dbo dmt1 - P.E.P.E.N.€¦ · dbo_dmt1 Σάββαο, 17 Α vο ο 2013 8:50:36 μ keyword...

dbo_dmt1Σάββατο, 17 Αυγοφςτου 2013

8:50:36 πμ

keyword description

2H Second Half

3PL Third Party Logistics. A company that provides logistics services to other companies for some or all of their logistics needs. Typically includes warehousing and transportation services

A & A Additions & Amendments

A & CP Anchors and Chains Proved

a.h. after hatch

a.m. ante meridiem

A/A Articles of Association

A/C Account. Altered Course. Air Changes

A/d After date

A/D/A All Details About

A/F All Fast

A/H Antwerp / Hamburg range

A/M Above Mentioned

A/N Arrival Notice, an import document send to the notify party and/or importer's broker containing all necessary arrival info for Customs clearance, normally with freight charges

A/O Account of

A/or And Or

A/P Additional Premium

A/R Against all Risks

A/S After Sight. Alongside. Account Sales

A/W Actual Weight

A1 ABS Class notation of vessel

AA Contract term requiring that the vessel not rest on the ground. In some ports the ship is aground when approaching or at berth

AAAA Always Afloat Always Accessible

AAACC Association of Asian American Chambers of Commerce

AAIC Accounting Authority Identification Code

AAOSA Always Afloat or Safe Aground, condition for a vessel while in port

AAR Against All Risks (Insurance clause)

AARA Amsterdam-Antwerp-Rotterdam Area

AAS Annual Automation control survey

AASO Association of American Ship Owners

Σελίδα 1 από 201

keyword description

aback Behind of the sails pressed against the mast when the wind is on the wrong, inefficient side, useful in close quarters sailing, such as when leaving a jetty or mooring

abaft Point beyond the midpoint of a ships length, towards the rear or stern, or anything located aft of something else

abaft the beam Behind a perpendicular line extending out from the middle of the boat

Abandon Proceeding where a shipper/consignee seeks authority to abandon all or parts of their cargo

abandon ship Order to leave a sinking ship

Abatement Discount allowed for damage or overcharge in the payment of a bill

ABC Activity Based Costing

ABCU Automated Bridge Control system for Unattended engine room

abeam Bearing of an object 90 degrees from ahead (in a line with the middle of the ship), at a right angle to the length of the boat

ABECOR Associated banks of europe

ABI U.S. Customs' "Automated Broker Interface" by which brokers file importers' entries electronically. Association of British Insurers

ABLA American business law association

ABN Abandoned

Aboard Referring to cargo being put, or laden, onto a means of conveyance, on or within the boat

about Across the wind in relation to the bow. When a sailboat tacks into the wind to bring it from one side to the other, she is said to go about

above deck On the deck of the boat, not aloft (not over it)

abreast Side by side, normally referring to ships or boats that are aligned like that

ABS American Bureau of Shipping (classification society), Able Bodied Seaman

ABSCOMP American bureau of shipping computers

ABSLT Absolute

ABSLTLY Absolutely

absolute bearing The clockwise angle between north and an object observed from the vessel

Absorption One carrier assumes the charges of another without any charge increase to the shipper

ABSTECH American bureau of shipping worldwide technical services

ABT About

abt. about

ABV Above

ABYA Association of british yacht agents

AC Account Current


keyword description

Acc. Accepted, Acceptance

accelerate increase speed

Acceptance A time draft (or bill of exchange) that the drawee (payer) has accepted and is unconditionally obligated to pay at maturity. Broadly speaking, any agreement to purchase goods under specified terms

ACCES Accessory

Accessorial Charges Charges applied to the base tariff rate or base contract rate, e.g., bunkers, container, currency, destination/delivery

accidental jibe Happens when the boat is steered or the wind shifts such that the stern of the boat accidentally passes through the eye of the wind. This causes that main boom to swing violently to the other side of the boat. Without proper preparation when jibing, the force of the boom's motion can be destructive, injuring the crew and damaging equipment

ACCLY Accordingly

accommodation Sleeping rooms, mess rooms, sanitary accommodation, hospital accommodation and recreation accommodation for the use of the crew or passengers

accommodation ladder A portable set of steps on a ship's side for the accommodation of people boarding from small boats or from a pier

ACCT Account

ACCT(G) Account(ing)

ACDG According to

ACDGLY Accordingly

ACDNC Accordance

ACDNG According to

ACE Automated Commercial Environment system

ACERTN Ascertain

ACG Annual Cargo Gear survey

ACKN Acknowledge

ACKWLG(G) Acknowledge(d)

ACKWLGT Acknowledgement

aclinic line The imaginary line where the compass needle does not dip due to the earth's magnetism, The magnetic equator

ACPT Accept

ACPTANC Acceptance

ACPTBL Acceptable

ACPTC Acceptance

ACPTD Accepted

ACPTG Accepting


keyword description

ACPTS Acceptance

acqua Latin for water

Acquiescence When a bill of lading is accepted or signed by a shipper or shipper's agent without protest, the shipper is said to acquiesce to the terms, giving a silent form of consent

Acquittance A written receipt in full, in discharge from all claims

ACS Automated Commercial Systems, US Customs master computer system, Arab Classification Society

Act of God An act beyond human control, such as lightning, flood or earthquake

AD Advertise, Advertisement

Ad Valorem Latin term meaning "according to value"

Ad. Val. Ad Valorem, latin term meaning "according to value"

ADA All Details About

ADC Association of Diving Contractors

ADCOM Address Commission

Add. Addressed

Addendum Additional chartering terms at the end of a charter party

ADDNL Additional

ADDTN Addition

ADF Automatic Direction Finder

Adm. Admiralty

admeasure Formal measurement of a boat for documentation

Admiralty (Adm.) Refers to marine matters such as an Admiralty Court

admiralty anchor Anchor which can be folded for easy stowage, shank and arms do not move, but the stock moves up to the right angles to the arms

Admiralty Law Maritime law, is a distinct body of law which governs maritime questions and offenses

admiralty sweep A large cautious turm made to approach a gangway or to come alongside a vessel or jetty in a boat

ADN Accord du transport Dangereux par voie Navigable (European accord for the transport of dangerous good by inland waterways)

ADNR Accord du transport Dangereux par voie Navigable pour Rhin (European accord for the transport of dangerous good on inland waterways: Rhine)

ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution

adrift Floating free with the currents and tide, not under control, floating without any means of propulsion or mooring

ADRR Address

ADRS Address

ADS Address


keyword description

ADTN Addition

ADTNL Additional

ADV Advise, Advance

Advance To move cargo up line to a vessel leaving sooner than the one booked. Distance a vessel will continue to travel ahead on heroriginal course while engaged in a turning manoeuvre. Measured from that point at which the rudder is placed hard over, to when the vessel arrives on a new course 90° from the original

Advance Provisioning Allowance - APA

A deposit paid by a charterer to cover expenses not included in a charter fee, such as fuel, food, beverages, mooring fees, visa fees, harbour fees, park fees and taxes

Advanced Charge Transportation charge advanced by one carrier to another to be collected by the later carrier from the consignor or consignee

Advanced Notice of Arrival (ANOA) Any vessel entering United States waters from a foreign port is required to give a 96–hour ANOA. Any vessel of 300 gross registered tonnage and greater is required to give the ANOA to the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Vessel Movement Center. Any vessel under 300 gross registered tons is required to give the ANOA to the appropriate Captain of the Port

ADVD Advised

Adventure Shipment of goods on shipper's own account. A bill of adventure is a document signed by the master of the ship that carries goods at owner' risk.

Advice of Shipment Notice sent to a local or foreign buyer advising that shipment has gone forward and containing details of packing, routing, etc., a copy of the invoice is often enclosed and, if desired, a copy of the bill of lading

Advising Bank A bank operating in the seller's country, that handles letters of credit in behalf of a foreign bank

ADVNC Advance

ADVSBL You had better

ADVT Advertisement

aerodynamic Having a shape that that is not adversely affected by wind flowing past it

AF Advanced Freight. As Follows

AFCSPS Arrival First Compulsory Sea Pilot Station

AFF Advance Fire Fighting

Affreightment, Contract of Agreement by an ocean carrier to provide cargo space on a vessel at a specified time and price to accommodate an exporter or importer

AFRA Average Freight Rate Assessment

Aframax Tanker of less than 80,000 dwt

AFSPS Arrival First Sea Pilot Station

AFT After

aft Toward the stern of the boat, Movement toward the stern (back end) of a ship


keyword description

after bow spring line A mooring line fixed to the bow of the boat and leading aft where it is attached to the dock. This prevents the boat from moving forward in its berth. Its opposite, the forward quarter spring line, is used to keep the boat from moving aft in its berth

After Bow Spring line Mooring line, whose purpose is to prevent from advancing

after peak tank Small tank situated at the extreme after end of a ship, extends from the after peak bulkhead to the stern frame and aft end of the ship

After Perpendicular A vertical line usually at the after end of the rudder post. If there is no rudder post, it usually is taken at the center of the rudder stock

afterpart The part of a boat aft of the beam

AFTN Afternoon

AG Arabian gulf

AGCY Agency

age of the tide The interval between full moon or change of the moon and the highest high tide

Agency Tariff A tariff published by an agent on behalf of several carriers

Agent Person authorized to do business for another person or company. Types of agent are: brokers, commission merchants, resident buyers, sales agents, manufacturer's representatives

Aggregate Shipment Numerous shipments from different shippers to one consignee that are consolidated and treated as a single consignment

AGMT Agreement

AGN Again

agonic line The line around the earth where there is no magnetic deviation between magnetic north (as measured by a compass) and true north

AGR(D) Agree(d)

Agreed valuation The value of a shipment agreed upon in order to secure a specific freight rate

Agreed Weight Weight prescribed by agreement between carrier and shipper for goods shipped in certain packages or number

AGRMT Agreement

aground When a boat is stranded on the shore, or on the bottom of the body of water, it is said to have run aground

AGS Arabian Gulf Service

AGST Against

AGT Agent

Agt. Agent

AGW All going well, actual gross weight

AH After hatch, Antwerp Hamburg, Amp Hours

ahead In a forward direction, the area in front of the boat

AHL Australian hold(s) ladders


keyword description

AHP Anchor Handling Purposes

AHR Antwerp Hamburg Range

AHT Anchor Handling Tug

AHTS Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel

ahull Lying ahull, when all sails are lowered, usually in open water

AHV Anchor Handling Vessel

AI Artificial Intelligence

aids to navigation Artificial objects to supplement natural landmarks indicating safe and unsafe waters, any fixed object that a navigator may use to find his position, such as permanent land or sea markers, buoys, radio beacons, and lighthouses

AIGSS Annual Inert Gas System Survey

AIHC American Institute Hull Clauses (Insurance)

AIMS American Institute of Merchant Shipping

AIMU American Institute of Marine Underwriters

AIR Airmail

air distributor The air distributor normally consists of a series of pilot valves, one for each cylinder arranged radially around a cam. Timed to the engine and driven from the camshaft, the distributor opens the main air start valves in the correct sequence

air draught Height of highest point of vessel’s structure above waterline, e.g. radar, funnel, cranes, masthead

air hammer Hammer driven by compressed air for riveting, or chipping. Sometimes called an air gun

air port A circular opening or window through the ship's, or deck house, for light or ventilation

air tank :Diving cylinder used by scuba divers to hold air and other breathing gases at high pressure underwater. Pneumatic pressure vessel for storing compressed air to operate pneumatic equipment

Air Waybill The forwarding agreement or carrying agreement between shipper and air carrier and is issued only in nonnegotiable form

aircraft carrier Type of warship that carries and operates aircraft

AIRD Air mailed

AIRFRT Air Freight

AIRG Air mailing

AIRM Airmail

AIRMD Air mailed

AIRMG Air mailing

AIS Automatic Identification System

AISM Association Internationale de Signalisation Maritime (see IALA)


keyword description

akas Lateral struts that attach outrigger hulls to a trimaran or proa

Al HSP Aluminium Alloy, High Speed Passenger vessel

Al Pl Yacht Aluminium Alloy Pleasure Yacht

aladdin cleat Cleat that attaches to the backstay over the cockpit, usually used for hanging a lantern

alee Away from the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward. To the leeward side (downwind)

All Hands The entire crew

All In The total price to move cargo from origin to destination, inclusive of all charges

all standing To have all sails flying when running before the wind

ALLI Annual Load Line Inspection

allision The striking by a moving vessel against a stationary object

Almanac Periodical publication of astronomical data

aloft Above the deck of the ship

Alongside Phrase referring to the side of a ship.Goods delivered "alongside" are to be placed on the dock or barge within reach of the transport ship's tackle so that they can be loaded

ALP All Passenger

ALRDY Already

ALRS Admiralty List of Radio Signals, British admiralty publications informing the navigators about all the radio stations and various kind of broadcasted informations such as time signals, weather & navigation

altazimuth An instrument for establishing the altitude and asimuth of the stars and planets

Alternative Rates Privilege to use the rate producing the lowest charge

ALTHO Although

ALTHOU Although

ALTV Alternative

ALTVLY Alternatively

ALWNC Allowance

ama The outrigger hull(s) of a proa, or trimaran

amas The outrigger hull(s) of a proa, or trimaran

Ambient Temperature The temperature of a surrounding body, the ambient temperature of a container is the atmospheric temperature to which it is exposed

AMC American Maritime Congress

AMDMT Amendment

American Bureau of Shipping U.S. classification society which certifies seagoing vessels for compliance to standardized rules regarding construction and maintenance

amidships In or toward the center of the vessel


keyword description

AMNI Associate Member of The Nautical Institute

Amp Hours - AH Unit of measure for a battery's storage capacity

amphibious Able to use either land or water

amplitude In navigation, the arc of the horizon between east and a body when it is rising, and west and a body when it is setting

AMRIE Alliance of Maritime Regional Interests in Europe

AMS U.S. Customs' "Automated Manifest System". Annual Machinery Survey

AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority

AMT Amount

AMVER US Coast Guard's Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System

anchor A heavy metal object designed such that its weight and shape will help to hold a boat in its position when lowered to the sea bottom on a rode or chain. See kedge, lightweight, mushroom, and plow anchors. The act of using an anchor

anchor ball A round ball shape, black in colour, which is required to be shown by vessels at anchor, under the Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea

anchor bell A bell required to be rung at certain times when at anchor during fog, according to the navigation rules.

anchor bend A type of knot used to fasten an anchor to its line

anchor cable Chain or rope that connects the anchor with the vessel

anchor chain A chain attached to the anchor. The chain acts partially as a weight to keep the anchor lying next to the ground so that it can dig in better. Chain is also not damaged as much as line when lying on rocks. The weight of the chain also helps to absorb changes in the boat's position due to waves.

anchor light A white light, usually on the masthead, visible from all directions, used when anchored

anchor locker A locker used to store the anchor rode and anchor

anchor position Place where a specific vessel is anchored or is to anchor

anchor rode The line or chain attached to the anchor and secured to the boat

anchor roller Also called bow roller. A fitting with a small wheel that allows the anchor and chain to roll over when dropping or raising the anchor. Some anchor rollers also have a provision to store the anchor as well

anchor warp see anchor cable

anchor watch A watch kept when the boat is at anchor in case the anchor starts to drag

anchor windlass A mechanism that is used in yachts to raise an anchor through the warp around a drum

anchorage A place suitable for anchorage in relation to the wind, seas and bottom, usually an established and marked area

ANCP ANchors and Chains Provided

ANCRD Anchored


keyword description

anemometer Instrument that measures the velocity of the wind

aneroid barometer Mechanical barometer used to measure air pressure for warnings of changing weather

ANF Arrival Notification Form. Document which advises a consignee or a container operator that goods or containers have arrived at the port of discharge (BIMCO)

angle of attack The angle of a sail in relation to the direction of the wind

angle of heel The degree of list a vessel has when underway

Annex A part of a document (contract) which is added to the main document

annual variation The amount of by which variation changes up or down each year in a particular area. The annual increase or decrese is printed in the compass roses on each chart and may make a significant difference over a number of years

ANOA Advanced Notice Of Arrival

anode Zink or aluminum or some such alloy that is fixed to the hull of a vessel. They are 'eaten' up by electrical currents moving from the vessel to the water. The anode is sacrificed toprotect the metal hull of the vessel, without the anode, the hull plating would be disolved by electrolysis

ANS Answer

ANSI American National Standards Institute

ANTCPT Anticipate

ANTHAM Antwerp Hamburg rules

anticyclone Area where the barometric pressure is high, usally indicating light, variable winds and fine weather (meteorology)

Anti–Dumping Duty A tariff imposed to discourage sale of foreign goods, subsidized to sell at low prices detrimental to local manufacturers

antifouling paint Paint with toxic chemicals that is applied to the hull to reduce or prevent marine growth

antitrade Wind that blows in the opposite direction from trade wind in an area where trade wind would normally be expected to occur

ANX Anxious

ANXLY Anxiously

Any Quantity (A.Q.) Usually refers to a rating that applies to an article regardless of size or quantity

AOR Atlantic Ocean Region, E : East, W : West

APA Advance Provisioning Allowance

API American Petroleum Industry. American Petroleum Institute

APLCBL Applicable

APLCN Application

APLYD Applied

APLYG Applying


keyword description

aport To the port side of the boat

Apparent Good Order When freight appears to be free of damage so far as a general survey can determine

apparent wind The combination of the true wind and the wind caused by the boat's own speed. This is the wind felt on the boat, as well as the one shown by the telltales

APPR Approve

APPREC Appreciate

APPROX Approximate(ly)

APPX Approximate(ly)

APRCH Approach

APROCH Approach

APROX(LY) Approximate(ly)

APRTLY Apparently

APRV Approve

APRVL Approval

APS Arrival pilot station

APVL Approval

AQ Any Quantity

AR All Risks. American tanker rate schedule-revised

ARA Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam

ARAG Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp-Gent range

ARAZ Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Zeeprugge

Arbitrary A stated amount over a fixed rate to one point to make a rate to another point

Arbitration Method of settling disputes which is usually binding on parties. A clause usually in a charter party

arc of visibility The sectors marked on a chart and showing where a light is visible from the sea

ARCS Admiralty Raster Chart Service

ARND Around

ARNG Arrange

ARNGMT Arrangement

ARPA Automatic Radar Plotting Aids

ARQ Automatic Repetition Request

ARR Arrival, Arrive

ARRG Arrange

Arrival Notice Notification by carrier of ship's arrival to the consignee, the "Notify Party," and, when applicable, the "Also Notify Party." These parties listed in blocks 3, 4 and 10, respectively, of the Bill of Lading


keyword description

ARS Annual Cargo Refrigeration System survey

ARTD After right and true delivery

ARV Arrival

ARV(D) Arrive(d)

ARVL Arrival

ARWBL Air Way Bill

AS Annual Survey

ASAP As Soon As Possible

ASBA Association of Ship Brokers and Agents

ASBATANKVOY Type of Standard Voyage Charter Party Issued by ASBA

ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange (IT)

ASD Azimuthing Stern Drive

ASF Asian Shipowners Forum

ashore To be on or to go to the shore

ASIS Amphibious Support Information System

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASN Advance Shipment Notice

aspect ratio The ratio of height to the length of sails, a narrow but tall sail has a high aspect ratio, and a wide but shorter sail has a low aspect ratio

ASPW Any Safe Port in the World

ASRTMT Assortment

Assignment Commonly used in connection with a bill of lading. It involves the transfer of rights, title and interest in order to assign goods by endorsing the bill of lading

ASSN Association

ASST Assist, Assistant

astern Toward the stern of a vessel. Behind a vessel. Move in a reverse direction

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials. An international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services

ASTM Tables Petroleum Measurement Tables

astrolabe Old navigational device for checking the angle of stars in the skies

AT American Terms (grain). Asphalt Tanker

At Sea A ship which is free from its moorings and ready to sail (insurance)

at the dip Flag hoisted half way up a flagpole. Also see "close up"

ATA Actual Time of Arrival

ATBA Area To Be Avoided


keyword description

ATCH Attach

ATD Actual Time of Departure

ATDN Any Time Day or Night

ATDNSHINC Any Time Day or Night Sundays & Holidays Included

ATFF Advanced Training in Fire Fighting

athwart Lying along the ship's width, at right angles to the vessel centerline, across the direction of a vessel's head, across the line of the vessel's keel, also see athwartships

athwartships Direction across the width of a vessel. At right angles to the centreline of the ship, also see athwart

atmospheric pressure Also barometric pressure. The weight of the atmosphere, an average of 1013.2 millibars or 29.2 inches of mercury at sea level. Measuring the changes in atmospheric pressure can help predict weather

ATMPT Attempt

ATND Attend

ATONIS Aids to Navigation Information System

ATRCTV Attractive

ATS All time saved

ATT Attention

ATTN Attention

ATUTC Actual Times Used to Count

AUSREP Australian ship Reporting System

AUTHY Authority

AUTHZ Authorize

AUTHZN Authorization

AUTO Automobile

AUTODAM Automated Damage Control

AutomatIc Identification System (AIS)

System used by ships and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) for the identification and the locating of vessels. Provides a means for ships to electronically exchange ship data including, identification, position, course, and speed, with other nearby ships and VTS stations

autopilot A device used to steer a boat automatically, usually electrical, hydraulic or mechanical in nature. A similar mechanism called self steering gear may also be used on a sailing vessel

autopilot A device, electronic or mechanical, used for keeping the boat on course without having to steer it. It uses a compass, and is attached to the boat's steering mechanism

Auto-Pilot Navigation bridge control unit employed to steer the vessel in an unmanned mode. Various controls can be input by the operator to compensate for sea and weather conditions but the unit is effectively a free-standing steering unit


keyword description

AUV Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

AUX Auxiliary

AUX KW Auxiliary/Generators Kilowatts (total)

Auxiliaries Machinery supplementary to main propulsive units

auxiliary A second method of propelling a vessel. On a sailboat this could be a engine

AV Average. Ad Valorem

Av. Average

avast A command to stop or cease what one is doing

AVE Avenue

AVG Average

AVLBL Available

Avoirdupois Pound Same as 0.4535924277 kilograms

AVRG Average

AVSP Average speed

AVSPEED Average speed

awash Water washing over. A boat when almost submerged

AWB Airwaybill

aweigh The position of anchor as it is raised clear of the bottom.

