The shape of the fore-body of a ship as it thrusts through the sea. A vessel with a slim bow is said to have a fine entry.

Vessel said to be "on her beam ends" when she is lying over so much that her deck beams are nearly vertical.

A contract for leasing between the ship owners and the lessee. It would state, e.g., the duration of the lease in years or voyages.

A motor controller that regulates the air flow through an end plate into the motor to control the speed and power. A speed regulation device built into or attached externally.

A mop, formed of old rope, used for cleaning and drying decks.

(Free On Board) (...Named Port of Shipment):An International Term of Sale that means the seller fulfills his or her obligation to deliver when the goods have passed over the ship's rail at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer has to bear ...

On or near the line of immersion of a ship's hull.

A document of title (such as a draft, promissory note, check, or bill of lading) transferable from one person to another in good faith for a consideration. Non-negotiable bills of lading are known as "straight consignment." Negotiable bills are known as " ...

Changing the consignee or destination on a bill of lading while shipment is still in transit. Diversion has substantially the same meaning.

Percentage of freight payable to broker (by owners in c/p's) or applicable to sale or purchase.

Speed Over Ground, speed relative to bottom.

Sailor's term for soot or ashes which sometimes fell into food while it was being cooked.

Carries supplies to drilling units or installations during field de-velopment or production.

The leaning of a boat to the side because of excess weight on that side; inclination of a boat due to excess weight on one side or the other.

An automatic or manual device designed to control pressure, flow or temperature.

An emergency signal flare that will float down on a parachute after launch, hopefully improving its visibility.

A hoisting apparatus consisting of a block and tackle rigged at the end of a beam.

Merchant seaman's name for his bed or mattress.

The amount of money an ocean carrier pays to the railroad for overland carriage.

Person who assists in saving life or property from a vessel wrecked near the coast. Often applied to a small boat that lies in narrow waters ready to wait on a vessel, if required.