

One of the large square openings in the deck of a ship through which freight is hoisted in or out, and access is had to the hold.

In transit, or in passage.

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

Is any gas or gas mixture in which one or more of the constituents is at its saturated vapor pressure. The constituent at saturation pressure may or may not be water vapor.

A train of a specified number of railcars, perhaps 100, which remain as a unit for a designated destination or until a change in routing is made.

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.

Fine separated particles floating in the air and clouding it. A substance in the gaseous state.

The conversion of mechanical, electrical or magnetic energy into heat.

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.

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 short-sea vessel which transfers cargo between a central "hub" port and smaller "spoke" ports.

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.

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

A float with a flag at the top of a pole. Used to mark a position such as for a mooring, a race or a man overboard.

Sailing close hauled. Sailing toward the wind as much as possible with the wind coming from the bow.

An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure in inches or millibars of mercury

An empty wine bottle after its contents have been drunk.