AWINIWL Always within institute warranty limits

AWIWL Always Within Institute Warranties Limits. For insurance purpose, the ship should sail only within sea areas in which she is always insured

AWO American Waterway Operators

AWRI Additional War Risk Insurance

AWT Await

AWTG Awaiting

AWWL Always within Institute Warranties Limits (Insurance)

AX Auxiliary

AXBS Auxiliary Boiler Survey

AXFTBS Auxiliary Eire-Tube Boiler Survey

AXWHBS Auxiliary Waste Heat Boiler Survey

AXWTBS Auxiliary Water-Tube Boiler Survey

Aye aye Naval response indicating that an order has been received, is understood, and will be carried out immediately

azimuth circle One of the great circles of the celestial sphere intersecting each other in the zenith and nadir. A horizontal graduated circle for indicating azimuth and attached to a compass to show magnetic azimuths


keyword description

Azimuth thruster Pod underneath a ship, instead of a propeller and rudder

AziPod Trade name for a rotable thruster unit with or without ducting, turning through 360° rotation and providing propeller thrust in any direction

B(S)L Bill(s) of Lading

B, Eq HC Barge Equipped with Heavy Crane

B/C Bulk Carrier

B/D Bar Draught, Blank Draft

B/DOWN Breakdown

B/E Bill of Exchange

B/G Bank guarantee

B/L Bill of Lading

B/N Booking note

B/P Bills payable

B/R Bills receivable

B/S Bales. Balance Sheet. Bunker Surchage

B4 before

BA Bale capacity of the vessel

BA/BB BUENOS AIRES / BAHIA BLANCA

back To force a sail out against the wind. The wind backs when it shifts in a counterclockwise direction

back a sail To hold a sail in such a way, that the wind will fill it from the opposite to usual side, this maneuver is used to slow down the boat (as if applying brakes), or to force a boat to tack when in irons

backhaul To haul a shipment back over part of a route it has traveled

backing wind Changing of the wind direction, opposite of veering, clockwise in the southern hemisphere, counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere

Backletter Where a seller/shipper issues a 'letter of indemnity' in favour of the carrier in exchange for a clean bill of lading

backsplice Method of weaving the end of a rope to keep it from unraveling

backstay Mast support that runs from the top of the mast to the stern of the yacht, it may be adjustable in order to bend the mast backward or to increase tension on the forestay

backwind A wind that shifts in a counterclockwise direction. To loosen the trim of a mainsail so that it flaps in order to reduce heeling

backwinded When the wind pushes on the wrong side of the sail, causing it to be pushed away from the wind, if the lines holding the sail in place are not released, the boat could become hard to control and heel excessively


keyword description

BAF Bunker Adjustment Factor. A Fuel Surcharge expressed as a percentage added or subtracted from the freight amount, reflecting the movement in the market place price for bunkers. Used to compensate steamship lines for fluctuating fuel costs. Sometimes called "Fuel Adjustment Factor" or FAF

baggywrinkle Clumps of frayed rope that protect the sails from chafing against the lines

bail To remove water from a boat, with a bucket or a pump

BAL Balance

BALCE Balance

bale A fitting on the end of a spar, such as the boom, to which a line may be led

BALE CAP. Cubic capacity of a vessels holds to carry packaged dry cargo such as bales/pallets

ballast Heavy weight at the bottom of the ship or boat, often sea water, necessary for the stability and safety of a ship not carrying cargo. Ballast can be placed inside the hull of the boat or externally in a keel

BALLAST BONUS Compensation for relatively long ballast voyage

ballast tank Watertight compartment to hold ballast

Ballast water management violations Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company's ability to adhere to applicable rules and regulations related to management of ballast water

ballast weight Usually metal, placed low in a boat to provide stability

Balloon Freight Light, bulky articles

balloon jib Sail used on a reach, larger and fuller than a genoa

Bank Guarantee Guarantee issued by a bank to a carrier to be used in lieu of lost or misplaced original negotiable bill of lading

bar A region of shallow water usually made of sand or mud, usually running parallel to the shore. Bars are caused by wave and current action, and may not be shown on a chart

barber hauler A line attached to the jib or jib sheet, used to adjust the angle of sheeting by pulling the sheet toward the centerline of the boat

bare poles In a very strong wind it is possible to be propelled by the force of the wind on only the mast and the boom, sailing in such a way is called "bare poles"

Bareboat Charter Hiring of a vessel where no administration or technical maintenance is included as part of the agreement. The charterer obtains possession and full control of the vessel along with the legal and financial responsibility for it. The charterer pays for all operating expenses, including fuel, crew, port expenses and P&I and hull insurance

BAREBOAT CHTR. Bareboat Charter. Owners lease a specific ship and control its technical management and commercial operations only. Charterers take over all responsibility for the operation of the vessel and expenses for the duration

bareboating Renting a boat with no crew, generally for vacations

barge A long vessel with a flat bottom used to carry freight on rivers. Barges are usually not powered, being pushed or towed by a tugboat instead


keyword description

barnacle Small marine growth which attaches itself to a vessel's hull in large numbers, often greatly retarding her speed

barograph Instrument used to keep a record of atmospheric pressure, such as on a paper drum

barometer Instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, usually measured in inches of mercury or millibars. Inches of mercury are used because some barometers use the height of mercury in a sealed tube as a measuring device

barometric pressure Atmospheric pressure as measured by a barometer

barque A sailing ship with three to five masts, all square-rigged except the after mast (last), which is fore-and-aft rigged

barquentine A sailing ship with three to five masts, all square-rigged except the after mast (last), which is fore-and-aft rigged

Barratry Act committed by the master or mariners of a vessel, for some unlawful or fraudulent purpose, contrary to their duty to the owners, whereby the latter sustain injury. It may include negligence, if so gross as to evidence fraud

Barrel (BBL) Term of measure referring to 42 gallons or 159 liters of liquid at 60o F

Base Line Straight horizontal line at or near the bottom of the moulded surface from which vertical heights are measured, usually, the base line is the very lowest part of the moulded surface

Base Rate A tariff term referring to ocean rate less accessorial charges, or simply the base tariff rate

batten Thin strip of hard material, such as wood or plastic, battens are sewn in or placed in batten pockets on a sail to stiffen it to more preferred shape, also used to secure hatches

batten down To put away all loose objects on the ship and to close all openings, such as ports and hatches, in preparation for heavy weather. Hatches used to be secured with battens.Also batten the hatches

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

batten the hatches Also batten down. To put away all loose objects on the ship and to close all openings, such as ports and hatches, in preparation for heavy weather. Hatches used to be secured with battens

bay An enclosed body of water with a wide mouth leading to the sea. Space between adjacent frames, on the bottom of a tanker

BB Ballast Bonus (special payment above the Chartering price when the ship has to sail a long way on ballast to reach the loading port.). Bareboat (Method of chartering of the ship leaving the charterer with almost all the responsibilities of the owner). Below Bridges

BB(S) Barrel(s)

BBB Before Breaking Bulk. Refers to freight payments that must be received before discharge of a vessel commences

BBC Bare Boat Charter

BBL Barrel

BC Bulk Carrier


keyword description

BC Code Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes

BC Eq C CO Bulk Carrier, Equipped for Carriage of Containers

BC Eq CR Bulk Carrier, Equipped for Carriage of Rice

BC Eq CV Bulk Carrier, Equipped for Carriage of Vehicles

BC HSC 1,3 E Bulk Carrier Strengthened for Heavy Cargoes, Nos 1&3 Holds may be empty

BC HSC 2,5,7 E Eq C Cn Bulk Carrier Strengthened for Heavy Cargoes, Nos 2,5&7 Holds may be empty. Equipped for Carriage of Containers

BC or TSA Bulk Carrier or Tanker,Sulfuric Acid

BCAUS Because

BCM Bow to center of manifold

BCO Beneficial Cargo Owner. 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.

BD bundle

BDI Baltic Dry Index, Both Dates Inclusive

BDL(S) Bundle(s)

beachcomber A sailor who does not want to work that loafs around ports. To salvage goods found washed up on shores

beaching The term used to describe the act of the ship taking the ground intentionally. It is a considered action if the ship is damaged and in danger of being lost

beacon A light, or other naviga-tion aid, usually on land, to warn boats of danger or obstruction.

beam The widest part of a boat, width of a ship. Wooden struts running acorss the width of the boat to support the deck. An athwartship member supporting a portion of a deck

beam reach Sailing on a point of sail such that the apparent wind is coming from the beam (side) of the boat at about a 90° angle. 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

beam sea Waves running at right angles to the boat's course

beam wind A wind that blows at at right angles to a boat's course

bear away To fall off. A boat falls off the wind when it points its bow further from the eye of the wind. The opposite of heading up

bear off To fall off. A boat falls off the wind when it points its bow further from the eye of the wind. The opposite of heading up

bearing The direction of an object from the observer. A direction an object is relative to the observer (based on the compass heading)

bearing away To turn a vessel away from the wind

beat To sail towards the wind by making a series of tacks. Sailing close hauled.

beating To sail towards the wind by making a series of tacks. Sailing close hauled


keyword description

Beaufort wind scale A method of measuring the severity of the force of wind, named after Admiral Beaufort who created the system. 0 is no wind, whereas 12 would be a hurricane.

becket A loop at the end of a line

bedding compound A material used to join two objects completely. Usually used to create a water tight or very secure joint

BEF Before

before the wind Sailing with the wind from astern, in the same direction the wind is blowing

BEG Beginning

BEGNOV Beginning November

belay To temporarily secure a line to a cleat, or as a command "disregard the last order"

belaying pin A wood pin fitted into racks, around which lines can be belayed or secured

bell buoy A buoy with a bell that sounds when the buoy is moved by the waves

below Beneath the deck (corresponding to "downstairs")

bend A type of knot used to connect a line to a spar or another line. Also the act of using such a knot

bend knot Binding knot used for attaching two ropes together

bend on To attach a sail and prepare it for use

BENDS Both ends

Beneficiary Entity to whom money is payable, for whom a letter of credit is issued. The seller and the drawer of a draft

BERD Berthed

bermuda rig The most common sail plan, sails are tall triangular shape

bermuda sloop The most “classic” rig with a triangular mainsail and a jib

Bernoulli's Principle Bernoulli's Principle accounts for the fact that passing ships run the risk of a sideways collision, water flowing between the ships travels faster than water flowing past the outer sides, water pressure is reduced between the ships. Unless the ships are steered to compensate for this, the greater pressure on the outer sides of the ships then forces them together

berth A place for a person to sleep. A place where a ship can be secured. A safe distance from something as in "giving it a wide berth:.

Berth Terms Shipped under rate that includes cost from end of ship's tackle at load port to end of ship's tackle at discharge port

Beyond Used with reference to charges assessed for cargo movement past a line-haul terminating point

BFC Baltimore form c berth grain charter party

BFI Baltic Freight Index

BHD Bulkhead

BHP Brake horse power

BI Both inclusive


keyword description

BIA Best Information Available

bifurcation A channel junction (two channels meeting) usually marked by a 'bifurcation buoy' indicating the perferred channel to follow

bight A bend in the shoreline, The part of a rope used for making knots

Bilateral A contract term meaning both parties agree to provide something for the other

bilge The lowest compartment on a ship, below the waterline, where the two sides meet at the keel

Bilge Blocks Supporting blocks used under bilge for support during construction or drydocking

bilge board Centerboard structure to decrease sideways drift

bilge pump A pump to remove water from the bottom of the hull (bilge water)

Bilge Water Water in ship due to leaks

Bilge Well A sump to which bilge water drains

Bill of Exchange In the United States, commonly known as a "Draft." Bill of exchange is the correct term

Bill of Lading (B/L) A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company. It serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage and a receipt for goods

Bill of Lading (B/L) "Onboard" B/L validated at the time of loading to transport. Onboard Air, Boxcar, Container, Rail, Truck and Vessel are the most common types

Bill of Lading (B/L) "Order" See Negotiable B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) "To Order" See Negotiable B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) Amended B/L requiring updates that do not change financial status; this is slightly different from corrected B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) Canceled B/L status, used to cancel a processed B/L; usually per shipper's request, different from voided B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) Clean A B/L which bears no superimposed clause or notation which declares a defective condition of the goods and/or the packaging.

Bill of Lading (B/L) Combined B/L that covers cargo moving over various transports

Bill of Lading (B/L) Consolidated B/L combined or consolidated from two or more B/L's

Bill of Lading (B/L) Corrected B/L requiring any update which results in money or other financially related changes

Bill of Lading (B/L) Domestic Non-negotiable B/L primarily containing routing details; usually used by truckers and freight forwarders

Bill of Lading (B/L) Duplicate Another original Bill of Lading set if first set is lost. also known as reissued B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) Express Non-negotiable B/L where there are no hard copies of originals printed

Bill of Lading (B/L) Freight A contract of carriage between a shipper and forwarder (who is usually a NVOCC), a non-negotiable document

Bill of Lading (B/L) Government (GBL)

A bill of lading issued by the U.S. government


keyword description

Bill of Lading (B/L) Hitchment B/L covering parts of a shipment which are loaded at more than one location. Hitchment B/L usually consists of two parts, hitchment and hitchment memo. The hitchment portion usually covers the majority of a divided shipment and carries the entire revenue.

Bill of Lading (B/L) House B/L issued by a freight forwarder or consolidator covering a single shipment containing the names, addresses and specific description of the goods shipped.

Bill of Lading (B/L) Intermodal B/L covering cargo moving via multimodal means. Also known as Combined Transport B/L, or Multimodal B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) Long Form B/L form with all Terms & Conditions written on it. Most B/L's are short form which incorporate the long form clauses by reference.

Bill of Lading (B/L) Memo Unfreighted B/L with no charges listed

Bill of Lading (B/L) Military B/L issued by the U.S. military, also known as GBL

Bill of Lading (B/L) Negotiable The B/L is a title document to the goods, issued "to the order of" a party, usually the shipper, whose endorsement is required to effect is negotiation. Thus, a shipper's order (negotiable) B/L can be bought, sold, or traded while goods are in transit and is commonly used for letter-of-credit transactions. The buyer must submit the original B/L to the carrier in order to take possession of the goods.

Bill of Lading (B/L) Non Negotiable See Straight B/L. Sometimes means a file copy of a B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) Numbers U.S. Customs' standardized B/L numbering format to facilitate electronic communications and to make each B/L number unique

Bill of Lading (B/L) Optional Discharge

B/L covering cargo with more than one discharge point option possibility

Bill of Lading (B/L) Original The part of the B/L set that has value, especially when negotiable, rest of set are only informational file copies, (OBL)

Bill of Lading (B/L) Port of Discharge Port where cargo is discharged from means of transport

Bill of Lading (B/L) Received for Shipment

Validated at time cargo is received by ocean carrier to commence movement but before being validated as "Onboard".

Bill of Lading (B/L) Reconciled B/L set which has completed a prescribed number of edits between the shippers instructions and the actual shipment received. This produces a very accurate B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) Short Term Opposite of Long Form B/L, a B/L without the Terms & Conditions written on it. Also known as a Short Form B/L. The terms are incorporated by reference to the long form B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) Split One of two or more B/L's which have been split from a single B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L) Stale A late B/L, in banking, a B/L which has passed the time deadline of the L/C and is void

Bill of Lading (B/L) Straight (Consignment)

Indicates the shipper will deliver the goods to the consignee. It does not convey title (non-negotiable). Most often used when the goods have been pre-paid

Bill of Lading (B/L) Terms & Conditions

the fine print on B/L, defines what the carrier can and cannot do, including the carrier's liabilities and contractual agreements

Bill of Lading (B/L) Unique Identifier U.S. Customs' standardization: four-alpha code unique to each carrier placed in front of nine digit B/L number; APL's unique B/L Identifier is "APLU". Sea-land uses "SEAU". These prefixes are also used as the container identification.


keyword description

Bill of Lading (B/L) Voided Related to Consolidated B/L, those B/L's absorbed in the combining process. Different from Canceled B/L

Bill of Lading (B/L)'s Status represents whether the bill of lading has been input, rated, reconciled, printed, or released to the customer

Bill of Lading (B/L)'s Type The type of B/L being issued. Some examples are, a Memo (ME), Original (OBL), Non negotiable, Corrected (CBL) or Amended (AM) B/L.

Bill of Sale Confirms the transfer of ownership of certain goods to another person in return for money paid or loaned

Bill to Party Customer designated as party paying for services

Billed Weight The weight shown in a waybill and freight bill, i.e, the invoiced weight

BIMCO Baltic and International Maritime Council

Bimcosale The Bimco standard form of bill of sale

bimini A cover used to shelter the cockpit from the sun

binnacle The mount for the compass, usually located on the wheel's pedestal. A case, box, or stand containing a ship's compass, adjusting magnets, and a lamp for use at night

binoculars Pair of small telescopes, one for each eye, used to magnify distant objects

bit binary digit. In computers information is stored in bits (0 or 1)

bitt Sturdy post mounted on the bow or stern to which anchor or mooring lines may be attached

bitter end The end of a line. Also the end of the anchor rode attached to the boat

BIZ Business

BK Book

BK(D) Bulk(ed)

BKN Broken Up

BKRS Bunkers

BL(S) Bale(s), Barrel(s)

BL(s) Bill(s) of Lading

BLADING Bill of Lading

Blanket Bond A bond covering a group of persons, articles or properties

Blanket Rate Rate applicable to or from a group of points. Special rate applicable to several different articles in a single shipment

Blanket Waybill A waybill covering two or more consignments of freight

BLDG Building

Blind Shipment A B/L wherein the paying customer has contracted with the carrier that shipper or consignee information is not given.

BLK Bulk


keyword description

block One or more wheels with grooves in them (pulleys) designed to carry a line and change the direction of its travel. A housing around the wheel allows the block to be connected to a spar, or another line. Lines used with a block are known as tackle.

block A pulley or set of pulleys

block and tackle A combination of one or more blocks and the associated tackle necessary to give a mechanical advantage. Useful for lifting heavy loads.

Block Stowage Stowing cargo destined for a specific location close together to avoid unnecessary cargo movement

blocking Wood or metal supports (Dunnage) to keep shipments in place to prevent cargo shifting

blowback A process in which gases expand or travel in a direction opposite to the usual one. The escape to the rear of gases formed in a boiler, internal-combustion engine

BLR Boiler

BLRHS Boiler Heating Surface

Bls. Bales

BLST Ballast

bluewater sailing open ocean sailing, as opposed to being in a lake or sound

BLV Believe

BM Beam. Boom

BMLA British Maritime Law Association

BN Been. Booking note

BNA British north america

BNDL Bundle

BNKR Bunker

BNM Broadcast Notice to Mariners

BO Best Offers

BOA Berthing on arrival

Board To gain access to a vessel

board boat A small boat, usually mono rig. May have a shallow cockpit well. Typically has almost no freeboard

Board Feet The basic unit of measurement for lumber. One board foot is equal to a one inch board, 12 inches wide and one foot long. Thus, a board ten feet long, 12 inches wide, and one inch thick contains ten board feet.

boarding ladder A ladder used to board the vessel. Boarding ladders may be designed to be useful from either the water or a dock and are usually stowed when not in use.

boarding wave A wave that breaks over the deck of the boat

boat A small vessel used to travel on the water, powered by either wind, power or oars. Also any small vessel carried on a larger ship.

boat deck deck on which lifeboats are kept


keyword description

boat drill Practice in launching the lifeboats and taking off the passengers and crew of a ship

boat fall Rigging used to raise or lower a ship's boat

boat hook A pole with an attached hook at the end, used for either retrieving objects or fending them off.

boat painter Rope tied to the front end of a boat used to either tow a boat or to secure it to a dock

boat wind The wind created by the boat moving through the water. The true wind and the boat wind combine to create the apparent wind direction

boatswain A senior crewman of the deck department and is responsible for the components of a ship's hull. Supervises the other members of the ship's deck department, responsible for keeping the hull, rigging and sails in repair. Also bosun, bos'n, bo's'n, and bo'sun, all of which are pronounced bosun

BOB Bunkers on board

bobstay Wire Stay underneath the bowsprit; helps to counteract the upward pull exerted by the forestay

BOD Bunkers on Delivery

BOFFERS Best offers

boiler Device used to create steam by applying heat energy to water

boiler blowdown Water intentionally wasted from a boiler to avoid concentration of impurities during continuing evaporation of steam

boiler chocks Stay braces which prevent fore and aft movement of boilers

Boiler Foundation A support for a boiler

bollard A large pillar, usually made of concrete or steel, to which a boat's mooring lines can by tied

Bollard Pull Expression used in charter parties to grade the capacity of a tug and its efficiency. The bollard pull is assessed by measurement, against the pulling capacity of a tug, as measured by a dynamometer. The thrust, or force developed is known as ‘Bollard Pull’ and is expressed in tonnes. It is useful for marine pilots to assess the wind force affecting the ship against the available ‘bollard pull’

bolt rope The rope which goes round a sail, and to which the canvass is sewed

bolt rope The line sewn into the edge of a sail

bolts Long cylindrical bars of iron or copper, used to secure or unite the different parts of a vessel

bona fide In good faith

Bond Port Port of initial Customs entry of a vessel to any country. Also known as First Port of Call

Bonded Freight Freight moving under a bond to U.S. Customs or to the Internal Revenue Service, and to be delivered only under stated conditions.

Bonded Warehouse A warehouse authorized by Customs authorities for storage of goods on which payment of duties is deferred until the goods are removed.

bone in her teeth sailing well underway such that spray is thrown out at the stem of the boat


keyword description

Booby Hatch A watertight covering over a deck opening, used for a stairway or ladder

Booking Arrangements with a carrier for the acceptance and carriage of freight; i.e., a space reservation

Booking Number Reservation number used to secure equipment and act as a control number prior to completion of a B/L

boom A pole securing the bottom of a sail, allowing more control of the position of a sail. A long, round, heavy spar, pivoted at one end, usually used for handling cargo, etc.

boom crutch Supporting structure for the boom, stabilizes it when the boat is anchored

boom rest A support for a boom when the not in use

boom vang Any system used to hold the boom down, useful for maintaining proper sail shape, particularly when running or on a broad reach

boomkin Short spar extending aft from the transom. Used to anchor the backstay or the sheets from the mizzen on a yawl or ketch

booster Auxiliary device for increasing force, power, pressure, or effectiveness

boot stripe a different color strip of paint at the waterline

boot top A painted stripe that indicates the waterline

BOSIET Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training. Course created to assist in meeting the initial onshore safety and emergency response training and the assessment requirements for personnel new to the offshore oil and gas industry

boss The curved swelling portion of the ship's hull around the propeller shaft

Boss Frame A hull frame which is bent for clearing propeller shaft tube boss

bosun A senior crewman of the deck department and is responsible for the components of a ship's hull. Supervises the other members of the ship's deck department

bosun Also boatswain, bos'n, bo's'n, and bo'sun, all of which are pronounced bosun. A crew member responsible for keeping the hull, rigging and sails in repair.

bosun's chair A chair traditionally made from a plank and rope, used to hoist workers aloft to maintain the rigging

bosun's locker A locker where tools for maintaining the deck, rigging and sails are kept

BOSVA British Offshore Support Vessel Owners Association

BOT Board of trade

bottlescrew A fitting to control the tension on the forestay

Bottom Side Rails Structural members on the longitudinal sides of the base of the container

Bottom-Air Delivery A type of air circulation in a temperature control container. Air is pulled by a fan from the top of the container, passed through the evaporator coil for cooling, and then forced through the space under the load and up through the cargo. This type of airflow provides even temperatures.

Bottomry Pledging a ship as security in a financial transaction

bow The front of a vessel.

bow & beam bearings A set of bearings taken from an object with a known position, such as a landmark, to determine the ship's location. A type of running fix.


keyword description

bow fitting Fitting to which the jib is attached

Bow line Mooring line, whose purpose is to prevent backward movement

bow stopper A collective name to describe either a guillotine or a compressor, both of which act as an anchor cable stopper. It is one of the securing devices applied to the anchor cable when the vessel is at sea. Alternatives: the AKD stopper(Auto Kick Down)

bow thruster Transversal propulsion device built into, or mounted to the bow of a ship or boat, to make it more maneuverable, or stern thruster, at the bow or the stern of a ship or boat

Bowditch A reference book named after the original author, Nathaniel Bowditch. Updated versions contain tables and other information useful for navigation.

bower anchor Main anchor of a boat

bowline A knot used to make a loop in a line. Easily untied, it is simple and strong. The bowline is used to tie sheets to sails. A mooring line at the bow

bowman The crewmember in charge of sail changes and keeping a lookout on the bow at the start

bowsprit A pole extending from the bow of a boat. The bowsprit is used to attach the headstay forward of the front of the boat's deck. This allows added sail area for the head sail

BOX Box shaped holds

BPI Baltic Panamax Index

bps bits per second. Rate of information transfer between computers.

BQ back – reply to RQ (Request)

brace A guy. A line used to control the movement of the object at the other end, such as a spar.

