A small free-moving submersible designed for exploring the ocean depths.

A thin, flexible wooden or plastic strip inserted into a pocket (batten pockets) on the back part (leech) of a sail to stiffen it and assist in keeping its form.

Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.

To make watertight. Said of hatches and cargo (tie up or secure).

Pockets in a sail where battens can be placed to stiffen the sail.

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 names of battles or individual ship actions in which a warship has taken part, usually displayed in a prominent place on a ship as a source of pride in her name. Known as Battle Stars in the U.S. Navy.

An indentation of the coastline between two headlands.

Bareboat (Method of chartering of the ship leaving the charterer with almost all the responsibilities of the owner.)

Bulk Carrier or Motorcar Carrier

Abbreviation for "Beneficial Cargo Owner." Refers to the importer of record, who physically takes possession of cargo at destination and does not act as a third party in the movement of such goods.

A derelict seaman found unemployed on the waterfront, especially in a foreign country (seaman without a ship).

Originally a seaman who, not wanting to work, preferred to exist by hanging around ports and harbors and living on the charity of others. Now more generally describing any loafer around the waterfront who prefers not to work.

A lighted or unlighted fixed (non-floating) aid to navigation that serves as a signal or indication for guidance or warning. (Lights and daybeacons both constitute "beacons.")

A ring used to attach certain bellow type flexible members of an air actuators to the mounting surface.

Name given to the metal point or ram fixed on the bows of old war galleys and used to pierce the hulls, and thus sink or disable enemy ships.

(1) The transverse measurement of a boat at its widest point. Also called breadth. (2) One of the transverse members of a ship's frames on which the decks are laid.

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

A point of sail where the boat is sailing at a right angle to the wind (wind coming from abeam). A beam reach is usually the fastest point of sail. A beam reach is a point of sail between a broad reach and a close reach.

A situation in which waves strike a boat from the side, causing it to roll unpleasantly.