Bracing Wood or metal supports (Dunnage) to keep shipments in place to prevent cargo shifting

braided line A method of making lines that allows for greater strength and durability when using modern materials

brale Partially furling sails to lessen wind resistance or partially unfurling sails to make them ready for instant use. On a square sail this is accomplished with leech and clew lines. See "Scandalize"

braze To heat and join by means of hard solder (spelter), this may be brass, bronze, or other alloys

breach To break an opening or hole in the hull of a ship

Break Bulk To unload and distribute a portion or all of the contents of a rail car, container, or trailer. Loose, packaged, non–containerized cargo, a variety of goods that must be loaded individually, and not in intermodal containers nor in bulk as with oil or grain

breakers Waves that have entered a shallow water and built up on height, by doing this they "break" at the crest producing a curled up formation

breaking seas With sufficiently strong wind, large waves can form crests even in deep water, causing the wave tops to tumble forward over the waves


keyword description

breakwater A structure build to improve a harbor by sheltering it from waves. A braced guard plate which prevents solid water from sweeping the decks

breast line A line attached laterally from a boat to a dock, preventing movement away from the dock

breast rope The mooring rope or anchor warp that is used on yachts and cruisers

BRG bearing

BRGDS Best regards

bridge The room from which a ship is controlled. On a smaller boat usually not a room, outside, and known as cockpit

bridge deck Mostly used to describe the intermediate deck between cabin and cockpit in small to medium-sized cruisers

Bridge Point An inland location where cargo is received by the ocean carrier and then moved to a coastal port for loading

Bridge Port A port where cargo is received by the ocean carrier and stuffed into containers but then moved to another coastal port to be waded on a vessel

bridle Short length of wire with a line attached at the midpoint. A bridle is used to distribute the load of the attached line. Often used as boom travelers and for spinnaker down hauls

brig A two-masted square rigged vessel, on the aft mast, there is also a gaff sail

brigands pirates

brigantine A two-masted vessel with foremast square rigged, and mainmast fore and aft rigged

bright work varnished woodwork or polished metal

bring about To reverse or change directions, to turn around

bring to To stop the forward motion of a boat by heading directly into the wind

Bristol fashion A term used to describe a clean and orderly ship. "Shipshape and Bristol fashion."

BRL Barrel

BRM Bridge Resource Management

BRN burned

BROA British Rig Owners Association

broach or broach to a turning or swinging of the boat that puts the beam of the boat against the waves, creating a danger of swamping or capsizing

broaching The unplanned turning of a vessel to expose its side to the oncoming waves. In heavy seas this could cause the boat to be knocked down

broad on the beam The position of an object that lies off to one side of the vessel

broad reach A point of sail where the boat is sailing away from the wind, but not directly downwind with the sails let out nearly all the way

BROB Bunker remaining on board

Broken Stowage The loss of space caused by irregularity in The shape of packages.Any void or empty space in a vessel or container not occupied by cargo.


keyword description

Broker A person who arranges for transportation of loads for a percentage of the revenue from the load

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

BS Boiler survey

BSEA Black sea

BSNS Business

BSS Basis, british standards specifications

BSS 1/1 Basis 1 port to 1 port

BSW Bottom sediment and water

BT Berth terms, ballast tank

BTM Bottom. Bridge Team Management

BTN Brussels Tariff Nomenclature

BTR Better

BTU British Thermal Unit

BTWN Between

bucko A bullying and tyrannical officer

Budget performance Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to effectively plan the ship’s operating costs

bulb The lead-torpedo shape on the bottom of the keel

Bulk Cargo Not in packages or containers, shipped loose in the hold of a ship without mark and count. Grain, coal and sulfur are usually bulk freight

Bulk-Freight Container A container with a discharge hatch in the front wall; allows bulk commodities to be carried.

bulkhead An interior wall in a vessel. Sometimes bulkheads are also watertight, adding to the vessel's safety.A partition separating one part of a ship, freight car, aircraft or truck from another part.

Bull Rings Cargo-securing devices mounted in the floor of containers; allow lashing and securing of cargo.

bullseye A round eye through which a line is led, usually in order to change the direction of pull

bulwark A railing around the deck of a boat to keep things from going overboard and the seas from coming aboard, the part of a ship's side that extends above the main deck to protect it against heavy weather

bumpkin Short spar extending aft from the transom. Used to anchor the backstay or the sheets from the mizzen on a yawl or ketch

BUNDLING Assembly of pieces of cargo, secured into one manageable unit. This is relevant to items such as Structural Steel, Handrails, Stairways etc. Whilst this is a very flexible description, a rule of thumb is to present cargo at a size easily handled by a large (20 tonne) fork lift.


keyword description

bunk Sleeping Berth

Bunker Charge An extra charge sometimes added to steamship freight rates; justified by higher fuel costs. (Also known as Fuel Adjustment Factor or FAF.)

Bunker Convention International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (BUNKER) (IMO), ensures that adequate, prompt, and effective compensation is available to persons who suffer damage caused by spills of oil, when carried as fuel in ships' bunkers

bunkers Fuel used aboard the ship. Coal stowage areas aboard a vessel in the past were in bins or bunkers.

buntline hitch A type of knot used to attach a line to a shackle

buoy Anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring

buoy A floating device used as a navigational aid by marking channels, hazards and prohibited areas.

buoyancy Force which enables anything to float. Upward force exerted by fluid (water) opposing the weight of an immersed object (ship). Many boats have built in buoyancy tanks in case of the hull being holed or the boats capsizing.

buoyancy aid Safety garment to keeps its wearer afloat but (in Britain) one without the qualities that permit it to be called a lifejacket.

buoyancy tanks Sealed tanks in the hull of dinghies that contain buoyancy to support the boat in case it capsizes

burdened vessel The vessel responsible for moving out of another vessels path according to the navigation rules. Also known as the give way vessel.

Bureau Veritas French classification society which certifies seagoing vessels for compliance to standardized rules regarding construction and maintenance

burgee A type of flag used to identify a boater's affiliation with a yacht club or boating organization. Also used to indicate wind direction

BUS Business

BV Bureau Veritas (classification society)

BW Brackish Water

BWAD Brackish water arrival draft

BWDD Brackish water departure draft

BWMP Ballast Water Management Plan

BX Box

by the lee Sailing downwind with the wind blowing over the leeward side of the boat

by the wind Sailing close-hauled. Same as "on the wind"

BYND Beyond

BYR Buyer

byte 8 computer bits. 1 byte can store 1 character

C & D Collected & delivered


keyword description

C & F Cost & freight

C & F FO Cost and Freight Free Out

C & P Carriage & packing

C & R Construction & repair

C&F Terms of Sale Obsolete, albeit heavily used, term of sale meaning "cargo and freight" whereby Seller pays for cost of goods and freight charges up to destination port. In July, 1990 the International Chamber of Commerce replaced C&F with CFR.

C/A Chartered accountant

C/B Charter base, Cash book

C/I Certificate of insurance

C/N Credit note, circular note

C/O Care of, certificate of origin - a signed statement from a semiofficial organization certifying the origin of an export item, required by certain nations., cash order

C/O/D Case On Delivery

C/P Charter party

C/R Company's risk

C/S Case(s)

C/V Consecutive voyages

CA Central america, Center Aft

Cab. Abbreviation for Total Cabins

CABADD Cable address

CABAF Currency And Bunker Adjustment Factor

cabin A room inside a boat

cabin sole The floor of a cabin

cable A rope or chain made fast to the anchor

Cabotage Water transportation term applicable to shipments between ports of a nation, commonly refers to coast-wise or inter-coastal navigation or trade. Many nations, including the United States, have cabotage laws which require national flag vessels to provide domestic interport service.

CAD Cash Against Documents, computer assisted design

cadet Trainee, frequently used to refer to someone training to become a officer

Cadets per vessel Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s efforts to take on new cadets

CAF Currency Adjustment Factor. A charge, expressed as a percentage of a base rate, that is applied to compensate ocean carriers of currency fluctuations.

Caisson dry dock or dock gate system

Call Sign Unique designation for a transmitting ship or station

Calling in point (CIP) See Way Point


keyword description

cam cleat A mechanical cleat used to hold a line automatically. It uses two spring loaded cams that come together to clamp their teeth on the line, which is place between them. Also see jam cleat

camber The curvature of an object such as a sail, keel or deck. Usually used when referring to an objects aerodynamic or hydrodynamic properties.

can buoy A cylindrical buoy painted green and having an odd number used in the United States as a navigational aid. At night they may have a green light. Green buoys should be kept on the left side when returning from a larger body of water to a smaller one. Nun buoys mark the other side of the channel. Also see green and red daymarks

canal A manmade waterway used to connect bodies of water that do not connect naturally. Canals use locks to raise and lower boats when connecting bodies of water that have different water levels. The Panama and Suez canals are two of the most famous.

CANDF Cost and Freight

CANF Cost and freight

canoe stern A pointed stern, such as those on a canoe

canvas Tightely woven cloth used for sails, covers, dodgers and biminis. Typically made from cotton, hemp or linen. Modern sails are made out of synthetic materials generally known as sailcloth. A slang word for a "sail".

CAP Condition Assesment Programme Survey, Condition Assessment Program. Structural assessment program devised by the classification societies ABS, LR, DNV

cap A piece of trim, usually wood, used to cover and often decorate a portion of the boat, i.e., caprail

CAPA Capacity

Capesize Vessel A dry bulk vessel above 80,000dwt or whose beam precludes passage via the Panama Canal and thus forces them to pass around Cape Horn or the Cape of Good Hope

capsize When a boat is turned over

capstan A rotating drum used to haul heavy lines and chains. Similar to a winch, but mounted vertically

CAPT Captain

captain The person who is in charge of a vessel and legally responsible for it and its occupants

Captain Only Yacht Charter No cook, stewardess or deck hand, just a captain, available on bare boat yachts only

Captain's Overriding Authority The master has the overriding authority and the responsibility to make decisions with respect to safety of the persons on board, safety of the ship and pollution prevention and to request the Company's assistance as may be necessary. No company staff member can override the master's orders (ISM)

Captain's Protest A document prepared by the captain of a vessel on arriving at port; shows conditions encountered during voyage, generally for the purpose of relieving ship owner of any loss to cargo and shifting responsibility for reimbursement to the insurance company.


keyword description

car A sliding fitting that attaches to a track allowing for the adjustment of blocks or other devices attached to the car.

CAR Corrective Action Request

caravel Small trading vessel also used for exploration. Three-masted, usually square rigged on the two forward masts, and having a lateen rigged mizzen mast.

carbon fiber A synthetic material consisting of fibers glued together with epoxy that is very strong for its weight.

cardinal aids to navigation Buoys with indicate the location of hazards, safe water or deep water by reference to the four cardinal points of a compass (North, South, East, West)

cardinal points The points of North, South, East and West as marked on a compass rose

Carfloat A barge equipped with tracks on which up to about 12 railroad cars are moved in harbors or inland waterways.

Cargo Freight loaded into a ship

Cargo Boom A heavy boom used in handling cargo

Cargo Manifest A manifest that lists all cargo carried on a specific vessel voyage

Cargo NOS Cargo Not Otherwise Specified. Usually the rate entry in a tariff that can apply to commodities not covered under a specific item or sub�item in the applicable tariff.

Cargo Preference Cargo reserved by a Nation's laws for transportation only on vessels registered in that Nation. Typically the cargo is moving due to a direct or indirect support or activity of the Government.

Cargo related incidents Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to contribute to incidents-free cargo operations and carriage

Cargo Tonnage Most ocean freight is billed on the basis of weight or measurement tons (W/M). Weight tons can be expressed in short tons of 2000 pounds, long tons of 2240 pounds or metric tons of 1000 kilos (2204.62 pounds). Measurement tons are usually expressed as cargo measurement of 40 cubic feet (1.12 meters) or cubic meters (35.3 cubic feet.)

carlings Two pieces of timber laid fore and aft under the deck of a ship, from one beam to another, directly over the keel

Carnet A Customs document permitting the holder to temporarily carry or send merchandise into certain foreign countries (for display, demonstration or similar purposes) without paying duties or posting bonds. Any of various Customs documents required for crossing some international borders.

carrack Three-masted trading vessel similar to the Caravel, but larger

carrick bend A knot used to tie two lines together

Carrier Any person or entity who, in a contract of carriage, undertakes to perform or to procure the performance of carriage by rail, road, sea, air, inland waterway or by a combination of such modes.

Carrier's Certificate A certificate required by U.S. Customs to release cargo properly to the correct party

CAS Condition Assessment Survey


keyword description

Cash Against Documents (CAD) Method of payment for goods in which documents transferring title are given the buyer upon payment of cash to an intermediary acting for the seller, usually a commission house

Cash in Advance (CIA) A method of payment for goods in which the buyer pays the seller in advance of the shipment of goods. Usually employed when the goods, such as specialized machinery, are built to order

Cash With Order (CWO) A method of payment for goods in which cash is paid at the time of order and the transaction becomes binding on both buyer and seller

cast off To detach mooring lines as when leaving a dock

CAT Corrective Action Team

catamaran A twin-hulled boat, with hulls side by side, connected by a central section which is most often designed with a living and dining area and in most, a galley

catboat A sailboat rigged with one mast and one sail

catboat A boat with one mast flying no foresail (jib)

catenary The sag in a line strung between two points

CATLG Catalog

catspaw A puff of wind on the water caused by a mass of cool air plunging down through warm surface air.

caulk To make a joint watertight

caulking Material used to seal the seams in a wooden vessel, making it watertight.

cavitate A type of drag on a propeller caused by air bubbles forming near the tips of a propeller that is spinning too fast. This causes inefficiencies and unnecessary wear and tear on the propeller

cavitation A type of drag on a propeller caused by air bubbles forming near the tips of a propeller that is spinning too fast. This causes inefficiencies and unnecessary wear and tear on the propeller.

CAXBS Composite Auxiliary Boiler Survey

CB Charter base

CBDR Constant bearing, decreasing range. Means that some object, usually another ship viewed from the deck or bridge of one's own ship, is getting closer but maintaining the same relative bearing. If this continues, the objects will collide

CBFT Cubic Feet

CBI computer-based information

CBL Cable

CBM Cubic Meter

CBR Commodity Box Rate

CBT Clean ballast tanks, cubic tones, computer-based training

CC Current cost, continuation clause, cement carrier

CCACP Contract of afreightment charter party


keyword description

CCC Carrier container council

CCC Mark A mark or label indicating the cargo conforms to standards required by China for certain products

CCEL Cancel

CCIB APPROVAL Approval of health animal & plant quarentine of china commodity inspection bureau

CCO Crude corn oil

CCP Controlable Pitch Propeller

CCS China Classification Society

CCSA Certified Container Securing Arrangements

CD Customary despatch, chart datum, compact disc

CD Rom compact disc read-only memory

CDCO Crude de-gummed corn oil

CDSBO Crude de-gummed soybean oil

CE Consumption Entry.”The process of declaring the importation of foreign–made goods for use in the United States

CE Mark A mark or label indicating the cargo conforms to standards required by the European Union for certain products

celestial navigation to calculate your position using time, the position of celestial bodies, and mathematical tables

celestial sphere An imaginary sphere surrounding the globe that contains the sun, moon, stars and planets.

Cells The construction system employed in container vessels; permits ship containers to be stowed in a vertical line with each container supporting the one above it.

CEN European Committee for Standardisation

CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation

CENSA Committee of european national shipowners association

CENSA Council of european & japanese national shipowners associations

center line The middle line of the ship, extending from stem to stern. A straight line running from bow to stern, midway between the sides of the ship. All transverse horizontal dimensions are taken from the center line. The center line as applied to a transverse bulkhead is a vertical line in the middle of the ship

center of forces The spot on a vessel on which all forces act centrally

center of gravity The point of equilibrium of the total weight of a containership, truck, train or a piece of cargo

centerboard A pivoting board that prevents the boat from sliding sideways, retractable keel to stop a boat's leeward drift

centerboard trunk Compartment where the centerboard resides

centerline The center of the boat, from the stern to the bow

centre of buoyancy The centre point of a boats floating ability


keyword description

centre of effort - COE The centre point of a sails energy producing area

centre of flotation Centre of gravity of the area, or centroid, of the water-plane of a ship

centre of lateral resistance - CLR the underwater center of pressure about which a boat pivots when changing course

CERI Centre for educational research & innovation

CERT, CERTIF Certificate

certificate A legal paper or license of a boat or its captain.

Certificate Document certifying that merchandise (such as of Inspection perishable goods) was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment. Document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard certifying an American flag vessel's compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Certificate of Inspection A document certifying that merchandise (such as perishable goods) was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment, The document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard certifying an American, Flag vessel’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Certificate of Origin A certified document showing the origin of goods; used in international commerce.

CERTN Certain

CES Coast Earth Station

CES Coast earth station, Committee of European Shipowners

CESMA Confederation of European Union Shipmasters Associations

CEU Car Equivalent Unit. To assess the carrying capacity of Car carriers

CF Cubic feet, Center Forward

CFM(D) Confirm(ed)

CFMN Confirmation

CFR (or C&F) Cost and Freight

CFS Container Freight Station. A shipping dock where cargo is loaded (stuffed) into or unloaded (stripped) from containers. Generally, this involves less than containerload shipments, although small shipments destined to same consignee are often consolidated. Container reloading from/to rail or motor carrier equipment is a typical activity.

CFT Cubic feet

CFTBS Cylindrical Fire-Tube Boiler Survey

CG Coast Guard

CGA Cargo's proportion of general average

CGO Cargo

Ch Channel

CH4 Methane. Natural gas carried in great quantities by LNG tankers at his boiling temperature (-161)

CHA Competent Harbour Authority

CHABE Charterers agents both ends


keyword description

chafe Wear caused by the friction of parts moving past each other.

chafing gear Tubing or cloth wrapping used to protect a line from chafing on a rough surface.

chain Metal links that are locked together to make a strong and flexible line. Chains are typically used for anchors and other places where high loads may be exerted on the line, particularly in large vessels.

chain locker Storage room for the anchor chain

chain plate The fitting used to attach stays to the hull

chandler An individual or company selling equipment and supplies for ships

chandlery A store that sells nautical gear

CHANL Channel

channel A navigable route on a waterway, usually marked by buoys. Channels are similar to roads where the water is known to be deep enough for ships or boats to sail without running aground.

channel marker A buoy or other mark used to mark a navigable path through a waterway.

Charley Noble Galley stove pipe

chart A nautically specialized map

chart datum The water level used to record data on a chart. Usually the average low tide water level

chart room A small room adjacent to the Pilot House in which charts and navigating instruments are located

chart table A table designated as the area in the boat where the navigator will study charts and plot courses

charter Agreement for the transportation of cargo

Charter Party A written contract between the owner of a vessel and the person desiring to employ the vessel (charterer), sets forth the terms of the arrangement such as duration of agreement, freight rate and ports involved in the trip

Chartering Activity in the shipping industry. A charterer may own cargo and employ a shipbroker to find a ship to deliver the cargo, or be a party without a cargo who takes a vessel on charter for a specified period from the owner and then trades the ship to carry cargoes at a profit

Chassis A frame with wheels and container locking devices in order to secure the container for movement.

cheek block A block with one end permanently attached to a surface.

CHEM Chemical

CHG(S) Charge(s)

chief engineer Licensed mariner in charge of the engineering department on a merchant vessel

chief mate The officer second in command of a ship.

Chinamax A vessel of 380,000–400,000 DWT

chine The location where the deck joins the hull of the boat. The angle between the side and the bottom of a boat.


keyword description

CHNC Change

chock Piece of wood or other material placed at the side of cargo to prevent rolling or moving sideways. Hole (open) or ring (closed) attached to the hull to guide a line via that point

chockablock When a line is pulled as tight as is can go, as when two blocks are pulled together.

Chock-Boat A cradle or support for a lifeboat

chocks Heavy metal fittings fixed to the deck of a ship through which a line for mooring, towing, or anchor rode is passed

chop Small, steep disorderly waves

CHOP Charterers option

chop log Navigation tool to estimate the speed of a vessel through water

CHOPT Charterers option

CHOVR Change over

CHQ Cheque

CHR(S) Charterer(s)

CHRG Charge

chronometer An accurate clock that is used for navigation to determine time at the prime meridian with great precision, necessary when reducing sights in celestial navigation

CHRTR Charter

CHS Continuous Hull Survey

CHTRS Charterers

chute A spinnaker.

CI Consular invoice

CI Cost and Insurance. A price that includes the cost of the goods, the marine insurance and all transportation charges except the ocean freight to the named point of destination.

CIA Cash In Advance

CIF Cost, Insurance, Freight. Same as C&F or CFR except seller also provides insurance to named destination.

CIF&C Price includes commission as well as CIF

CIF&E Cost, Insurance, Freight And Exchange

CIFANDC(E,I) Coast,Insurance,Freight and Commession (Exchange, Interest)

CIFCI Cost, Insurance, Freight, Collection And Interest

CIFI&E Cost, Insurance, Freight, Interest and Exchange

ciguatera a severe type of food poisoning caused by eating contaminated fish

CIP Carriage & insurance to be paid to …, Calling In Point

CIR Container intercharge receipt


keyword description

CIRC Circulating

Circle of Swing Area that a vessel will swing over when lying to an anchor, can be reduced by mooring to two anchors

CIRCS Circumstances

CIRCUM Circumstances

CIRM International Radio Maritime Committee

CIT Chartered Institute of Transport

citadel Room where the crew of the ship can hide in case there is a pirate attack on the ship or when the pirates are aboard the ship

CK(D) Checke(d)

CKD Completely knocked down, and subassemblies being transported to an assembly plant

CL Carload, Containerload. Cable Layer. Cargo Lifts. Clause. Continuous Liner

Claim A demand made upon a transportation line for payment on account of a loss sustained through its alleged negligence

Class Category in classification register. Group of boats of the same design, relevant for races and regattas

CLASS AA IS Class AA Ice Stregthening

Classification A publication that assigns ratings to various articles and provides bill of lading descriptions and rules

Classification Rating The designation provided in a classification by which a class rate is determined.

Classification Society Non-governmental organization that establishes and maintains technical standards for the construction and operation of ships and offshore structures. The society will also validate that construction is according to these standards and carry out regular surveys in service to ensure compliance with the standards and perform classing of ships so that insurance underwriters and others may know the quality and condition of the vessels offered for insurance or employment.See also ABS, BV, DNV, LR and NK

ClassNK NK, Japanese classification society which certifies seagoing vessels for compliance to standardized rules regarding construction and maintenance

CLC International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage. International maritime treaty adopted to ensure that adequate compensation would be available where oil pollution damage was caused by maritime casualties involving oil tankers

CLD Cleared

Clean Bill of Lading Receipt for goods issued by carrier with an indication that the goods were received in "apparent good order and condition" without damage or other irregularities, if no notation or exception is made, the B/L is assumed to be "cleaned"

clear the decks remove unnecessary things from the decks

Clearance The size beyond which cars or loads cannot use Limits bridges, tunnels, etc.

cleat A fitting for securing a line. It can be wooden, metal or nylon. A strip of wood or metal used to afford additional strength, to prevent warping, or to hold in place


keyword description

cleat hitch A figure eight pattern used to tie a line to a cleat.

clevis pin Metal pin used to attach fittings to each other or their mounts

clew Lower aft corner of a sail

CLG Calling

clinometer Instrument for indicating the degree of the angle of heel, roll, or pitch of a vessel

Clip-On Refrigeration equipment attachable to an insulated container that does not have its own refrigeration unit

close aboard Near a ship

close hauled Sailing with the sails hauled tight, sailing the boat towards the wind as much as possible

close reach Steering off a close-hauled course by approximately 20 degrees, the point of sailing between close-hauled and a beam reach, when the wind blows forward of the beam

close up A flag hoisted to the top of a flagpole. Also see "at the dip"

close winded A boat that is able to sail well into the wind

closed chock Ring attached to the hull to guide a line via that point

clove hitch A knot for temporarily fastening a line to a spar or piling.

CLP Container load plan

CLR centre of lateral resistance

CLRFY Clarify

club A boom on a jib or staysail.

club Societies of mostly non-professional sailors that sail for pleasure; the first sailing clubs developed in the 17th century in England

club footed A jib or staysail that utilizes a small boom.

CM Cubic Meter. Commercial

cm centimeter

CM Commercial

CMDTY Commodity

CMI Committee maritime int'l

CML Commercial

CMNC Commence

CMPLT Complete

CMPTOR Competitor

CMPTR Computer

CMPTV Competitive

CMS Continuous Machinery Survey

Cn C Container Carrier


keyword description

CNCL Cancel

CNDN Condition

CNDTN Condition

CNECT Connect

CNECTG Connecting

CNEE Consignee. Name of agent, company or person receiving consignment

CNG Compressed natural gas. A type of compressed gas used as fuel for stoves and heaters. CNG is stored in metal cylinders prior to use. CNG is considered safer than other types of fuel such as propane (LPG) because it is lighter than air and may rise into the sky in the event of a leak. Caution should still be used as CNG can collect near the cabin ceiling, potentially causing an explosion. Propane is available in more areas around the world than CNG so CNG is not often used outside of North America

CNL Canal

CNR Container

CNSDR Consider

CNT Cannot

CNTR Container, Center

CNTRBN Contribution

CO Company

CO2 efficiency Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the energy efficiency of the vessel by comparing emitted mass of CO2 to the vessel’s total transport work

COA Contract of affreightment. Owners agree to accept a cost per revenue tonne for cargo carried on a specific number of voyages.

coach roof Also trunk. The cabin roof, raised above the deck to provide headroom in the cabin

COACP Contract of Affreightment Charter Party

coaming A small wall to prevent water from entering the cockpit

Coaming Any vertical surface on a ship designed to deflect or prevent entry of water. It usually refers to raised section of deck plating around an opening, such as a hatch. Coamings also provide a frame onto which to fit a hatch cover.

coast The region of land near the water

coast pilots Books covering information about coastal navigation, including navigational aids, courses, distances, anchorages and harbors

coastal navigation Navigating near the coast, allowing one to find one's position by use of landmarks and other references

Coastwise Water transportation along the coast

COB Closing of business

COBLDN Closing of Business London

cock A valve used to regulate the flow of water or gas


keyword description

cocked hat In position fixing navigation the position (fix) is derived from measuring external reference points.Usually, a fix is where two position lines intersect. If three position lines can be obtained, the resulting "cocked hat", where the 3 lines do not intersect at the same point, but create a triangle where the vessel is inside, gives the navigator an indication of the accuracy in the three separate position lines

cockpit The location from which the boat is steered, usually in the middle or the rear of the boat

cockpit sole Sole (floor) of the cockpit

COD Collect (cash) On Delivery. Carried On Docket (pricing)

code Any method of passing messages, such as visual or electronic morse code, code flag pennants and semaphore

Code Alpha Emergency Medical Condition

coe center of effort

cofferdam Insulating space between two watertight bulkheads or decks within a ship

COFR Certificate of Financial Responsibility. Applies to vessel operators who have demonstrated their ability to pay for clean-up and damage costs as required by the Oil Pollution Act

COGSA Carriage of Goods by Sea Act. US federal codification passed in 1936 which standardizes carrier's liability under carrier's bill of lading. US enactment of The Hague Rules

cogwheel A toothed wheel

coil To lay a line down in circular turns

COL Collation

Col C Coal Carrier

cold front Used in meteorology to describe a mass of cold air moving toward a mass of warm air. Strong winds and rain typically accompany a cold front.

cold molding A method of bending a material into an appropriate shape without heating or steaming to soften the material first.

COLL Collect

Collecting A bank that acts as an agent to the seller's bank (the presenting bank). The collecting bank assumes no responsibility for either the documents or the merchandise.

Collection A draft drawn on the buyer, usually accompanied by documents, with complete instructions concerning processing for payment or acceptance.

collision Structural impact between two ships or one ship and a floating or still object such as an iceberg

collision bulkhead The watertight bulkhead nearest the bow of a ship designed to keep the boat from sinking in the event of a collision, forepeak bulkhead

collision mat A large square of canvas, treated with a sealing agent and attached to lines at each corner; hauled over a damaged part of the hull to limit the inflow of water

colours The national flag and or other flags

Colreg International Convention on Collision Regulations (IMO)


keyword description

COLREGS A term for the international rules designed to prevent collisions between boats

COMB Combine

COMBI Combination passenger/cargo vessel; a vessel specifically designed to carry both containers and conventional cargoes

Combination Export Mgr. A firm that acts as an export sales agent for more than one non–competing manufacturer

Combination Rate A rate made up of two or more factors, separately published

combination vessel Ship designed to carry bulk, breakbulk, and containerized cargo

COMBN Combination, Combustion

come about To bring the sail from one side of the boat to the other, when sailing into the wind, A maneuver in tacking.

COMM Commission

Commercial Invoice Represents a complete record of the transaction between exporter and importer with regard to the goods sold. Also reports the content of the shipment and serves as the basis for all other documents about the shipment.

Commercial Manager Company designated by the ship owner or charterer to be responsible for the day to day commercial running of the ship and the best contact for the ship regarding commercial matters

Commercial Transport Vessel Ship used primarily in commerce. For transporting persons or goods to or from any harbor(s) or port(s) or between places within a harbor area, In connection with the construction, change in construction, servicing, maintenance, repair, loading, unloading, movement, piloting, or salvaging of any other ship or vessel

Commodity Article shipped. For dangerous and hazardous cargo, the correct commodity identification is critical

Commodity Rate A rate published to apply to a specific article or articles

Common Carrier A transportation company which provides service to the general public at published rates

Common Law Law that derives its force and authority from precedent, custom and usage rather than from statutes, particularly with reference to the laws of England and the United States.

COMMU Communication

communication system Radio or satellite systems used on yachts for communication

COMN Commission

COMNCTN Communication

COMP Compound

companionway The entryway into the cabin from the deck

Company Security Officer Is the person designated by the company for ensuring that a ship security assessment is carried out and that a ship security plan is developed, submitted for approval and thereafter implemented and maintained for liaison with port facility security officers and the ship security officer


keyword description

compass An instrument that uses the earth's magnetic field to point to the direction of the magnetic north pole. A device used to draw circles.

compass bearing Angle between north and the line passing through the compass and the point of interest

compass card A card labeling the 360° of the circle and the named directions such as north, south, east and west.

compass course The course as read on a compass. The compass course has added the magnetic deviation and the magnetic variation to the true course.

compass error Magnetic deviation. The difference between the reading of a compass and the actual magnetic course or bearing due to errors in the compass reading. These errors can be caused by metals, magnetic fields and electrical fields near the compass. Prior to using a compass, magnetic deviation should be recorded for many different points on the compass as the error can be different at different points. The act of checking for magnetic deviation is called swinging.

compass north The direction in which the compass points – not matching the geographic north

compass rose A circle on a chart indicating the direction of geographic north and sometimes also magnetic north. Charts usually have more that one compass rose. In that case the compass rose nearest to the object being plotted should be used as the geographic directions and magnetic variations may change slightly in different places on the chart.

COMPLT Complete

composite construction Object made with more than one type of material

compressed natural gas CNG for short. Type of compressed gas used as fuel for stoves and heaters. CNG is stored in metal cylinders prior to use. CNG is considered safer than other types of fuel such as propane (LPG) because it is lighter than air and may rise into the sky in the event of a leak. Caution should still be used as CNG can collect near the cabin ceiling, potentially causing an explosion

compressor On a ship an air compressor is used to compress air and store it in tanks for various uses. These use these could range from simple processes such as cleaning and drying of filters to tasks such as starting the auxiliary engines and the main engines of the ship

Compulsory Ship Any ship which is required to be equipped with radiotelecommunication equipment in order to comply with the radio or radio-navigation provisions of a treaty or statute to which the vessel is subject

COMUCTN Communication

Con (Conn) The person who has the control of the navigation of the vessel

Concealed Damage Damage that is not evident from viewing the unopened package

CONCS Concentrates

CONDI Condition

Condition of class Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to avoid conditions of class

CONF Conference

CONFDL Confidential


keyword description

Conference An association of ship owners operating in the same trade route who operate under collective conditions and agree on tariff rates.

Confirmed Letter of Credit A letter of credit, issued by a foreign bank, whose validity has been confirmed by a domestic bank. An exporter with a confirmed letter of credit is assured of payment even if the foreign buyer or the foreign bank defaults

Confirming Bank The bank that adds its confirmation to another bank's (the issuing bank's) letter of credit and promises to pay the beneficiary upon presentation of documents specified in the letter of credit

Congestion Port/berth delays

Connecting Carrier A carrier which has a direct physical connection with, or forms a link between two or more carriers

Connecting Carrier Agreement A connecting carrier agreement is a contract between the originating carrier and a second party, where the second party agrees to carry goods to a final destination on a through Billof Lading

conning The station or post of the person who steers a vessel. The act or process of steering a vessel

CONS Consumption

CONSEC Consecutive

CONSGT Consignment

Consignee A person or company to whom commodities are shipped

Consignee Mark A symbol placed on packages for identification purposes, generally a triangle,square, circle, etc. with letters, numbers and port of discharge

Consignment Stock of merchandise advanced to a dealer and located at his place of business, but with title remaining in the source of supply. Shipment of goods to a consignee

Consignor A person or company shown on the bill of lading as the shipper

Consolidation Cargo containing shipments of two or more shippers or suppliers. Containerload shipments may be consolidated for one or more consignees

Consolidator A person or firm performing a consolidation service for others. The consolidator takes advantage of lower full carload (FCL) rates, and savings are passed on to shippers

Construction Differential Subsidy A program whereby the US government attempted to offset the higher shipbuilding cost in the US by paying up to 50% of the difference between cost of US and non-US construction, the difference went to the U.S. shipyard

Consul A government official residing in a foreign country who represents the interests of her or his country and its nationals

Consular Declaration A formal statement describing goods to be shipped, filed with and approved by the consul of the country of destination prior to shipment

Consular Invoice A document, certified by a consular official, is required by some countries to describe a shipment. Used by Customs of the foreign country, to verify the value, quantity and nature of the cargo

Consular Visa An official signature or seal affixed to certain documents by the consul of the country of destination


keyword description

Consumption Entry (CE) The process of declaring the importation of foreign-made goods into the United States for use in the United States

CONT Contract, Contents

Cont Continent of europe

CONT(D) Continue(d)

Contained spills Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to avoid spills, not the ability to contain them

Container A truck trailer body that can be detached from the chassis for loading into a vessel, a rail car or stacked in a container depot. Containers may be ventilated, insulated, refrigerated, flat rack, vehicle rack, open top, bulk liquid or equipped with interior devices. A container may be 20 feet, 40 feet, 45 feet, 48 feet or 53 feet in length, 8'0" or 8'6" in width, and 8'6" or 9'6" in height.

Container Booking Arrangements with a steamship line to transport containerized cargo

Container broking Container brokers specialise in the chartering of container ships and provide container ship owners and charterers with market-related information

Container Freight Station See CFS.

Container Load A load sufficient in size to fill a container either by cubic measurement or by weight

Container Manifest Document showing contents and loading sequence of a container

Container Pool An agreement between parties that allows the efficient use and supply of containers. A common supply of containers available to the shipper as required

Container Security Initiative (CSI) A U.S. cargo security program whereby containerized cargoes destined for the United States may be inspected on a selective basis at many foreign ports before loading on a vessel

Container Terminal An area designated for the stowage of cargoes in container; usually accessible by truck, railroad and marine transportation. Here containers are picked up, dropped off, maintained and housed

Container Yard (CY) A materials handling/storage facility used for completely unitized loads in containers and/or empty containers. Commonly referred to as CY

Containerizable Cargo Cargo that will fit into a container and result in an economical shipment

Containerization Stowage of general or special cargoes in a container for transport in the various modes

contamination The presence of a minor and unwanted constituent (contaminant) in a material, in a physical body, in the natural environment, at a workplace, in food etc.

CONTD Continue(d)

CONTEMPO Contemporary

CONTG Containing

continent A large land mass, such as Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America

continental shelf A region of relatively shallow water surrounding each of the continents

contingency plan A plan devised for an outcome other than in the usual (expected) plan, often used for risk management


keyword description

Contraband Cargo that is prohibited

Contract A legally binding agreement between two or more persons/organizations to carry out reciprocal obligations or value

Contract Carrier Any person not a common carrier who, under special and individual contracts or agreements, transports passengers or property for compensation

Contract of Affreightment similar to a voyage charter, but ship-owner undertakes to carry a number of cargoes within a specified period of time on a specified route. Agreed frequency of cargoes may require more than one ship

Controlled Atmosphere Sophisticated, computer controlled systems that manage the mixtures of gases within a container throughout an intermodal journey reducing decay

CONUS Continental united sates

COO Chief Operating Officer

Cook Only Yacht Charter No captain, stewardess or deck hand, just a cook

COOP Cooperate, Cooperation

coordinated universal time A time standard that is not affected by time zones or seasons. Time measured in coordinated universal time labeled with the term zulu. It is used so that people around the world can communicate about time without regard to individual time zones.

COP Customs of the port

COR Certificate of Registry (U.S. Coast Guard)

cordage Any rope or line

Corner Posts Vertical frame components fitted at the corners of the container, integral to the corner fittings and connecting the roof and floor structures. Containers are lifted and secured in a stack using the castings at the ends.

CORP Corporation

CORR Correct

Correspondent Bank A bank that, in its own country, handles the business of a foreign bank

corvette Warship smaller than a destroyer, often armed for antisubmarine operations

COSAG Combined steam turbine & gas turbine in ship populsion

COSAL Coordinated ship's allownce list usa

COSCO China Ocean Shipping Co.

COSMOS Coast survey marine observation system

COSPAS Cosmicheskaya Sistyema Poiska Avariynich Sudov. Russian Satellite System for ships in distress.

COSPAS-SARSAT Satellite system capable of detecting distress alert transmissions from radiobeacons that comply with Cospas-Sarsat specifications and performance standards, and of determining their position anywhere on the globe, provides accurate, timely, and reliable distress alert and location data to help search and rescue authorities assist persons in distress


keyword description

Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) Cost of goods, marine insurance and all transportation (freight) charges are paid to the foreign point of delivery by the seller.

COSUP Co-ordination of supplies

CoSWP Code of Safe Working Practices For Merchant Seamen

COT Cargo Oil Tank

COTP Captain Of The Port

cotter pin A small metal pin used to keep other parts from changing their position, such as to keep a nut from turning or a clevis pin from falling out.

counter The part of the hull that lies above the water at the stern

Countervailing Duty An additional duty imposed to offset export grants, bounties or subsidies paid to foreign suppliers in certain countries by the government of that country for the purpose of promoting export.

course The Compass Heading of the direction of Forward motion of the vessel. The angle of the vessel relative to the wind when sailing. The largest square Sail on a Mast

courtesy flag A smaller version of the flag of the country being visited. It is flown from the starboard spreader.

cove Small sheltered recessed area in the shoreline

COVENC Convenience

COW Crude Oil Washing. Washing of the oil tank with jets of the same oil, this to replace washing with water which implies a risk of explosion and the problem of the disposal of cleaning water

Cowl The hood-shaped top of a ventilator pipe

cowls Scoop like devices used to direct air into a boat

coxswain Sailor commanding or navigating a small boat

CP Charter party, Compare

CPA Closest Point of Approach

CPA Closest Point of Approach (radar)

CPD Charterers per dues

CPM Certified property manager

CPP Clean Petroleum Products, Controlable pitch propeller

CPSC Certificate of proficiency in survival craft

CPT Carriage paid to

CPTY Capacity

CPU Central Processing Unit (Computer)

CQD Cusomary quick despatch

CQR anchor Also called a plow anchor. Short for coastal quick release anchor. An anchor that is designed to bury itself into the ground by use of its plow shape

CR Credit. Current Rate. Carrier's Risk


keyword description

crabbing going sideways due to set (also catching crabs)

cradle A frame to support a vessel when out of water

CRAF Civil reserve air fleet

crane Machine, generally equipped with a hoist, wire ropes or chains, and sheaves, that can be used to lift and lower heavy things or to move them horizontally transporting them to other places

crank A bent portion of an axle, or shaft, or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft, by which motion is imparted to or received from it

crank ship Liable to capsize, unstable, condition of a ship becomes when it heels abnormally and recovers slowly under the action of the wind

crankshaft Part of a piston engine which translates reciprocating linear piston motion into rotation

CRCT Correct

CRD Current rate discharge

CRDF Cathode ray dirction finder

crest The top of a wave or the act of reaching the top of a wave

Crest of a Wave peak or highest point of a wave. Opposite to the trough of a wave

crew One or more people that aid in the operation of a sailboat

Crew disciplinary frequency Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the ability of the management to maintain discipline

Crew planning Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to relieve crew on time as well as avoiding violations of rest hour’s regulations

cringle A fitting in a sail that allows a line to fasten to it

CRISTAL Contract regarding an interim supplement to tanker liability for oil pollution

CRISTAL Contract Regarding an Interim Supplement to Tanker Liability

CRMAIL Crew mail

CRN Convention on Rhine navigation in 1868. Customs registered number. Crane

Crn B Crane Barge

CROB Cargo Remaining on Board

cross bearing The use of Lines of Position (LOPs) of several navigational aids to obtain a position fix

Cross Member Transverse members fitted to the bottom side rails of a container, which support the floor.

crossing situation When two vessels approach each other and their paths are crossing. The boat with the other boat on its starboard side is the give way vessel and must yield.

crosstrees Horizontal members attached to the mast acting as spreaders for the shrouds

Crowd and Crisis Management Course for chief mates, master mates, engineers, and anyone who is responsible for implementing the safety of passengers during emergency situations

CRS Continuous Refrigeration Survey


keyword description

CRT Cargo Retention Clauses, introduced by charterers based on shortage of delivered cargo because of increased oil prices. Cathode Ray Tube (Computer Screen)

cruise Pleasure trip on a yacht or ship, trip or voyage by cruise ship

cruiser Type of warship, larger than a destroyer and smaller than a battleship

cruising guides Books that describe features of particular sailing areas, such as hazards, anchorages, etc.

cruising speed Speed for a particular vehicle, ship, or aircraft, usually somewhat below maximum, that is comfortable and economical

CS Case. Coasting Service

CSC Container service charge, Container Safety Convention for ISO Containers

CSD Closed shelter decker.Aan oceangoing vessel with a continuous top deck above the main deck. Shelter-deck ships have covered openings in the top deck, in the transverse bulkheads beneath the top decks, or in the sides above the main deck

CSEQNC Consequence

CSFO Crude SunFlower Oil

CSIC Cargo ship safety certificate

CSM Continuous Survey of Machinery

CSNAME Chinese society of naval architecture & marine engineer

CSO Chief Staff Officer. Company Security Officer, the person ensuring that a ship security assessment is carried out, that a ship security plan is developed, submitted for approval, and thereafter implemented and maintained, and who liaises with port security officers and the ship security officer, required for ISPS

CSR/CD Cargo systems research/consulting division

CSS Code of Shipmanagement Standards, Continuous special survey

CSSEC Cargo ship safety equipment certificate

CSSP Confined Space Safety Practices

CST Centistokes, Central Standard Time

CSTMR Customer

CSULT Consult

CSWR Chamber of shipping war risks

CT Centre tank, Cargo tank, Container terminal

CTACT Contract

CTC Cargo Tank, Center

CTF Certificate

CTL Constructive total loss. After an incident such as collision, grounding, fire, if it is too expensive to repair the ship cannot, the insurance consider it is lost. The vessel is abandoned or sold as scrap

CTLG Catalogue


keyword description

CTN(S) Carton(s)

CTNR(S) Container(s)

CTR Container Fitted

CTRCT Contract

CTROL Control

CTSH Correction Temperature of Tank Shell

CTU cargo transport unit

CTW Cargo Tank, Wing

CTX Cargo Tank, Common

CU, CUB, Cu. Cubic, Unit of volume

cu. m. cubic meter

Cube Out When a container or vessel has reached its volumetric capacity before its permitted weight limit

Cubic Foot 1,728 cubic inches. A volume contained in a space measuring one foot high, one foot wide and one foot long.

Cubic meter 35.314 cubic ft.

CUD Could

cuddy Shelter on a boat not large enough to be a cabin.

CUFT Cubic feet

cunningham Line used to control the tension along a sail's luff in order to maintain proper sail shape

current Movement of water, due to tides, river movement and circular currents caused by the motion of the earth

CURV Cable controlled undewater research vessel

Customhouse Government office where duties are paid, import documents filed, etc., on foreign shipments

Customhouse Broker Person or firm, licensed by the treasury department of their country when required, engaged in entering and clearing goods through Customs for a client (importer).

Customs Government agency charged with enforcing the rules passed to protect the country's import and export revenues

Customs Bonded Warehouse Warehouse authorized by Customs to receive duty-free merchandise

Customs Entry All countries require that the importer make a declaration on incoming foreign goods. The importer then normally pays a duty on the imported merchandise. The importer's statement is compared against the carrier's vessel manifest to ensure that all foreign goods are properly declared.

Customs Invoice A form requiring all data in a commercial invoice along with a certificate of value and/or a certificate of origin. Required in a few countries (usually former British territories) and usually serves as a seller's commercial invoice


keyword description

Customs of the Port Phrase often included in charter parties and freight contracts referring to local rules and practices which may impact upon the costs borne by the various parties

Cut-Off Time The latest time cargo may be delivered to a terminal for loading to a scheduled train or ship

cutter A sailboat with a single mast placed in the middle of the boat

cutwater The front edge of the boat

CVENCE Convenience

CVS Consecutive voyages

Cwt. Hundred weight (United States, 100 pounds: U.K. 112)

CWTBS Cylindrical Water-Tube Boiler Survey

CXL Cancel

CY Container Yard. Designation for full Container receipt/delivery, Copy, Currency

CYCLD Cycloidal Propeller

CYL Cylinder

D Dollars

D & O Directors And Officers (Insurance Policy)

D signal Safety signal, "Keep clear of me. I am maneuvering with difficulty."

D&H Dangerous and Hazardous cargo

d.b Deals & battens

D.B.A. Doing Business As. A legal term for conducting business under a registered name

d.d.o. Dispatch discharging only

d.f. Dead freight

d.l.o. Dispatch loading only

d.p. Direct port

d.p.p. Dirty Petroleum Products

D/A Documents against acceptance, Deposit account vessel must discharge afloat

D/C Deviation clause

D/D Delivered at docks, demand draft, drydocking

D/L Dangerous cargo list

D/M Drum

D/N Debit note, Dekuvert notice, Delivery note

D/O Delivery order

D/P Document against payment

D/R Dock receipt

D/S Day after sight Day's, Sight Days

D/W Dock warrant


keyword description

DA Disbursement Account

dacron A synthetic polyester material

DAF Deliver At Frontier

DAFT Draft Aft

dagger board A type of centre board that adjusts vertically in the well

DAM Damage

DAMFORDET Damages for Detention. Penalty if cargo is not ready when ship arrives for working (1st day of Laycan). This is not detention which is charged for ships time on delay. If the cargo is ready there is no DAMFORDET.

DAMG Damage

danbuoy A marker that is attached to a lifebuoy

danforth anchor A brand of lightweight anchor. It has pivoting flukes that dig into the ground as tension is placed on the anchor. It does not have a stock

danger zone The area encompassed from dead ahead of your boat to just abaft your starboard beam. You must stand clear of any boat in the "danger zone".

DANGS Dangerous

DANRSAOCLONL Discountless & non returnable ship &/or cargo lost or not lost

DAP Days all purposes (for loading and discharging)

DAPS Days all purposes (for loading and discharging)

data base Organized collection of data, usually accesed and managed by special software

davit Device that projects beyond the side of the boat to raise objects from the water. Typically a single davit is used on the bow of a vessel to raise an anchor, and a pair are used on the side or stern of the vessel to raise a dinghy

daybeacon Navigational aid visible during the day. In the U.S. and Canada, square red daybeacons should be kept on the right and triangular green daybeacons should be kept on the left when returning from a larger to smaller body of water. Also see can and nun buoys.

daymark Navigational aid visible during the day

daysailer A small boat intended to be used only for short sails or racing.

dayshape Black diamond, ball, and cone shapes hoisted on vessels during the day to indicate restricted movement ability or type. For example three balls means aground.

DB Double Bottom

DB, DBT Debit

DBB Deals,Battens and Boards

DBH Destroyed By Hurricane

DBL Double

DBS Destroyed By Storm

DD Departure day (date). Dated. Dry Docking. Daily Discharge


keyword description

DDC Destination Delivery Charge. A charge, based on container size, that is applied in many tariffs to cargo. This charge is considered accessorial and is added to the base ocean freight. This charge covers crane lifts off the vessel, drayage of the container within the terminal and gate fees at the terminal operation.

DDP Delivered Duty Paid

DDU Delivered Duty unpaid

dead ahead A position directly in front of the vessel

dead astern A position directly behind the vessel

dead before Running with the wind directly behind the boat

dead downwind Sailing straight with the wind

dead reckoning A method of determining position by making an educated guess based on last known position, speed and currents, plot the course already travelled by measuring speed and time to calculate distance. Determining a position by plotting courses and speeds from a known position. It is also used to predict when lights become visible or to determine the set and rate of a current

dead slow ahead Command to move forward at a very slow speed

dead slow astern Command to move backwards at a very slow speed

dead-eyes Blocks in the shroud rigging used to adjust tension

Deadhead One leg of a move without a paying cargo load. Usually refers to repositioning an empty piece of equipment.

deadhead a floating log

deadlight Fixed ports that do not open, placed in the deck or cabin to admit light.

deadrise The measurement of the angle between the bottom of a boat and its widest beam. A vessel with a 0Ί deadrise has a flat bottom, high numbers indicate deep V shaped hulls.

Deadweight Cargo A long ton of cargo that can be stowed in less than 40 cubic feet.

Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) The number of tons that a vessel can transport of cargo, stores and bunker fuel. It is the difference between the number of tons of water a vessel displaces "light" and the number of tons it displaces when submerged to the "load line."

deballast To remove ballast from a vessel

DECK A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part thereof

deck The surface on the top of the boat that people can stand on.

deck plate a metal plate fitting on the deck that can be opened to take on fuel or water

deck stepped A mast that is stepped (placed) on the deck of a boat rather than through the boat and keel stepped. The mast of a deck stepped boat is usually easier to raise and lower and are usually intended for lighter conditions than keel stepped boats.

deckhand A crew member responsible for cleaning the deck, and an overall boat maintenance.

deckhead The underside of the deck, viewed from below (the ceiling)

DECLTN Declaration

Deconsolidation Point Place where loose or other non-containerized cargo is ungrouped for delivery


keyword description

DEDATSBE Demurrage half despatch on all time saved both ends

Deep Six Slang term meaning to discard something over the side of the boat

Deficit Weight The weight by which a shipment is less than the minimum weight

deflection The deviation of a ship from her true course in sailing. The difference, expressed in degrees, between the direction a magnetic compass needle points and true or astronomical north

DEFNT Definite

degree A distance of measurement on a nautical chart. One degree equals 60 nautical miles. Each degree is broken down into 60 minute intervals. One minute of one degree equals 1 nautical mile

DEL Deliver

delaminating A failure of the bond between either of the hull's outer and inner skins, and the sandwich spacing material in between-allowing either of the two outer layers to become unstuck from the core.

DELD Delivered

Delivery Instructions Order to pick up goods at a named place and deliver them to a pier. Usually issued by exporter to trucker but may apply to a railroad, which completes delivery by land. Use is limited to a few major U.S. ports. Also known as shipping delivery order.

DELL Delivered

DELREDEL Delivery & redelivery

DELV Deliver

DELVRD Delivered

DELVY Delivery

DELY Delivery

DEM Demurrage, Quay Rent. Money paid by the shipper for the occupying port space beyond a specified "Free Time" period.

DEMDES Demurrage/Despatch money. (Under vessel chartering terms, the amount to be paid if the ship is loading/discharging slower/faster than foreseen.)

Demise Charter Bareboat Charter. The charter period may last for many years; and may end with the charterer acquiring title (ownership) of the ship

Demurrage A penalty charge against shippers or consignees for delaying the carrier's equipment beyond the allowed free time. The free time and demurrage charges are set forth in the charter party or freight tariff. (See also Detention and Per Diem)

Density The weight of cargo per cubic foot or other unit

departure The distance sailed due east or west by a ship on its course

DEPND Depend

Depot, Container Container freight station or a designated area where empty containers can be picked up or dropped off

depression Low-pressure area in meteorology

DEPT Department


keyword description

depth sounder An instrument that uses sound waves to measure the distance to the bottom.

DEPTUR Departure

DEQ Delivered Ex Quay (Duty Paid)

DER Derrick

DERA Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (UK)

derelict Any abandoned vessel

derrick Lifting device composed of one tower, or mast such as a pole which is hinged freely at the bottom. It is commonly used in docks and on board ships. Some large derricks are mounted on dedicatedvessels, and are often known as "floating derricks"

DES Despatch. Time saved, reward for quick turnaround- in dry cargo only, Delivered Ex Ship

design waterline (DWL) Also length waterline or load waterline (LWL) - The length of the boat where it meets the water when loaded to its designed capacity.

DESP Despatch. Time saved, reward for quick turnaround- in dry cargo only, Delivered Ex Ship

Despatch An incentive payment paid to a carrier to loading and unloading the cargo faster than agreed. Usually negotiated only in charter parties.

DEST Destination

Destination The place to which a shipment is consigned.The place where carrier actually turns over cargo to consignee or his agent.

Destination Control Statements Various statements that the U.S. government requires to be displayed on export shipments. The statements specify the authorized destinations.

DESTN Destination

destroyer Type of warship, whose primary purpose is to attack submarines

destroyer escort Type of warship, somewhat smaller than a destroyer, and used for the same purposes

DET Detention (See DAMFORDET)

Det Norske Veritas A Norwegian classification society which certifies seagoing vessels for compliance to standardized rules regarding construction and maintenance

Detention Penalty charge against shippers or consignees for delaying carrier's equipment beyond allowed time. Demurrage applies to cargo; detention applies to equipment. See Per Diem.

DETR Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (UK)

DETS Details

DEV Deviation. Vessel departure from specified voyage course

Devanning The unloading of a container or cargo van


keyword description

deviation Magnetic deviation or compass error. A ship's magnetic compass reading can be affected by metal objects on the boat (electronic equipment etc). The difference between the correct magnetic reading and the ships compass magnetic reading is called deviation. Deviation will vary depending on the direction of the boat

DEVTN Deviation

dew point The point of temperature and air pressure at which water vapor forms mist or fog

DF Direction Finder

DFD Demurrage/free despatch

DFRT Deadfreight. Space booked by shipper or charterer on a vessel but not used

DFS Duty free supplies

DFT Draft

DFWD Draft foreward

DGFT Director general of fair traiding

DGPS Differential Global Positioning System

DH Double Hull

DHD Demarruge/half despatch

DHD Demurrage half despatch

DHDATSBE Despatch Half Demurrage on All Time Saved Both Ends

DHDLS Demurrage half despatch laytime saved

DHDLTSBE demurrage half despatch on all laytime saved both ends

DHDWTSBE demurrage half despatch on working time saved both ends

DHDWTSBE Demurrage half despatch on working time saved both ends

DIES Diesel

DIFCLT Difficult

DIFF Differ, Difference, Different

Differential An amount added or deducted from base rate to make a rate to or from some other point or via another route.

DIFT Different

dinghy A small boat used to travel from a boat to shore, carrying people or supplies, also known as a dink or tender

dink Small boat used to travel from a boat to shore, carrying people or supplies. Also known as a dink or tender.

DIOT Daily included overtime

DIP Dropping inward pilot

DIR Direct / directly / directory

direct loading The loading of shipments direct from one service center to another without an intermediate stop for rehandling


keyword description

DIS Discount

DIS Draft international standard (ISO)

DISBMT Disbursement

DISC Discount

DISCH Discharge

DISCH CMLD Discharge completed

DISCH COM Discharge commenced

DISCR, DISCRTN Discretion

Discrepancy Letter of Credit When documents presented do not conform to the requirements of the letter of credit (L/C), it is referred to as a "discrepancy." Banks will not process L/C's which have discrepancies. They will refer the situation back to the buyer and/or seller and await further instructions.

dismast The loss of a mast on a boat. Generally this also means the loss of some or all of the ability of the boat to sail.

displacement The weight of a boat measured as a the weight of the amount of water it displaces. A boat displaces an amount of water equal to the weight of the boat, so the boat's displacement and weight are identical.The weight, in tons, of the vessel and its contents. Calculated by dividing the volume of water displaced in cubic feet by 35, the average density of sea water.

displacement hull A type of hull that only floats, even when in motion, as opposed to a type of hull that allows a boat to skim across the surface of the water. See planing hull.

displacement speed Also hull speed. The theoretical speed that a boat can travel without planing, based on the shape of its hull. This speed is 1.34 times the length of a boat at its waterline. Since most monohull sailboats cannot exceed their hull speed, longer boats are faster.

Dispute Legal disagreement handled by Maritime Law

DIST Distance

distance made good The distance traveled after correction for current, leeway and other errors that may not have been included in the original distance measurement.

distress signal Any signal that is used to indicate that a vessel is in distress. Flares, smoke, audible alarms, electronic beacons and others are all types of distress signals.

ditty bag A small bag.

DIV Divide, Division, Divident

dive flag A red flag with a white stripe. Flag displayed by boats if they have divers in the water

Diversion A change made either in the route of a shipment in transit (see Reconsignment) or of the entire ship

dividers A navigational tool used to measure distances on a chart

dividers used for measuring lengths of lines and approximate lengths of non-linear paths on a chart

Division Carriers' practice of dividing revenue received from through rates where joint hauls are involved. This is usually according to agreed formulae


keyword description

DK Deck

DKD Deck, Docked

DLA Dynamic Loading Approach

DLat difference in latitude

DLong Difference in Longitude

DLOSP Dropping Last Outward Sea Pilot

DLR(S) Dollar(s)

DLS Dollar(s)

DLV Deliver, Delivery

DLVR(Y) Deliver, Delivery

DM Deutsche marks

DMDO Distilate Marine Diesel Oil

DMG Distress Message Generator

DMID/DMEAN Draft middle/mean

DMSTC Domestic

DNC Digital Nautical Chart

DNGROUS Dangerous

DNRSAOCLONL Discountless not returnable ship &/or cargo lost or not lost

DNV Det Norske Veritas (classification society)

DO Diesel oil, Mainly used to run the auxiliary engines/alternator which provide the electrical power. On many large ships it used in the main engine during the maneuvers

DOA Do Not Attend

DOC Document. Document of compliance (ISM Code)

Dock For ships, a cargo handling area parallel to the shoreline where a vessel normally ties up. A platform where vessels can make fast. The act of securing a boat in such a place. Docks are often subdivided into smaller areas for docking known as slips.

Dock Receipt A form used to acknowledge receipt of cargo and often serves as basis for preparation of the ocean bill of lading.

Dockage Refers to the charge assessed against the vessel for berthing at the facility or for morring to a vessel so berthed

Docket Present a rate proposal to a conference meeting for adoption as a conference group rate.

documentation Licenses or registration papers for a vessel. Types of documentation vary depending on the country, vessel size and purposes.

Documents Against Acceptance (D/A)

Instructions given by a shipper to a bank indicating that documents transferring title to goods should be delivered to the buyer only upon the buyer's acceptance of the attached draft.


keyword description

Documents Against Payment (D/P) An indication on a draft that the documents attached are to be released to the drawee only on payment.

dodger A cover attached to the top of the cabin at the front of the cockpit. Dodgers help shelter the cockpit from wind and water.

dog A metal fitting used to secure watertight doors, hatch covers and scuttles

DOL Dollars

doldrums An area between the weather systems of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres characterized by frustrating light winds, major shifts in wind direction and sudden violent squalls.

dolphin A group of piles driven close together and bound with wire cables into a single structure.

DOLSP Dropping Off Last Sea Pilot

DOP Dropping outward pilot

dorade vent A type of vent designed to let air into a cabin and keep water out by the use of baffles.

DOSP Dropping Outward (Sea) Pilot (time). When the vessel leaves the last discharge port. It is often the time used as the end of a Voyage charter

DOT Department of transport

DOT Department of Transportation

Double Bottom Compartments at bottom of ship between inner and outer bottoms, used for ballast tanks, water, fuel, oil, etc. The double bottom extends from the flat keel to the tank top. It is strongly constructed and is water tight so that in case of accident causing an inrush of water into the double bottom, the ship would still be able to keep afloat

double ender boat with a pointed bow and stern

double-braid A line consisting of a braided inner core and a braided outer sheath.

douse To drop a sail quickly. To extinguish flames.

down helm To steer a sailboat toward the wind.

downhaul A line used to pull down on a spar or sail

downwind In the direction the wind is blowing

DOX Documents

DOZ Dozen

DP Dynamic Positioning

DPA Designated Person Ashore. For the ISM Code, any member of the Owner's staff who is aware of the problem of the vessels, and who has a direct access to the top management

DPP Dirty Petroleum Products

DR Drum, debit, dock receipt, dead reckoning, double reduction


keyword description

Draft The vertical distance that the hull of a ship is beneath the surface of the water, it determines the minimum depth of water a ship or boat can safely navigate. An unconditional order in writing, addressed by one party (drawer) to another party (drawee), requiring the drawee to pay at a fixed or determinable future date a specified sum in lawful currency to the order of a specified person.

draft The depth of a boat, measured from the deepest point to the waterline. The water must be at least this depth or the boat will run aground. Also describes amount of curvature in a sail.

Draft (Draught) Survey System of cargo measurement based on measuring the draft of the vessel before and after loading or discharge, making into account any changed in weight other than cargo, which may have taken place during cargo handling operation, i.e. changes in the weight of water ballast, bunkers, stores etc.

Draft, Bank Order issued by a seller against a purchaser; directs payment, usually through an intermediary bank. Typical bank drafts are negotiable instruments and are similar in many ways to checks on checking accounts in a bank.

Draft, Clean Draft to which no documents are attached

Draft, Date Draft that matures on a fixed date, regardless of the time of acceptance

Draft, Discounted A time draft under a letter of credit that has been accepted and purchased by a bank at a discount.

Draft, Sight A draft payable on demand upon presentation

Draft, Time A draft that matures at a fixed or determinable time after presentation or acceptance

drag The resistance to movement, an effect which opposes the ship’s forward motion and can be caused byshell/hull friction, rudder action or appendages extending from the hull, effectivelyreducing the ship’s speed, the term is also used to describe a ship dragging its anchor

dragging Description of an anchor that is not securely fastened to the bottom and moves.

dragging (of anchor) An anchor moving over the sea bottom involuntarily because it is no longer preventing movement of vessel

draught Depth from waterline to ship’s bottom, maximum/deepest unless otherwise specified

draw Draft. The depth of water that a boat requires to stay off the bottom. A vessel "draws" a certain amount of water

Drawback A partial refund of an import fee. Refund usually results because goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee

drawbridge A bridge that can be raised vertically to allow boats to pass underneath

Drawee The individual or firm that issues a draft and thus stands to receive payment

DRCT(LY) Direct(ly)

DREADIND Option general cargo

dredger Vessel used to excavate and remove material from the bottom of a body of water

dredging anchor Vessel moving, under control, with anchor moving along the sea bottom

drift The velocity of a current. To be carried along by currents of air or water


keyword description

drill An exercise for crew members to demonstrate that they can handle an emergency correctly. Usual drills are fire, abandon ship, man overboard, recovery of injured from enclosed space

driving force Force produced by catching wind in a sail and transmitting the energy into a the mast

DRK Derrick

drogue Any object used to increase the drag of a boat. Typically shaped like a parachute or cone opened underwater, drogues slow a boat's motion in heavy weather. Also see sea anchor

DRWG Drawing

Dry Cargo Cargo that is not liquid and normally does not require temperature control

Dry cargo broking Dry cargo brokers are typically specialists in the chartering of Bulk carriers, and are appointed to act either for a shipowner looking for employment for a ship, or a charterer with a cargo to be shipped

dry dock A dock where a ship or boat can be worked on out of the water, the ship or boat is usually sailed into a dry dock and then the water is pumped out

dry rot Used to describe the decay of wood. A misnomer, dry rot is actually caused by moist conditions in fresh water

dry sailing When boats, especially smaller racers, are kept on shore instead of being left anchored or moored, they are dry sailed. the practice prevents marine growthon the hull and the absorption of moisture into it.

dry storage Storing on land. Many small boats are placed in dry storage over the winter

Dry-Bulk Container A container constructed to carry grain, powder and other free-flowing solids in bulk, used in conjunction with a tilt chassis or platform

Drydocking planning performance Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to plan the drydocking operation (e.g. predictable costs, good budgeting and scheduling)

DS Double Sides. Direct surcharge

DSB Dispute Settlement Body

DSC Dangerous Goods,Solid Cargoes and Containers (IMO). Digital Selective Call System

DSGN Design

DSN Design

DSRGD Disregard

DSS DA STATE SEA. Decision Support System (computer)

DSU Delay in Startup Insurance is a policy to protect the seller of a construction project from penalties if the project is not completed on time. See "Liquidated Damages."

DSV Diving Support Vessel

DT Date

DTL (S) Detail(s)

DTLS Details

DTY Dirty


keyword description

duct keel Tunnel which accommodates pipelines and runs longitudinally alongh the centre line of a ship

ducts Tubes used to move air, such as to ventilate an enclosed area.

dumping Attempting to import merchandise into a country at a price less than the fair market value, usually through subsidy by exporting country

DUN Disposition Unknown

dunnage Materials of various types, often timber or matting, placed among the cargo for separation, and hence protection from damage, for ventilation and, in the case of certain cargoes, to provide space in which the tynes of a fork lift truck may be inserted.

DUPLI Duplicate

DURG During

Dutiable Value The amount on which an Ad Valorem or customs duty is calculated

DV Dry van

DVD digital video disk

DVLP Develop

DW Dead weight, Weight of cargo, stores and water, i.e. the difference between lightship and loaded displacement.

DWAT DeadWeight All Told

DWC Dadweight capacity

DWCC Deadweight cargo capacity

DWCT Deadweight Cargo Tons or the weight of to be transported under a charter party

DWG Drawing

DWN Down

DWOG Days without guarantee

Dwt deadweight tonnes

DWT Dead weight

DX.90 Format for digital cartographic data

DY Dockyard

Dynamic Positioning Onboard system used to maintain a predetermined position or track, it calculates the vessels heading and position and compares these to the desired position, thus it can determine if a positioning error has occurred and apply the required thruster action necessary to re-position the vessel

E In sail measurements, the longest reach of the mainsail along the boom

E & OE Errors & Omissions Expected

E/L Exception List. Export License

E/R Equipment Receipt

EA Each


keyword description

EA/LR Earlier / Later

EAR Early

EARNOV Early November

ease To slowly loosen a line while maintaining control, such as when loosening the sails

ease the sheets To loosen the lines that control the sails

east One of the 4 cardinal compass points. East is at 90° on a compass card

east wind A wind coming from the east

easterly wind A wind coming from the east

ebb A receding current

ebb tide A receding tide

EC European Community or European Commission. East Coast

ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information System

echo sounder Electrical fish finder or depth sounder that uses sound echoes to locate the depth of objects in water and timing the sound pulses

ECMC U.S. Exporters Competitive Maritime Council

ECO ship Ship of novel design that consumes less fuels

ECOSP Economical speed

ECS Electronic Chart System

ED Export Declaration

eddy Water or air currents flowing in circular patterns

EDI Electronic Data Interchange. Transmission of transactional data between computer systems. EDI is typically via a batched transmission, usually conforming to consistent standards.

EDIFACT International data interchange standards sponsored by the United Nations

EDS Estimate (Expected) Date of sailing

EDT Early departure, Electronic Data Transfer

EE Errors Expected

EEC European Economic Community

EEE Union of Greek Shipowners (Enosi Ellinon Efopliston)

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone

EFA Elementary First Aid (STCW)

EFCT(V) Effect(ive)

EFO Effort

EGNOS European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service

EHMA European Harbour Masters Association

EIR Equipment Interchange Receipt


keyword description

EIU Even if used

EL Export License

el Niρo Warm inshore current annually flowing south along the coast of Ecuador. About every seven to ten years it extends down the coast of Peru , where it has a devastating effect

ELEC(T) Electric, Electrical, Electricity

electronic navigation The use of echo sounders, radio, and various electronic satellite and land based position finders to determine a boat's location.

Elevating Charge For services performed in connection with floating elevators.Charges assessed For The handling of grain through grain elevators.

Elkins Act An act of Congress (1903) prohibiting rebates, concession, misbilling, etc. and providing specific penalties for such violations.

ELVENT Electric Ventilation

ELY Early

Email Electronic Mail

Embargo Order to restrict the hauling of freight

embark Go on board a ship

EMER Emergency

emergency tiller A tiller that is designed to be used in the event that wheel steering fails

Eminent Domain The sovereign power to take property for a necessary public use, with reasonable compensation

Emiz The longest reach of the mizzen along its boom

EMPA European Maritime Pilots Association

EMPLMT Employment

Empty Repo Contraction for Empty Repositioning, the movement of empty containers

EMSA European Maritime Safety Agency

EMTY Empty

EN European Standard

en route Along the route of movement

ENBL Enable

ENC Electronic Navigation Chart

ENCL Enclose, Enclosure

Endorsement A legal signature usually placed on the reverse of a draft; signifies transfer of rights from the holder to another party

ENDV Endeavour

ENGR Engineer

ENGRM Engine room


keyword description

ENQ Enquire, Enquiry, We have an enquiry as follows

ENQRY Enquiry

ensign The national flag of a boat's home nation.

Ensign The national flag. A junior officer

ENTR Enter

entrance The area of a bow that first meets the water

ENTRC Entrance

Entry Customs documents required to clear an import shipment for entry into the general commerce of a country

Environmental deficiencies Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s environmental performance by measuring environmental related deficiencies recorded during external inspections and audits

EP Estimated Position, a value plotted on a map or chart in temporal intervals

EPFS Electronic Position Fixing System

EPIRB Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon. Radio signaling aid that allows the transmission of emergency position calls

EPS IMO performance standard for ECDIS

Eq C Cn & V Equipped for Carriage of Container and Vehicles

Eq CPCASS Equipped with Computer Controlled Auxiliary Sailing System

EQIPMT(S) Equipment(s)

EQIVNT Equivalent

EQL(Y) Equal(ly)

EQP(T) Equip(ment)

EQPMT Equipment

Equalization A monetary allowance to the customer for picking up or delivering at a point other than the destination shown on the bill of lading. This provision is covered by tariff publication.

equator An imaginary line around the center of the world at 0° of latitude.

equinox An equinox occurs twice a year (around 20 March and 22 September), when the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the center of the Sun being in the same plane as the Earth's equator. It is the date when day and night are the same length

Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR) A document transferring a container from one carrier to another, or to/from a terminal.

ER Engine Room

ERC European registry of commerce

ERM Engine room Resource Management

ERR Error


keyword description

ERS Engine Room Simulator

ERTM Engine Room Team Management

ESC European Shippers Council

escape hatch Deck hatch that is set into the side of a boat hull to be used for emergency exit

ESNTL Essential

ESP Especially, Enhanced Survey Program

ESPO European Sea Ports Organisation

EST Earliest start time

Established Brought into service, placed in position

ESTB(D) Establish(ed)

estimated position Position based on dead reckoning estimations of a boat's position using estimated speed, currents, and the last known position (fix) of the boat

Estimated position - EP A position derived by combining a dead reckoning position with a single line of position

ESTM Estimate

ESTMN Estimation

ESTMT Estimate

ETA Estimated Time of Arrival - Projected date and time a shipment is scheduled to arrive at its destination. Estimated Time of Availability - Time when a tractor/partner carrier is available For dispatch.

ETC Estimated (Expected) Time of Commencement/Completion

ETD Estimated (Expected) Time of Departure - Projected date and time a shipment is scheduled to depart from the port/airport of origin

Ethylene Gas produced by many fruits and vegetables that accelerates the ripening and aging processes

ETL Expected Time of Loading

ETP Expected Time of Passing

ETR Estimated (Expected) Time of Readiness

ETS Estimated (Expected) Time of Sailing

ETSF Electronic Trading Standard Format

ETSI European Telecommunications

ETU Expected time unloading

ETV Emergency Towing Vessel

EU European Union

even keel When a boat is floats evenly to its waterline, well balanced.

EVI Evidence

EWIB Eastern Weighing and Inspection Bureau


keyword description

Ex - From When used in pricing terms such as "Ex Factory" or "Ex Dock," it signifies that the price quoted applies only at the point of origin indicated.

Ex Dec Shipper's Export Declaration

Exception Notations made when the cargo is received at the carrier's terminal or loaded aboard a vessel. They show any irregularities in packaging or actual or suspected damage to the cargo. Exceptions are then noted on the bill of lading

EXCH Exchange

EXCL Exclude

EXCLV Exclusive

EXCP Except

exhaust fan A fan that moves air out of an enclosure

EXIM Bank Export-Import Bank of the United States. An independent U.S. Government Agency which facilitates exports of U.S. goods by providing loan guarantees and insurance for repayment of bank-provided export credit

EXMT Exempted

EXP Expert. Expired

Expiry Date Issued in connection with documents such as letters of credit, tariffs etc. to advise that stated provisions will expire at a certain time

EXPLN Explain

Expload Expected to load

EXPNS Expence

Export Shipment of goods to a foreign country

Export Declaration A government document declaring designated goods to be shipped out of the country. To be completed by the exporter and filed with the U.S. Government.

Export License Government document which permits the "Licensee" to engage in the export of designated goods to certain destinations

Export Rate A rate published on traffic moving from an interior point to a port for transshipment to a foreign country

EXPR Express

EXT Extension

EXTD Extend

EXTN Extension

EXW Ex Works

Ex-Works An Incoterm of sale meaning the seller delivers to the buyer at seller’s named premises

eye of the wind The direction that the wind is blowing from

eye splice A splice causing a loop in the end of a line, by braiding the end into itself or similar methods. It may or may not be reinforced by a metal fitting known as a thimble

F&D Feight & demurrage


keyword description

F/L Fork Lift

F/O Firm offer

F/R Freight Release

F/V Fishing Vessel

FAA Free of All Average

FAC Fast as Can

FACCOP Fast as can custom of the port

FACS Federation of American Controlled Shipping

Factor A factor is an agent who will, at a discount, buy receivables

FAF Fuel Adjustment Factor

fag A rope is fagged when the end is untwisted

Failure of critical equipment and systems

Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to maintain critical equipment and systems

fair In good condition

fair wind Wind when it is favorable to the course being steered.

fairlead A fitting designed to control the direction of a line with minimal friction

fairway Navigable part of waterway. Open channel or being in midchannel. Sailing on inland waters

fairway speed Mandatory speed in a fairway

FAK Free of all kinds, Usually refers to full container loads of mixed shipments.

faked A line is faked by zig zagging it back and forth so that when it is used it will not tangle on itself

fall off Also bear away or bear off. A boat falls off the wind when it points its bow further from the eye of the wind. The opposite of heading up.

falling off turn away from the direction of the wind

False Billing Misrepresenting freight or weight on shipping documents.

FAO Food & agriculture organisation

FAOP Full ahead on passage

FAQ Fair average quality

FAS Free Alongside Ship. Seller delivers goods to appropriate dock or terminal at port of embarkation and buyer covers costs and risks of loading

FASA Federation of ASIAN Shipowners Association

fast To make fast. To secure (tie) a line to something

fastening An item such as a nail, screw, rivet or other device used to fasten objects together.

fathom A nautical measurement equaling 6 feet (182 cm). Usually used to measure depth.

fathometer A brand name for a depth measuring device.

fatigue Structural damage from repeated loading, usually for metal parts


keyword description

FAVRBL Favourable

FC Full & complete, Floating Crane

FC & S Free of Capture and Seizure (Insurance)

FCA Free to Carrier. A modern equivalent of FAS used in intermodal transport where goods are transferred at a nominated forwarders premises, depot or terminal but not actually on board vessel.

FCC First class charterers. Fully cellular containership

FCL Full Container Load - a container that is fully loaded by cargo, occupying all space, or loaded to the maximum permissable weight. It can contain cargo from multiple shippers, but normally is consigned to the same consignee. The shipment is expected to be delivered to the consignee with the shipper's seal intact.

FCO Financed, Constructed and Operated

FCS Free of Capture & Seizure

FCSP First Compulsory Sea Pilot

FCSRCC Free of Capture, Seizure, Riots & Civil Commotions

FD Free Discharge, Free Dispatch, Floating Dock

FD & D Freight, Demurrage, And Deadfreight

FDA Food and Drug Administration

FDANRVSAOCLONL Freight discountless & not returnable vessel & or cargo lost or not lost

FDD Freight, Demurrage and Deadfreight

FDEDANRSAOCLONL Freight Deemed Earned, Discountless And Non-Returnable (Refundable) Ship And Or Cargo Lost Or Not Lost

FDESP Free despatch

FDIS (FD) Free discharge

feathering A propeller that can have the pitch of its blade changed to reduce drag when not in use. Also see folding and variable pitch propellers.

FEDR Feeder

Feeder Port Secondary ports handling a mix of feeder trade, and direct intraregional or intra-continental trade. These ports typically do not handle main line vessels on long haul routes between continents

Feeder Service Cargo to/from regional ports are transferred to/from a central hub port for a long-haul ocean voyage

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

feet More than one foot. A foot is a unit of measurement used primarily in the United States. 1 foot equals 30.48 centimeters

fend off To push a boat away from another boat or dock by hand

fender A cushion hung from the sides of a boat to protect it from rubbing against a dock or another boat, placed between ships, or between a ship and a pier, to prevent damage


keyword description

fendering Material used for fenders (as on a ship)

fetch The distance that the wind travels over open water that determines the size of a wave - the longer the fetch, the higher the waves

FEU Forty-Foot Equivalent Units. Refers to container size standard of forty feet. Two twenty-foot containers or TEU's equal one FEU

FFA Free from alongside

FFR French francs

FGA Free of general average

FHEX Fridays / Holidays Excluded

FHINC Fridays / Holidays Included

FIA Full interest admitted

FIB Free into bunkers

fiberglass A construction method using layers of woven glass mats that are bonded together with an epoxy (glue)

fid A pointed tool used to separate strands of rope. A block of wood or iron, placed through the hole in the heel of a mast, and resting on the trestle-trees of the mast below, this supports the mast

fiddle A small rail on tables and counters used to keep objects from sliding off when heeled or in heavy seas

fiducial temperature That temperature at which, in a specified latitude, the reading of a particular barometer does not require temperature or latitude correction

FIG Figure

figure eight knot A common knot that is often used to prevent lines and ropes from slipping through a fitting

figurehead An ornamental carved and painted figure on the stem of the vessel

FILO Free In/Liner Out. Seafreight with which the shipper pays load costs and the carrier pays for discharge costs

fin keel A keel that is narrow and deeper than a full keel

FIN(D) Finish(ed)

finger pier A small pier that projects from a larger pier

FIO Free in and out. Freight booked FIO includes the seafreight, but no loading/discharging costs, i.e. the charterer pays for cost of loading/discharging cargo.

FIOS Free in, out & stowed. As per FIO, but excludes stowage costs

FIOSPT Free in and out & spout trimmed

FIOST Free In/Out and Trimmed. Charterer pays for cost of loading/discharging cargo, including stowage and trimming.

FIOST/L/S/D Free in out/lashing/securing/dunnaged


keyword description

FIOT Free in and out Trimmed. As per FIOS but includes trimming, e.g. the levelling of bulk cargoes. FIOS includes seafreight, but excludes loading/discharging and stowage costs.

Fire and Explosions Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to avoid fire and explosions onboard the vessel

Fire Control Plan The Fire Control Plan provides information about fire station on each deck, on various bulkheads, and other spaces, the type of fire detection and fire fighting systems available on ship

fire-tube boiler Type of boiler in which hot gases from a fire pass through one or more tubes running through a sealed container of water. The heat of the gases is transferred through the walls of the tubes by thermal conduction, heating the water and ultimately creating steam

Firkin A capacity measurement equal to one-fourth of a barrel

fisherman anchor Kedge anchor. A traditionally shaped anchor having flukes perpendicular to the stock of the anchor and connected by a shank. These are less common than modern anchors such as the plow and lightweight anchors

fishhook slang sailing expression for a piece of metal or shroud that cuts or stabs you, the injury usually not discovered until later

FIT Free In Trimmed

FIV Fishery Inspection Vessel

FIW Free in wagon

fix An accurate position of the vessel, as determined by any reasonably accurate method, such as by taking visual bearings

fix A position derived from measuring external reference points, also position fix

Fixed Costs Costs that do not vary with the level of activity. Some fixed costs continue even if no cargo is carried. Terminal leases, rent and property taxes are fixed costs

FIXING Chartering a Vessel

FIXTURE Conclusion of shipbrokers negotiations to charter a ship - an agreement

FL Free load

Flag state The sovereign territory where a vessel is registered

flake To fold a sail in preparation for storage

flaked A sail is flaked when lowered. Flaking a sail is the process of folding the sail back and forth upon itself like the blades on a paper fan. Flaking a sail will help prolong the sail life

flame arrester A device used to prevent or stop unwanted flames.

flange A part of a plate or shape at, or nearly at, right angles to main port; to bend over to form an angle

flare A device which burns to produce a bright light, sometimes colored, and usually used to indicate an emergency. Outward curve of boat's sides

Flash Memory stick portable permanent computer data storage device

flashing Used to describe a light that blinks on and off in regular patterns


keyword description

FLATPACKING Cargo to be presented stacked and secured as an integral unit

FleetBroadband Maritime global Satellite Internet, Telephony, SMS Texting and ISDN Network for ocean going vessels using portable domed terminal antennas, developed by Inmarsat and composed of three geosynchronous orbiting satellites

flemish To coil a line flat on the deck in spirals

FLG Flag, broker abbreviation indicating the country the vessel is registered in, Flying, Following

flinders bar An iron bar mounted on or near the compass to correct for magnetic deviation in steal hulled ships

FLO / FLO Float On / Float Off

floating derrick Large derrick mounted on a dedicated vessel

flood Incoming tidal current

flood tide The incoming tide where the water comes in from the sea, lowering the water level

flotilla squadron of small ships

flotsam Debris floating on the water surface

FLQG Following

FLT Flight. Full Liner Terms

fluke The broad flat parts of an anchor that are designed to grab and hold in the bottom

flush deck A deck that is not obstructed by a cabin

flying bridge A high position from which to steer a boat

FM From. Frequency Modulation

FMC Federal Maritime Commission. The U.S. Governmental regulatory body responsible for administering maritime affairs including the tariff system, Freight Forwarder Licensing, enforcing the conditions of the Shipping Act and approving conference or other carrier agreements.

FME Force Majeure Excepted

FMP Flow moisture point

FMS Fathoms

FNARM Italian shipbrokrs association

FNASA Federation of national associationsof shipping agents

FND Foundered

FNI Fellow of The Nautical Institute

FO Fuel Oil. Free Out. For Orders

FO Cost of unloading a vessel is borne by the charterer.Free of discharge costs to owners. Includes seafreight only

FO (IFO) Fuel Oil / Intermediate FO

FOB Free On Board. See also Terms of Sale, FOB. Seller sees the goods "over the ship’s rail" on to the ship which is arranged and paid for by the buyer


keyword description

FOB Free on Board. Export term in which the price quoted by the exporter does not include the costs of ocean transportation, but does include loading on board the vessel

FOB Freight Allowed The same as FOB named inland carrier, except the buyer pays the transportation charge and the seller reduces the invoice by a like amount.

FOB Freight Prepaid The same as FOB named inland carrier, except the seller pays the freight charges of the inland carrier.

FOB Named Point of Exportation Seller is responsible for the cost of placing the goods at a named point of exportation. Some European buyers use this form when they actually mean FOB vessel.

FOB Vessel Seller is responsible for goods and preparation of export documentation until actually placed aboard the vessel.

FOBAS Fuel Oil Bunker Analysis and Advisory Service

FOC Flag Of Convenience

FOC Free of charge

fo'c'sle An abbreviation of forecastle. Refers to that portion of the cabin which is farthest forward. In square-riggers often used as quarters for the crew.

FOD Free of damage

FOFFER Firm Offer

FOG For Our Guidance

FOI For our information

foil An attachment on the forestay, comprising a groove into which the luff of the jib can be fed

foils Underwater parts of a boat

FOL Follow

folding A propeller having blades that fold up when not in use to reduce drag. Also see feathering and variable pitch propellers

FOLG Following

following sea Sea with waves approaching from the stern of the boat

FOM Flag / Ownership / Management

FON Freedom Of Navigation

FONASBA Federation of national associations of ship brokers & agents

foot Bottom edge of a sail. Unit of measurement (30.48 cm)

FOQ Free On Quay

FOR Free on rail

force 8 Gale force wind on the Beaufort Wind Scale

Force Majeure Title of a common clause in contracts, exempting the parties for non-fulfillment of their obligations as a result of conditions beyond their control, such as earthquakes, floods or war


keyword description

fore Toward the bow (front) of the vessel

fore and aft Direction on a vessel parallel to the center line, running along the length of the boat

fore and aft sail The more common position of the sail with its length running along the ship's length as opposed to a sail such as a square sail which is mounted across the width of the vessel

fore peak tank The extreme forward lower compartment or tank usually used for trimming or storage in a ship

forecabin The cabin towards the front of the vessel

forecast A weather prediction

forecastle The most forward below decks area of a vessel

foredeck The forward part of the deck.

forefoot The point where the stem joins the forward end of the keel

Foreign Trade Zone A free port in a country divorced from Customs authority but under government control. Merchandise, except that which is prohibited, may be stored in the zone without being subject to import duty regulations

foremast Forward mast of a two or more masted vessel

forepeak The compartment farthest forward in the bow of the boat. Often used for anchor or sail stowage. In larger ships the crews quarters

foresail A sail placed forward of the mast, such as a jib

forestay Cable supporting the mast, running from the bow to the top of the mast, sometimes called a jibstay, or a headstay

forestaysail A sail attached to the forestay as opposed to a jib which is attached to the headstay

foretriangle Space between the mast, the deck, and the headstay

Fork Lift A machine used to pick up and move goods loaded on pallets or skids

forward Toward the bow (front) of the boat

Forward Breast line Mooring line, whose purpose is to keep the vessel close to the pier

Forward Perpendicular A vertical line through the intersection of the stem with the load water line

Forward Quarter Spring line Mooring line, whose purpose is to prevent from moving back

forward quarter spring line A mooring line running forward from the stern of the boat. The forward quarter spring line prevents the boat from moving backward while moored. The after bow spring line does the opposite.

Forwarder Compensation See Brokerage

FOS Full Operational Status, Fuel Oil Surcharge

FOT Free on Truck

foul When a line ends up somewhere it does not belong and becomes jammed, lines can foul on blocks, winches and other objects on a boat

foul anchor Anchor has its own cable twisted around it or has fouled an obstruction

Foul Bill of Lading A receipt for goods issued by a carrier with an indication that the goods were damaged when received. Compare Clean Bill of Lading


keyword description

foul propeller A line, wire, net etc. is wound around propeller

foul weather gear Gear, clothing or accessories that are designed to accommodate needs that arise from bad weather issues

fouled When a line ends up somewhere it does not belong and becomes jammed, lines can foul on blocks, winches and other objects on a boat

founder Used to describe a boat that is having difficulty remaining afloat. "The boat foundered and then sank."

FOW Free on Wharf. First Open Water

FP Floating policy, Free Pratique, clearance by the Health Authorities

FPA Free of Particular Average

FPDSO Floating Production, Drilling, Storage and Offloading vessel

FPFF Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW)

FPPI Foreign Principal Party of InterestThe party to whom final delivery or end use of the exported goods will be made, usually the buyer

FPS Floating Production and Storage

FPSO Floating Production,Storage and Offloading system

FR First Refusal. First attempt at best offer that can be matched

fractional rig A type of rig where the jib attaches below the top of the mast.

frames The rib-like structures that shape and stiffen the hull of any vessel

FRB Fast Rescue Boat

FRC Fast Rescue Craft

Free Alongside (FAS) The seller must deliver the goods to a pier and place them within reach of the ship's loading equipment. See Terms of Sale.

Free Astray An astray shipment (a lost shipment that is found) sent to its proper destination without additional charge.

Free Carrier (FCA) An Incoterm of sale meaning the seller has delivered when the cargo is given to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place

FREE DESPATCH If loading/discharging achieved sooner than agreed, there will be no freight money returned.

FREE EXINS Free of any Extra Insurance (Owners)

Free In and Out (FIO) Cost of loading and unloading a vessel is borne by the charterer/shipper

Free of Particular Average (FPA) A marine insurance term meaning that the assurer will not allow payment for partial loss or damage to cargo shipments except in certain circumstances, such as stranding, sinking, collision or fire

Free on Board (Int'l Use) See Terms of Sale

Free on Board (FOB - U.S. Domestic Use)

Shipped under a rate that includes costs of delivery to and the loading onto a carrier at a specified point

Free Out (FO) Cost of unloading a vessel is borne by the charterer.Free of discharge costs to owners. Includes seafreight only.


keyword description

Free Port A restricted area at a seaport for the handling of duty-exempted import goods. Also called a Foreign Trade Zone.

Free Sale Certificate The U.S. government does not issue certificates of free sale. However, the Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, will issue, upon request, a letter of comment to the U.S. manufacturers whose products are subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act or other acts administered by the agency. The letter can take the place of the certificate.

FREE STEM C/P phrase implying that the loading is to start as soon as the vsl has arrived at her loadingberth

Free Time That amount of time that a carrier's equipment may be used without incurring additional charges. (See Storage, Demurrage or Per Diem.)

Free Trade Zone A port designated by the government of a country for duty-free entry of any non-prohibited goods. Merchandise may be stored, displayed, used for manufacturing, etc., within the zone and re-exported without duties.

freeboard The distance between the top of the hull and the waterline

freeing port An opening in the rail (bulwarks) along the deck to allow water to drain

freer A change in the wind direction to the aft of a boat

freestanding mast A mast made out of exotic materials so that it can support itself without the use of stays. See fully stayed mast

Freight Refers to either the cargo carried or the charges assessed for carriage of the cargo

Freight Bill A document issued by the carrier based on the bill of lading and other information; used to account for a shipment operationally, statistically, and financially. An Invoice.

Freight Forwarder A person whose business is to act as an agent on behalf of the shipper. A freight forwarder frequently makes the booking reservation

Freighters See Ships.

Freq Frequency

FREQ Frequent

FRGN Foreign

frigate Type of warship either smaller than a destroyer (UK) or smaller than a cruiser (US)

FRM From

FRN Foreign Vessel

FROF Free risk on freight

fronts Used in meteorology to describe bounderies between hot and cold air masses. This is typically where bad weather is found.

FRP Facility Response Plan

FRP C PS FRP Catamaran Passenger Ship

FRT Freight

FRUSTRATION Charterers when cancelling agreement sometimes quote 'doctrine of frustration' i.e. vessel is lost, extensive delays.


keyword description

FS Financial Statement

FSA Formal Safety Assessment, study of risks to improve the design and maintenance of ships. Fixed Securing Arrangements

FSH Fishing Vessel

FT Feet, Full Rerms, freight ton

FT3 Cubic Feet

FTBS Fire-Tube Boiler Survey

FTC Free Transferable Currency

FTP File Transfer Protocol (Internet)

Fuelling Supplying ship with fuel

full ahead Command to move forward at maximum speed

full and by Sailing as close to the wind as possible with full sails

Full and Down loaded vessel carrying cargoes of such a volume and weight that it fills all the vessel’s spaces and also brings her down to her tonnage loadline. A rare but optimum revenue condition for a vessel operator

full astern Command to move backwards at a full speed

full keel A keel that runs the length of the boat. Full keels have a shallower draft than fin keels.

full scantling vessel A geared ship, that can reach all parts of its own cargo spaces with its own gear

Full Shipload Lot The amount of cargo a vessel carries or is able to carry. Practically, it is the amount of cargo which induces the specific voyage. While the cargo lot may take up the majority of the vessel’s space or tonnage capacity, it does not require a vessel’s volume and weight capacity to be fully utilized

fully battened A sail having battens that run the full horizontal length of the sail.

fully stayed A mast supported by the use of lines known as stays and shrouds.

funnel Smokestack of a vessel

FUR Further

Furious Fifties An area between 50 degrees and 60 degrees latitude noted for very strong winds and huge seas.

furl To roll a sail up and secure it to yard or boom

furling Reefing a sail that is part of a roller furling system, stowing or dousing a boat's sail by flaking (folding), packing, roller furling or just lowering it onto the deck

futtock One of the curved timbers that forms a rib in the frame of a wooden vessel

futtock shrouds Rope, wire or chain links in the rigging of a traditional square rigged ship. They run from the outer edges of a top downwards and inwards to a point on the mast or lower shrouds, and carry the load of the shrouds that rise from the edge of the top

futzing meddling or fooling around

FV First Visit

FW Fresh water


keyword description

FW(R)D Forward

FWAD Fresh water arrival draft

FWD Fresh water damage

FWDD Fresh water departure draft

FWE Finished With Engines

Fx Frequency

FXD Fixed

FXNG Fixing

FYG For your guidance

FYI For your information

FYR For your reference

G in T Goods in Transit

G.O. General Order

g.t. Gross ton

G/A General Average. Go Ahead

G/H Gibraltar / Hamburg range

GA General Average. Go Ahead

GA plan general arrangement plan

gaff A spar that holds the top of a four sided gaff sail. A hooked pole for getting fish on board

gaff rigged A type of traditional working boat using four sided gaff sails that are hoisted on gaffs

gaff sail A four sided sail used instead of a triangular main sail. Used on gaff rigged boats

gaff topsail A triangular sail set over a gaff

GAL Guaranteed annual income, Gallon

gale A storm with a wind speed between 34 to 40 knots.

gale force winds Wind speeds strong enough to qualify the storm as a gale

galley The kitchen area on a boat

gallows frame A frame used to support the boom

GALV Galvanized

gangplank A board or ramp used as a removable footway between a ship and a pier

gangway The area of a ship's side where people board and disembark

garboard The lowest part of a hull next to the keel. The planks each side of the keel are the 'garboard strakes'

gasket Ties used to tie up the sails when they are furled

Gateway Point at which freight moving from one territory to another is interchanged between transportation lines


keyword description

GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade." A multilateral treaty to help reduce trade barriers between the signatory countries and to promote trade through tariff concessions. The World Trade Organization (WTO) superseded GATT in 1994.

gauge Measuring or testing instrument. The position of a vessel in relation to another vessel and the wind

gauge glass Glass tube of a water gauge by which the water level in a boiler or tank is observed

GAVSP General average speed

GBL Government Bill of Lading

GC General cargo, great circle

Gc/s Gigacycles per second

GCA Greek collective agreement

GCBS General council of british shipping, london

GD(S) Good(s)

GDAY Good day

GDEVE Good evening

GDK Gdansk - polland

GDMRNG Good morning

GDNC Guidance

GDSM General Department Store Merchandise. A classification of commodities that includes goods generally shipped by mass–merchandise companies. This commodity structure occurs only in service contracts

gear All equipment used for sailing except the boat itself, ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment

geared ship Ship equipped with her own cranes

GEBCO General bathymetric chart of the oceans

GECREF World geographic referene system

gel coat The pigmented outside coat of a GRP boat (fiberglass), see GRP

GEN General

Gen Set A portable generator which can be attached to a refrigerated container to power the refrigeration unit during transit

Gencon General Conditions

General Order (G.O.) When U.S. Customs orders shipments without entries to be kept in their custody in a bonded warehouse

generator Device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy

Generator Set A portable generator which can be attached to a refrigerated container to power the refrigeration unit during transit

GENL General


keyword description

gennaker A large sail that is a cross between a spinnaker and a genoa. Hoisted without a pole, the tack is attached at the bottom of the headstay.

genoa Large jib that overlaps the mast. Also known as a jenny

geographic north The direction toward the top point of the line about which the earth rotates (between Canada and Russia in the Arctic Ocean.) See also magnetic north.

geographic position The position of a boat on a chart

georot Geographical Rotation

GEOSAR Geostationary Earth Orbit satellites for Search and Rescue

geostationary satellite A satellite in a geostationary orbit, a circular geosynchronous orbit directly above the Earth's equator

geosynchronous satellite A satellite in geosynchronous orbit, with an orbital period the same as the Earth's rotation period

GEOT ROT Geographical rotation

GESAMP Joint group of experts on the scientific aspects of marine pollution

GF Gold Franc (1 SDR = 3,061 GF)

GFR German federal republic

GFTU General federation of trade unions

GHA Greenwich hour angle

GHE Ground handling equipment

GHQ General headquarters

Ghz GigaHertz (1.000.000.000 Hz)

GI Galvanized iron

gimbals Hinges for objects such as lamps, compasses and stoves so that they can remain upright as the boat rolls.

GIO Guild of Insurance Officials

Girding a Tug The action of pulling on a towline at right angles to the fore and aft line of the tug, in a manner likely to cause a capsize motion on the tug. Also ‘girting'

GIS Geographic Information System. Galvanized Iron Sheet

GIUK Greenland, Iceland and United Kingdom

give way together Command used by Coxswain in larger rowing boats

give way vessel The vessel that must yield to another vessel according to the navigation rules, Also known as the burdened vessel

give-way To yield the right of way to another boat

GL Gross Load. Germanischer Lloyd (classification society)

GLA General Lighthouse Authority

GLESS Gearless


keyword description

Global Maritime Intelligence Integration (GMII)

NUIt is within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, with the mission to ensure government–wide access to maritime information and data critical to intelligence production and to serve as the focal point and oversight agent for maritime specific information issues.LL

Global Positioning System GPS. System of satellites that allows one's position to be calculated with great accuracy by the use of an electronic receiver

globe Map of the earth drawn on a sphere so that both its distances and angles are accurate

GLOMEX Global oceanographical & meteorological experiment

Glonass Global navigation satellite system

GLONASS Global Navigation Satellite System. A space-based satellite navigation system operated by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces. It complements and provides an alternative to the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS)

gloves Sailing gloves protect hands of competitive sailors and allow the fast handling of wires and lines

GLS Gearless (ship having no cranes or derricks)

GM Metacentric height

GMC General management committee, General medical council

GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. A radio-based communications protocol mandated by IMO to increase safety and improve rescue operations

GMLS General maritime law of salvage

GMT Time measured in Greenwich Mean Time (UTC). Coordinated universal time is a newer standard. A time standard that is not affected by time zones or seasons

GN Grain Capacity, Cubic capacity in 'grain'

GNC Global navigation chart

GNCN General Conditions

GNS German north sea

GO Gas Oil. General Order

go about Change tack to bring wind to the other side.

GOC General Operators' Certificate with regard to GMDSS

Go-Down In the Far East, a warehouse where goods are stored and delivered

going to weather to sail against the prevailing wind and seas

gollywobbler A full, quadrilateral sail used in light air on schooners. It is flown high, between the fore and main mast, and is also known as a fisherman's staysail.

GOM Gulf Of Mexico

gooseneck Universal joint fitting that links the end of the boom to the mast

goosewinging Sailing downwind with a mainsail set on one side and the foresail on the other

GOV Government, Governor

GOVT Government


keyword description

GP Group

GPS Global Positioning System

GR Grain capability of vessel, Cubic capacity in 'grain'. Geographical Rotation. Ports in order of calling

grab rails Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat

granny knot A bad knot that was probably tied in error, will not necessarily hold fast, and may be difficult to untie.

granny knot Binding knot, used to secure a rope or line around an object

grapple Attachment to a crane which consists of a pair of large pincers at the end of a wire

GRD Geared

great circle Any circle drawn around the earth such that the center of the circle is at the center of the earth. The shortest distance between any two points on the earth lies along a great circle.

great circle route A course that is the shortest distance between two points, following a great circle. Great circle routes usually do not look like the shortest route when drawn on a flat map due to deviations caused by trying to draw a flat map of a round object such as the earth.

green buoy A can buoy. A cylindrical buoy painted green and having an odd number used in the United States as a navigational aid. At night they may have a green light. Green buoys should be kept on the left side when returning from a larger body of water to a smaller one. Nun buoys mark the other side of the channel. Also see green and red daymarks.

green daymark A navigational aid used in the United States and Canada to mark a channel. Green triangular daymarks should be kept on the left when returning from a larger to smaller body of water. Red daymarks mark the other side of the channel. Also see can and nun buoys.

green water A solid mass of water coming aboard instead of just spray.

GRI General Rate Increase. Used to describe an across-the-board tariff rate increase implemented by conference members and applied to base rates.

GRN Grounded

grommet A ring or eyelet normally used to attach a line, such as on a sail

Gross Tonnage (GT) Applies to vessels, not to cargo, (0.2+0.02 log10V) where V is the volume in cubic meters of all enclosed spaces on the vessel.

Gross Weight Entire weight of goods, packaging and freight car or container, ready for shipment. Generally, 80,000 pounds maximum container, cargo and tractor for highway transport.

ground swells Swells that become shorter and steeper as they approach the shore due to shallow water.

ground tackle The anchor and its rode or chain and any other gear used to make the boat fast.

grounding Marine accident that involves the impact of a ship on seabed or waterway side

Groupage A consolidation service, putting small shipments into containers for shipment.


keyword description

GRP Glass Reinforced Plastic, the most common material in boat manufacturing

GRS Grams

GRT Gross Registred Tonnage

GRWGHT Gross weight

GSB Good Safe Berth

GSP Good Safe Port

GSV Gross Standard Volume

GT Gross Ton. Gross Tonnage. Gross Tons

GTEE Guarantee

GTOTAL Grand total

GUART Guarantee

gudgeon The hole in which the pin from a stern mounted rudder fits. The pin is known as a pintle.

gunboat Small warship usually carrying one gun

gunkholing Cruising in shallow water and spending the nights in coves.

gunnel The rail around the edge of a boat, smaller versions are called toe rails

gunter rig Similar to a gaff rig, except that the spar forming the "gaff" is hoisted to an almost vertical position, extending well above the mast.

gunwale The rail around the edge of a boat, smaller versions are called toe rails, the upper edge of a ship's sides

guy Also called a brace. A line used to control the movement of the object at the other end, such as a spar

GV Give

gybe To change tack, sailing downwind (also jibe)

gybe ho Term used by the helmsman to let his crew know that he has started to turn the boat into a gybe

gybing Changing direction with the wind aft, to change from one tack to another by turning the stern through the wind, also spelled jibing

gypsy A windlass or capstan drum

gyres A large circular ocean current

gyrocompass type of non-magnetic compass which is based on a fast-spinning disc and rotation of the Earth to automatically find geographical direction, widely used for navigation on ships, because they have two significant advantages over magnetic compasses, they find true north as determined by Earth's rotation, different from, and navigationally more useful than, magnetic north, and are unaffected by ferromagnetic materials, such as ship's steel hull, which change the magnetic field

h hour

H & M Hull and Machinery

H/C Held covered


keyword description

H/H House to house

H/L Heavy lift

H/P House to pier

H2S Hydrogen Sulphide Safety

HA Hatch

Hague Rules, The A multilateral maritime treaty adopted in 1921 (at The Hague, Netherlands). Standardizes liability of an international carrier under the Ocean B/L. Establishes a legal "floor" for B/L. Minimum conditions for the carriage of cargo under a Bill of Lading. See COGSA

hail To attempt to contact another boat or shore, either by voice or radio.

half ahead Command to move forward at half speed

half astern Command to move backwards at half speed

half breadth plan Diagrammatic plan of one half of the hull of a vessel divided lengthwise amidships, showing water lines, stations, diagonals, and bow and buttock lines

half hitch A simple knot usually used with another knot or half hitch.

halliard A line used to raise things on a boat, e.g. "the main halyard" is the line used to raise the mainsail, part of running rigging

HALTATA High & low temperature accurancy testing apparatus

halyard A line used to raise things on a boat, e.g. "the main halyard" is the line used to raise the mainsail, part of running rigging

Hampered (vessel) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre

hand Someone who helps with the work on a boat.

hand bearing compass A small portable compass.

hand lead A weight attached to a line used to determine depth by lowering it into the water.

hand rail A hand hold. Usually along the cabin top or ladder.

handsomely To do something carefully and in the proper manner, such as when stowing a line.

Handy A bulk carrier of < 40,000 DWT

handy-billy A movable block and tackle

Handymax Vessel A dry bulk vessel of 35,000 to 49,000dwt. (Note that a “Handy” drybulk carrier is from 10,000 to 34,000dwt.). A “Handymax Tanker” is a liquid bulk carrier of 10,000 to 60,000dwt.

hanging locker A locker big enough to hang clothes

hank A snap, plastic or stainless steel, attached to the luff of the jib, used to attach the jib to the forestay

Harbor Any place to which ships may resort for shelter, or to load or unload passengers or goods, or to obtain fuel, water, or supplies

Harbor Master An officer who attends to the berthing, etc., of ships in a harbor. The individual who is in charge of a harbor

harbour An anchorage protected from storms either naturally or by man-made barriers


keyword description

hard aground A boat which has gone aground and cannot break free under her own power.

hard chine An abrupt intersection between the hull side and the hull bottom of a boat so constructed.

hard over To move all the way in one direction, such as when turning the wheel

hard-a-lee A command to steer the boat downwind

hard-chined A hull shape with flat panels that join at sharp angles

harden up to steer closer to the wind, usually by pulling in on the sheets

Harmonized System of Codes (HS) An international goods classification system for describing cargo in international trade under a single commodity-coding scheme. Developed under the auspices of the Customs Cooperations Council (CCC), an international Customs organization in Brussels, this code is a hierarchically structured product nomenclature containing approximately 5,000 headings and subheadings. It is organized into 99 chapters arranged in 22 sections. Sections encompass an industry (e.g., Section XI, Textiles and Textile Articles); chapters encompass the various materials and products of the industry (e.g., Chapter 50, Silk; Chapter 55, Manmade Staple Fibers; Chapter 57, Carpets). The basic code contains four-digit headings and six-digit subheadings

HAT Highest astronomic tide

hatch The opening in the deck of a vessel; gives access to the cargo hold.A small opening with a "door" on deck, allowing entry under the deck.

hatchway A passage or an opening leading to a hold, compartment, or cellar, a ladder or stairway within a hatchway

haul Pulling on a line.

haul around change from a run to a reach

haul it in Adjust sails and rudder so boat is stopped safely.

haul out Remove a boat from the water.

hauling part The part on the object which is hauled upon.

hawse hole A hole in the hull for mooring lines to run through

hawse pipe Pipe to guide lines through the hawse hole, on large vessels anchors are stored with their shanks in the hawsepipes

hawser A rope that is very large in diameter, usually used when docking large vessels

HAZ MAT Hazardous Material

hazard An object that might not allow safe operation. A group of rocks just under the water or a submerged wreck could be a navigational hazard.

hazardous atmosphere Confined spaces may contain hazardous atmospheres, including insufficient oxygen, toxic (poisonous) air, or an explosive atmosphere. Examples of confined spaces in the shipping and transportation industries are: ballast tanks, boilers, double hulls, holds of boats, pumping stations, storage bins, utility vaults, pits, sumps, storage tanks, fuel tanks, tank cars, and tank trucks

HAZCHEM Hazardous chemical

HAZMAT Hazardous Material

HBF Harmless Bulk Fertilizer


keyword description

HBI Hot Briquetted Iron

HBL Hydrostatic Balanced Loading

HCG Horizontal location of the centre of gravity

HCJ High court of justice

HCPV High Capacity Passenger Vessel

HCRF Hydrographic Chart Raster Format

HDL Handle

HDLTSBENDS Half Despatch Lay Time Saved Both Ends

HDR High dry dock

HDWTS Half Despatch Working (or Weather) Time Saved

head The front of a vessel. The upper corner or edge of a sail. The toilet and toilet room on a ship

head knocker A block with a jam cleat, located on the boom and used to control the main sheet on small boats.

HEAD ON Head to head collision

head sea A sea which is traveling in the opposite direction to that of the boat.

head to wind A position with the boat's bow in the direction that the wind is coming from. This will probably stop the boat and place it in irons.

head up To turn the bow more directly into the eye of the wind. The opposite of falling off.

headaway Forward motion of a boat

headboard Wood or metal plate fixed in the head of a sail.

header Change in the wind direction to forward of the boat

headfoil a grooved rod fitted over the forestay to provide support for luff of the sail or help support the forestay

heading The actual course of the vessel at any given time.

headsail Any sail forward of the mast, such as a jib

headstay The stay leading from the mast to the bow

headway Forward motion of a boat

Health and Safety deficiencies Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to avoid health and safety related deficiencies recorded during external inspections and audits

heave To throw or pull strongly on a line.

heave - vessel movement rise and fall of the entire vessel

heave to to stop forward movement by bringing the vessel's bow into the wind and keeping it there

heaves upward displacing swells

heaving line A light line used to be thrown ashore from which a larger rope can then be pulled.


keyword description

heaving to Arranging the sails in such a manner as to slow or stop the forward motion of the boat, such as when in heavy seas

Heavy Lift A vessel designed to move very large loads that cannot be handled by normally equipped ships. They are of two types, semi-submerging vessels capable of lifting another ship out of the water and transporting it and vessels that augment unloading facilities at inadequately equipped ports

heavy seas When the water has large or breaking waves in stormy conditions

heavy weather Stormy conditions, including rough, high seas and strong winds. Probably uncomfortable or dangerous

Heavy-Lift Charge A charge made for lifting articles too heavy to be lifted by a ship's normal tackle

heel The lean of a sailboat when sailing, the extent of the tilt of the boat, angular measure that a vessel will be inclined by an external force, e.g. wind or waves. The lower end of a mast. The after end of a ship's keel

heel brace The iron support at the bottom of a rudder

heeling error The error in a compass reading caused by the heel of a boat.

heeling force Force that results from the sum of the sideways force and resistance from the keel

helm The wheel or tiller of a boat

HELMEPA HELlenic Marine Enviroment Protection Association

helm's alee A warning from the helmsman that the boat is about to tack

helmsman The person who is steering the boat

Help Posture for survival in water

hemisphere Half of a sphere. On the globe hemispheres are used to describe the halves of the earth north or south of the equator

HEVER However

HEVY Heavy

HF High Frequency

HFO Heavy Fuel Oil

HGE Harmonisation Group on ECDIS

HHDW Handy Heavy Deadweight (Scrap)

HHP High holding power (anchors)

high A location of higher barometric pressure than the surrounding area of a weather system.

high tide The point of a tide when the water is the highest. The opposite of low tide.

High-Density Compression Compression of a flat or standard bale of cotton to approximately 32 pounds per cubic foot. Usually applies to cotton exported or shipped coastwise.

hike Leaning out over the side of the boat to counteract heel.

hike out climb to windward

hiking Moving the crew's weight to or past the windward rail to counteract the heeling of a boat. Typically seen when boats are racing.


keyword description

hiking stick An extension to the tiller allowing the helmsman to steer while hiking. This may be desired for improved visibility or stability.

HIRE T/C Remuneration

hitch A knot used to attach a line to a cleat or other object.

Hitchment The marrying of two or more portions of one shipment that originate at different locations, moving under one bill of lading, from one shipper to one consignee. Authority for this service must be granted by tariff publication. See Bill of Lading.

HKD Hongkong Dollar

HLA Helideck Assistant Training

HLDG Holding

HLO Helicopter Lading Officer

HMS Her Majesty's Ship (British warship). Heavy Metal Scrap

HNS Convention on the Carriage of Noxious and Hazardous Substances by Sea

HO Hydrographic Office (UK). Observed Height. Head Office. Hold (compartment below deck for cargo). Heavy Oil

HOG Hogging

Hogging Straining of the ship which tends to make the bow and stern lower than the middle

HOHA Holds / Hatches

hoist To raise a sail or anything else up

hold A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo

holding ground The type of bottom that the anchor is set in. "Good holding ground"

holding tank A storage tank where sewage is stored until it can be removed to a treatment facility

homing Using a radio direction finder to steer toward a source of radio signals.

hook anchor

Hopper Barge A barge which loads material dumped into it by a dredger and discharges the cargo through the bottom.

HOR Horizontal

horizon Where the water and sky or ground and sky appear to intersect.

horizontal angle The angle measured between two fixed objects (usually on shore) to aid in finding a boats position by determining the arc of a circle on which the boat must lie.

horseshoe buoy A floatation device shaped like a U and thrown to people in the water in emergencies.

hostess A woman employed by a cruise or passenger ship company to see that passengers are comfortable throughout a trip

hounds The attachment points for the shrouds up the mast

House-to-Pier Cargo loaded into a container by the shipper under shipper's supervision. When the cargo is exported, it is unloaded at the foreign pier destination

hove to see heave to


keyword description

HP High Pressure. Horse Power

hPA hectoPascal. Unit of pressure used in weather reports and forecasts. Is equivalent to and replace the millibar

HPTB High Pressure Turbine

HR Here. Hellenic Register (Greek Classification Society)

HR deficiencies Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s HR related performance measured by number of deficiencies recorded during external inspections and audits

HR(S) Hour(s)

HRC Hot Rolled Coils

HRU Hydrostatic Release Unit

HS Harbour Service. Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System

HS P High Speed Passenger

HSBN Has been

HSC International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (IMO). High Speed Craft, mostly ferries, catamaran

HSD Half Shetler Decker

HSE Health Safety and Environmental. Health and Safety Executive

HSMS Hull Stress Monitoring System

HSQE Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Management

HSS Heavy Sorghums & Soyas

HSWA Health and Safety at Work Act

HTAUTC Half time actually used to count

HTS Harmonized Tariff Schedule

HTSUS Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

HTUTC Half Time Used To Count (in relation to laytime)

Hub Port Port situated at the intersection of arterial trade routes where the main stream of container traffic splits into feeder ports

Huddle Position for survival in water

HUESS Helicopter Underwater Escape Training and Sea Survival

HUET Helicopter Underwater Escape Training

hull Main body of a ship or boat

Hull Fouling Sea organisms attaching themselves to vessels and carried to distant waters

hull speed the fastest a sailboat will go, usually dependent on length of the hull at the waterline

hurricane Strong tropical revolving storm of force 12 or higher in the northern hemisphere, hurricanes revolve in a clockwise direction, force of wind over 65 knots. In the southern hemisphere these storms revolve counterclockwise and are known as typhoons


keyword description

HV Have

HV RCVD Have received

HVBN Have been

HVY Heavy

HW High Water. Heavy Weather

HWOST High water on ordinary spring tides

hydraulics Applied science and engineering dealing with the mechanical properties of liquids, its main advantage is that a lot of work can be done with less force, more precision and control. Used in main engine control and maneuvering systems, steering gears, stabilizers, valve actuation, bow thrusters and deck machinery like cranes, winches, mooring drums, windlass, capstans, emergency towing arrangements, hatch covers etc.

hydrodynamic Shape designed to move efficiently through the water

hydrofoil A boat that has foils under its hull onto which it rises to plane across the water surface at high speed. See displacement and planing hulls

hydrography The study of the earth's waters

hypothermia A dangerous condition where the body core temperature has been lowered causing extreme shivering, loss of co-ordination, in ability to make decisions and in extreme cases, loss of conciousness and even death

Hz Hertz (cycles/sec)

I In sail measurements, the height of the foretriangle. It is measured from the deck to the highest useful point on the forward side of the mast. Can be either the point where the forestay is attached to the mast, or if mounted above the forestay, the top of the spinnaker block

I.T. Immediate Transport. The document (prepared by the carrier) allows shipment to proceed from the port of entry in the U.S. to Customs clearing at the destination. The shipment clears Customs at its final destination. Also called In-Transit Entry

I/A Independent Action. The right of a conference member to publish a rate of tariff rule that departs from the Agreement's common rate or rule

I/I Interpretations and Instructions

I/L Import license

I/O Instead Of. Input / Output (computer)

IACS International Association of Classification Societies. Grouping of the main classification societies

IADC International Association of Drilling Contractors

IAF Inflation Adjustment Factor

IAIN International Association of Institutes of Navigation

IALA International Association of Lighthouse Authorities

IAMI International Association of Maritime Institutes

IAMSAR International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue


keyword description

IAPH International Association of Ports and Harbors

IASST International Association for Sea Survival Training

IAW In Accordance With

IB Invoice Book

IBC Code International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IMO)

IBCS Integrated Bridge Control System

IBIA International Bunker Industry Association

IBS Integrated Bridge System

ICAB International Cargo Advisory Bureau

ICAS52 International Convention on the Arrest of Seagoing Ships (1952), allows the creditors of shipping debts to present his claim in any country signatory of the convention, and arrest the vessel if needed

ICC Interstate Commerce Commission. International Chamber of Commerce

ICCL International Council of Cruise Lines

ice sailing Navigating vessels on blades over ice using sails

ICHCA International Cargo Handling Coordination Association

icing Formation of ice on ship. Serious hazard where cold temperatures (below about -10°C) combined with high wind speed (typically force 8 or above on the Beaufort scale) result in spray blown off the sea freezing immediately on contact with the ship

ICOPCE International Chemical and Oil Pollution Conference and Exhibition

ICS International Chamber of Shipping. Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. International Code of Signals

ICT Information & Communication Technology

ICW Intercoastal Waterway. Bays, rivers, and canals along the coasts (such as the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts), connected so that vessels may travel without going into the sea

ID Identity, Import declaration

IE Immediate Exit. In U.S. Customs IE Form is used when goods are brought into the U.S. and are to be immediately re-exported without being transported within the U.S.

IFM Inform

IFMD We are informed

IFMN Information

IFO Intermediate Fuel Oil

IFSMA International Federation of Ship Masters' Associations

IFTPA International Forest Product Transport Association

IG Inert Gas. Non reactive gas (Nitrogen, CO2) used to fill the tanks to prevent an accidental fire or explosion


keyword description

IGC Code International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IMO)

IGO Inter-Governmental Organisation

IGS Inert Gas System

IHB International Hydrographic Bureau

IHMA International Harbour Masters' Association

IHO International Hydrographic Organisation

IICL Institute of Internatioanl Container Lessors

IIMS International Institute of Marine Surveyors

IL Import license

ILDD In Lieu of Dry Dock, Class survey, mostly underwater, which allows the shipowner to postpone a dry dock

ILF International Lifeboat Federation

ILHC In lieu of hold cleaning

ILO International Labour Organisation

ILOHC In lieu of hold cleaning (on redelivering a vessel)

ILOW in lieu of weighing (usually expressed as a percentage, for example 0.5% of freight – for cargoes with high moisture content where the freight is paid on the bill of lading quantity as the delivered weight will be less as the moisture content will reduce during the voyage)

IM/TR Import/transhipment

IMarE Institute of Marine Engineers

IMB International Maritime Bureau

IMCA International Marine Contractors Association

IMCO International Maritime Consultative Organization. A forum in which most major maritime nations participate and through which recommendations for the carriage of dangerous goods, bulk commodities, and maritime regulations become internationally acceptable

IMDG Code International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMO). The regulations published by the IMO for transporting hazardous materials internationally

IMDT(LY) Immediate(ly)

IMGS International Medical Guide for Ships

IMIF International Maritime Industries Forum

IMLA International Maritime Lecturers Association

IMLI International Maritime Law Institute (IMO)

IMMDT(LY) Immediate(ly)

Immediate Exportation An entry that allows foreign merchandise arriving at one port to be exported from the same port without the payment of duty.


keyword description

IMMY Immediate(ly)

IMN Inmarsat Mobile Number

IMO International Maritime Organisation. United Nation agency, located in London and taking care of all shipping matters

IMP Import

IMPA International Marine Purchasing Association, International Maritime Pilots' Association

impeller pump Type of pump commonly used on large sailing vessels

Import To receive goods from a foreign country

Import License Document required and issued by some national governments authorizing the importation of goods

IMPSBL Impossible

IMSBC Code International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code

IN &/OR OVER Goods carried below and/or on deck

in ballast Carrying ballast, but no cargo

In Bond Cargo moving under Customs control where duty has not yet been paid.

In Gate The transaction or interchange that occurs at the time a container is received by a rail terminal or water port from another carrier.

in irons To head into the wind and refuse to fall off, the boat is pointing into the wind with the sails flapping, but it will not pay off on to either tack by its own momentum and is temporarily out of control

In Transit In transit, or in passage.

INBD Inboard

inboard Within the hull or toward the center of the boat. An engine mounted inside the boat.

inboard cruiser A motorboat with an inboard engine

Incentive Rate A lower-than-usual tariff rate assessed because a shipper offers a greater volume than specified in the tariff. The incentive rate is assessed for that portion exceeding the normal volume.

inches of mercury A unit used when measuring the pressure of the atmosphere. 33.86 millibars. Inches of mercury are used because some barometers use the height of mercury in a sealed tube as a measuring device.

Incident Investigation The process of detailed and systematically examining and investigating incidents, event that interrupt normal procedure or precipitate a crisis, relating to ships or other marine crafts, in order to determine the causes of the incident and suggest recommendations to avoid in the future

incinerator Machine to burn waste products to prevent pollution at sea

INCL Include, Inclusive

INCL(D) Include(d)

INCLDG Including


keyword description

INCLG Include(ing)

INCLOT Including overtime

INCOT Including overtime

INCOTERMS International Chamber of Commerce Terms of Sale. Obsolete, but heavily used, term of sale meaning "cargo and freight" whereby seller pays for cost of goods and freight charges up to destination port. In July, 1990 the International Chamber of Commerce replaced C&F with CFR.

INCR Increase

INCRS Increase

INCVENCE Inconvenience

IND Indication, Indent

Indemnity Bond An agreement to hold a carrier harmless with regard to a liability

Independent Action Setting rate within a conference tariff that is different from the rate(s) for the same items established by other conference members

Independent Tariff Any body of rate tariffs that are not part of an agreement or conference system

INDIC Indication

Inducement Placing a port on a vessel's itinerary because the volume of cargo offered at that port justifies the cost of routing the vessel

inert gas A gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen that is used to make an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Inerted tanks are useful for preserving cargo integrity and reducing the explosive potential of cargo tanks

inerted Implies that a tank is filled with an inert gas

inflatable Dinghy or raft that can be inflated for use or deflated for easy stowage

INFM Inform

INFMTN Information

INFO Inform

Inherent Vice An insurance term referring to any defect or other characteristic of a product that could result in damage to the product without external cause (for example, instability in a chemical that could cause it to explode spontaneously). Insurance policies may exclude inherent vice losses.

INL International Navigational Limits

inland Away from large bodies of water, surrounded by land. See offshore

Inland Carrier A transportation line that hauls export or import traffic between ports and inland points

Inland Rules Rules for the operation of vessels in harbors, rivers and lakes

inlet A bay or cove along a river, sea or lake coast line. A stream or bay leading inland. A narrow passage between to bodies of land

INLS-code International Noxious Liquid Substances

Inmarsat International Marine Satellite Organisation


keyword description

innage A measurement of liquid cargo in a tank. It is the distance from the top of the cargo to the bottom of the tank. It is the opposite of ullage

Innocent passage Concept in law of the sea which allows for a vessel to pass through the territorial waters of another state subject to certain restrictions

INQ Inquiren, Inquiry

INS Insurance

Inspection Certificate A certificate issued by an independent agent or firm attesting to the quality and/or quantity of the merchandise being shipped. Such a certificate is usually required in a letter of credit for commodity shipments.

inspection port A watertight covering, usually small, that may be removed so the interior of the hull can be inspected or water removed

INST Instant, Installment

Installment Shipments Successive shipments are permitted under letters of credit. Usually they must take place within a given period of time

INSTN Institution

INSTR Instructions

INSTRCT Instructions

INSTRCTN Instructions

INSTRN Instructions

INSU Insurance

INSUF Insufficient

Insulated Container A container insulated on the walls, roof, floor, and doors, to reduce the effect of external temperatures on the cargo

Insulated Container Tank The frame of a container constructed to hold one or more thermally insulated tanks for liquids

Insurance with Average-clause This type of clause covers merchandise if the damage amounts to three percent or more of the insured value of the package or cargo. If the vessel burns, sinks, collides, or sinks, all losses are fully covered. In marine insurance, the word average describes partial damage or partial loss.

Insurance, All-risk This type of insurance offers the shipper the broadest coverage available, covering against all losses that may occur in transit

Insurance, General-Average In water transportation, the deliberate sacrifice of cargo to make the vessel safe for the remaining cargo. Those sharing in the spared cargo proportionately cover the loss.

Insurance, Particular Average A Marine insurance term to refer to partial loss on an individual shipment from one of the perils insured against, regardless of the balance of the cargo. Particular�average insurance can usually be obtained, but the loss must be in excess of a certain percentage of the insured value of the shipment, usually three to five percent, before a claim will be allowed by the company.

INT Intermediate Survey or Interval


keyword description

Integrated Rating - IR A general crew member on a ship that is not specifically allocated to engine or deck duties, being an IR is a skilled occupation with responsibility for both the cargo and engine areas, and requires international certification

Intercargo International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners

INTERCO International Code of Signals

Intercoastal Water service between two coasts; in the U.S., this usually refers to water service between the Atlantic and Pacific or Gulf Coasts.

intercoastal waterway (ICW) A system of rivers and canals along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States allowing boats to travel along them without having to go offshore.

Interline Freight Freight moving from origin to destination over the Freight lines of two or more transportation carriers.

Intermediate Point A point located en route between two other points.

Intermodal Used to denote movements of cargo containers interchangeably between transport modes, i.e., motor, water, and air carriers, and where the equipment is compatible within the multiple systems.

International Code of Signals A set of radio, sound, and visual signals designed to aid in communications between vessels without language problems. It can be used with Morse Code, with signal pennants, and by spoken code letters.

International Ship and Port Security Code - ISPS

Amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention (1974/1988) on minimum security arrangements for ships, ports and government agencies, establishes protocols for risk assessment and security threats in ports and mandates formal security plans by both the port state and visitors to the port state

Internet A worldwide omputer network. Any computer can be linked to it.

Intertanko International Association of Independent Tanker Owners

INTL International

In-Transit Entry (I.T.) Allows foreign merchandise arriving at one port to be transported in bond to another port, where a superseding entry is filed

INTRO Introduce

INTRPTD Interrupted

INTRPTN Interruption

INV Invoice

inverter Electrical power converter; converts square-wave DC current to sine-wave AC current

INVES Investigate

INVESN Investigation

Invoice An itemized list of goods shipped to a buyer, stating quantities, prices, shipping charges, etc.

INVSG Investigate

INVT Inventoty

INVTN Invitation


keyword description

Inward Foreign Manifest (IFM) A complete listing of all cargo entering the country of discharge. Required at all world ports and is the primary source of cargo control, against which duty is assessed by the receiving country

IOLT Institute of Logistics and Transport

IOPC International Oil Pollution Fund

IOPPEC International Oil Pollution Prevention Exhibition and Congress

IOR Indian Ocean Region

IOT Institute Of Transport

IPF Intaken Piled Fathom

IPI Inland Point Intermodal. Refers to inland points (non–ports) that can be served by carriers on a through bill of lading

IPM Integrated Pest Management, protective measures onboard to control any infestation of pests and bugs

IPM In Port Manning. Safety duty when ship is in port

IRF Invoice Request Form

IRFPCAS International Regulation For Preventing Collision At Sea

IRIS Incident Reporting Information System

iron spinnaker auxiliary engine

IRREG Irregular

IRRESP Irrespective of, Irrespective

IRREV Irrevocable

Irrevocable Letter of Credit Letter of credit in which the specified payment is guaranteed by the bank if all terms and conditions are met by the drawee and which cannot be revoked without joint agreement of both the buyer and the seller.

IRRL/C Irrevocable L/C

IS information systems

IS Intact Stability Code (IMO)

ISDN integrated services digital network

ISDP integrated ship design and production

ISF International Shipping Federation

ISFMA International Federation of Ship Masters Associations

ISGOTT International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals

ISIC Int'l standards industrial classification

ISM Code International Safety Management Code (IMO). A requirement adopted by all flag states for all ships and yachts

ISMA International Ship Managers' Association

ISO International Standards Organisation (I.S.O.) International Standards Organization which deals in standards of all sorts


keyword description

ISO 14001 Family of quality standards that addresses various aspects of environmental management. It provides practical tools for companies and organizations looking to identify and control their environmental impact and constantly improve their environmental performance

ISO 9000 ISO standard that deals with the fundamentals of quality management systems

ISO 9001 ISO Standard that deals with the requirements that organizations have to fulfill

isobars Bars or lines on meteorological maps to show pressure areas

isogonic lines A line connecting points of equal magnetic variation on a map

ISPS International Ships and Port Security System

ISSA International Ship Supplies Association

ISSN International Standard Serial Number

Issuing Bank Bank that opens a straight or negotiable letter of credit and assumes the obligation to pay the bank or beneficiary if the documents presented are in accordance with the terms of the letter of credit

Issuing Carrier The carrier issuing transportation documents or publishing a tariff

ISU International Salvage Union

IT Independent Tank, cargo tank type utilised on board gas carriers. Information Technology

ITB Integrated Tug Barge

ITC Independent Tank, Center

ITF International Transport Workers Federation. International Trade Federation

ITINERARY Route, Schedule

ITNRY Itinerary

ITOPF International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation

ITW Independent Tank, Wing

ITX Independent Tank, Common

ITZ Inshore Traffic Zone. Navigational lane which lies between a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) and the coast, can only be used by ships calling a port or place inside the zone

IU If Used

IUA International Underwiting Association

IUHTAUTC If Used, Half Time Actually To Count

IUMI International Union of Marine Insurance

IWCATUC In which case actual time used to count

IWL Institute Warranty Limits

IWS In Water Survey

J In sail measurements, the base of the foretriangle. It is measured from the forestay at the stem to the forward side of the mast, horizontally to the waterline


keyword description

J&WO Jettison & Washing Overboard

j. & w.o. Jettison and washing overboard

J/V Joint venture

jack line A strong line, usually of flat webbing running fore and aft along the sides of a boat to which a safety harness can be attached

jack stay A wire stay running fore and aft along the sides of a boat to which a safety harness can be attached

jack stop Pallet jack stops are designed to secure pallet jacks from unwanted movement during transport and most often used to keep pallet jacks immobilized

Jacket A wood or fiber cover placed around such containers as cans and bottles

jack-tar a sailor from the clipper ship days, so named because they would tar their hair to prevent infection and make it easy to cut

Jackup rig Self-elevating unit is a type of mobile platform that consists of a buoyant hull fitted with a number of movable legs, capable of raising its hull over the surface of sea. The buoyant hull enables transportation of the unit and all attached machinery to a desired location

Jacob's Ladder A rope ladder suspended from the side of a vessel and used for boarding

jam cleat A cleat designed to hold a line in place without slipping. It consists of two narrowing jaws with teeth in which the line is placed. Also see cam cleat

JAMMING Deliberate radio or radar interference

Jason's Cradle Maritime rescue device. Similar to a scramble net made of cloth webbing

JASREP Japanese Ship Reporting System

jaws A fitting holding a boom or gaff to the mast

jenny A genoa jib. A large jib that overlaps the mast

jetsam debris, jettisoned items, floating at sea

jettison Act of throwing cargo or equipment (jetsam) overboard when a ship is in danger

jetty A structure, usually masonry, projecting out from the shore; a jetty may protect a harbor entrance

jib A triangular sail attached to the headstay. The front sail. A jib that extends aft of the mast is known as a genoa

jib halyard The line that raises and lowers the jib

jib netting A rope net to catch the jib when it is lowered

jib stay The stay that the jib is hoisted on. Usually the headstay

jib topsail A small jib set high on the headstay of a double headsail rig

jibe also gybe; to turn the boat downwind from one side of the wind to the other

jibing Changing direction with the wind aft, to change from one tack to another by turning the stern through the wind, also spelled gybing

jibsheet Sheet (line) used to control the position of the jib. The jib has two sheets, and at any time one is the working sheet and the other is the lazy sheet


keyword description

jiffy reefing A method of lowering the sail in sections so that it can be reefed quickly

jig fishing technique of lowering a weighted lure until just above the bottom, then alternately jerking the rod upwards and lowering it to give action to the lure

jigger A small sail on the mizzen mast of a yawl or a ketch

Joint Rate A rate applicable from a point on one transportation line to a point on another line, made by agreement and published in a single tariff by all transportation lines over which the rate applies.

JPN Japan

JPNS Japanese

JRCC Joint Rescue Coordination Centre

JU Jack Up

jumbo The larger of the headsails

jumper stay A short stay supporting the top forward portion of the mast. The stay runs from the top of the mast forward over a short jumper strut, then down to the mast, usually at the level of the spreaders.

junction buoy Also known as a preferred channel buoy. A red and green horizontally striped buoy used in the United States to mark the separation of a channel into two channels. The preferred channel is indicated by the color of the uppermost stripe. Red on top indicates that the preferred channel is to the right as you return, green indicates the left. Also see can and nun buoys.

junk A sailing vessel common in the Far East, has two or three masts carrying battened lugsails

jury rig A temporary or emergency repair using improvised materials and parts

K kilo i.e. thousand, e.g. 2K = two thousand.

kb Kilo Bytes

Kbit Kilo bit

Kbps Kilo bits per second

KDLY Kindly

kedge anchor A secondary, lighter anchor. Traditionally shaped anchor having flukes perpendicular to the stock of the anchor and connected by a shank. These are less common than modern anchors such as the plow and lightweight anchors.

kedging To kedge off. A method of pulling a boat out of shallow water when it has run aground. A dinghy is used to set an anchor, then the boat is pulled toward the anchor. Those steps are repeated until the boat is in deep enough water to float.

keel A weighted extension of a boat running below it, that prevents the boat from sliding sideways.The centreline of a ship running fore and aft, the backbone of a vessel

keel stepped A mast that is stepped (placed) on the keel at the bottom of the boat rather than on the deck. Keel stepped masts are considered sturdier than deck stepped masts.

keelson A beam attached to the top of the floors to add strength to the keel on a wooden boat.


keyword description

ketch A sailboat with two masts. The shorter mizzen mast is aft of the main mast, but forward of the rudder post. A similar vessel, the yawl, has the mizzen mast aft of the rudder post.

Kevel A deck fitting used to secure a line or a cable to a vessel

KG Kilogram

kHz kilo Hertz (1000 Hz)

kick-up A rudder or centerboard that is able to kick-up when it hits a solid obstacle

Kilogram 1,000 grams or 2.2046 pounds

king plank The center plank on a wooden deck.

king spoke The top spoke on a wheel when the rudder is centered.

kite Sometimes used to indicate spinnaker.

KMT Distance from keel to mast

KN Knots

knees Supporting braces used for strength when two parts are joined.

knockabout A type of schooner without a bowsprit.

Knocked Down (KD) Articles which are taken apart to reduce the cubic footage displaced or to make a better shipping unit and are to be re–assembled

knocked down boat A boat that has rolled so that she is lying on her side or even rolled completely over. A boat with appropriate ballast should right herself after being knocked down

knot A speed of one nautical mile (6,076 feet or 1852 meters) per hour. Method of attaching a rope or line to itself, another line or a fitting

Known Loss A loss discovered before or at the time of delivery of a shipment

KNT Knot

KR Korean Register of Shipping (classification society)

KR Korean Register of Shipping (classification society)

KT Kilo or metric ton. 1,000 Kilos or 2,204.6 pounds

KTM Keel To Mast

kVA kilo Volt Amps

KW Kilowatt

L.S. Lumpsum

L.T. Liner terms

L/B Light buoy

L/C Letter of credit. Laydays Canceling. Last Cargo

L/D Load / Discharge, brokers term, average load/discharge rate per day, in tons (L/D 6000/3000)

L/F/D/N Lubricants/fuel oil/diesel oil/fresh water

L/G Letter of guarantee


keyword description

L/T Long ton

LA Lifting Appliance

labour Heavy rolling or pitching while underway.

lacing A line used to attach a sail to a spar.

Laden Loaded aboard a vessel

Lading Refers to the freight shipped, the contents of a shipment

laid up A boat in a dry dock

LAN Local Apparent Noon. Local Area Network

LANBY Large Automatic Navigation Buoy

land breeze A wind moving from the land to the water due to temperature changes in the evening.

Landbridge Movement of cargo by water from one country through the port of another country, then using rail or truck, to an inland point in that country or to a third country

Landed Cost Total cost of a good to a buyer, including the cost of transportation

landfall Sighting or nearing land. A storm moving over land after being over water

Landing Certificate Certificate issued by consular officials of some importing countries at the point or place of export when the subject goods are exported under bond

landlocked Surrounded by land

landmark A distinctive reference point that can be used for navigation

lanemeter A method of measuring the space capacity of Ro/Ro ships whereby each unit of space (Linear Meter) is represented by an area of deck 1.0 meter in length x 2.0 meters in width.

lanyard a short rope or cord that attaches to an item onboard a boat , usually for keeping it attached to the boat

lapper A foresail that extends backwards beyond the mast and thereby, overlapping it

LASH Lighter Aboard Ship. A specially constructed vessel equipped with an overhead crane for lifting specially designed barges and stowing them into cellular slots in an athwartship position. To hold goods in position by use of Ropes, Wires, Chains or Straps etc.

lash To tie something using a light rope

lashing a rope used for securing any movable object in place

Lat Latitute. Local Apparent Time. Lowest Astronomic Tide

lateen Triangular sail mounted on a spar along the sails luff

Lateral Aids to Navigation Channel buoys (Red & Green), isolated danger buoys (Black & Red), safe water ahead (Red & White), regulatory buoys (Yellow), bifurcation buoys (Black & Yellow) plus channel identification markers and navigation markers

lateral resistance The ability of a boat to keep from being moved sideways by the wind. Keels, daggerboards, centerboards, and leeboards are all used to improve a boat's lateral resistance.


keyword description

latitude an angular measurement or distance measured in degrees, north or south from the equator which is 0

launch To put a boat in the water, A small boat used to ferry people to and from a larger vessel

lay The position of an item. The direction in which a stranded rope is twisted

lay line An imaginary line on which a sailboat can sail directly to its target without tacking

lay up To prepare a boat for winter storage.

LAY/CAN Laydays/Cancelling (date), Range of dates within the hire contract must start

LAYCAN Laydays/Cancelling (date), Range of dates within the hire contract must start

LAYTIME Time at Charterers disposal for purpose of loading/discharging

lazaret Storage space below the deck in the cockpit, ship's storeroom between decks

lazarette Storage space below the deck in the cockpit, ship's storeroom between decks

Lazy Jack Light lines from the topping lift to the boom, forming a cradle into which the mainsail may be lowered.

LBP Length Between Perpendiculars (of a ship)

LBS Lifeboat Stations

LC Letter of credit

LCB Longitudinal Centre of Buoyancy

LCD Liquid Crystal Display (computer)

LCF Longitudinal Centre of Flotation

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

LCR Lowest Current Rate

LCS Loading Computer System

LDNG Loading

LDT Light Displacement Ton

lead Refers to the direction in which a line goes. A boom vang, for example, may "lead to the cockpit."

leading lights Line passing through two beacons indicating a safe channel

leading lights A pair of lights or day marks deliberately placed to mark a narrow channel

leading line Line passing through two marks indicating a safe channel

league Three nautical miles

LED Light Emitting Diode

lee The side sheltered from the wind

lee boards Pivoting boards on either side of a boat which serve the same function as a centerboard. The board to leeward is dropped, the board to windward is kept up


keyword description

lee cloths a cloth hung on the lee side of a berth (the down side when the boat has heel to it) to keep one from rolling out of their bunk

lee helm The leeward course an unsteered boat takes. Also called Weather Helm, this is the tendancy of the boat to turn into the wind once it has heeled over at a sharp angle

lee shore Shore on which the wind is blowing from seawards. Feared by most sailors, this is the downwind shore from the boat

leech The outside edge of a sail

leech line A line running through the leech of the sail, used to tighten it

leeward The direction away from the wind. Opposite of Windward.

leeway The sideways movement of the boat caused by either wind or current

LEL lower explosive limit (lower flammable limit)

LEM lower explosive mixture

length over all Length of a boat at the longest measurement (LOA)

LEO low earth orbit (satellite configuration)

LEOSAR Land Earth Orbit satellites for Search and Rescue

LES Land Earth Station

LET Letter

LETR Letter

Letter of Credit (LC) A document, issued by a bank per instructions by a buyer of goods, authorizing the seller to draw a specified sum of money under specified terms, usually the receipt by the bank of certain documents within a given time

Letter of Credit (LC) - Back-to-Back A new letter of credit issued to another beneficiary on the strength of a primary credit. The second L/C uses the first L/C as collateral for the bank. Used in a three-party transaction

Letter of Credit (LC) - Clean A letter of credit that requires the beneficiary to present only a draft or a receipt for specified funds before receiving payment

Letter of Credit (LC) - Confirmed An L/C guaranteed by both the issuing and advising banks of payment so long as seller's documents are in order, and the L/C terms are met. Only applied to irrevocable L/C's. The confirming bank assumes the credit risk of the issuing bank.

Letter of Credit (LC) - Deferred Payment

A letter of credit issued for the purchase and financing of merchandise, similar to acceptance-type letter of credit, except that it requires presentation of sight drafts payable on an installment basis

Letter of Credit (LC) - Irrevocable An instrument that, once established, cannot be modified or cancelled without the agreement of all parties concerned

Letter of Credit (LC) - Non cumulative

A revolving letter of credit that prohibits the amount not used during the specific period from being available afterwards

Letter of Credit (LC) - Restricted A condition within the letter of credit which restricts its negotiation to a named bank


keyword description

Letter of Credit (LC) - Revocable An instrument that can be modified or cancelled at any moment without notice to and agreement of the beneficiary, but customarily includes a clause in the credit to the effect that any draft negotiated by a bank prior to the receipt of a notice of revocation or amendment will be honored by the issuing bank. Rarely used since there is no protection for the seller

Letter of Credit (LC) - Revolving An irrevocable letter issued for a specific amount; renews itself for the same amount over a given period

Letter of Credit (LC) - Straight A letter of credit that contains a limited engagement clause which states that the issuing bank promises to pay the beneficiary upon presentation of the required documents at its counters or the counters of the named bank

Letter of Credit (LC) - Transferable A letter of credit that allows the beneficiary to transfer in whole or in part to another beneficiary any amount which, in aggregate, of such transfers does not exceed the amount of the credit. Used by middlemen

Letter of Credit (LC) - Unconfirmed A letter of credit forwarded to the beneficiary by the advising bank without engagement on the part of the advising bank

Letter of Indemnity In order to obtain the clean bill of lading, the shipper signs a letter of indemnity to the carrier on the basis of which may be obtained the clean bill of lading, although the dock or mate's receipt showed that the shipment was damaged or in bad condition

LEV Level

LF Load Factor. Percentage of cargo or passengers carries e.g. 4,000 tons carried on a vessel of 10,000 capacity has a load factor of 40%, summer fresh water load line (timber)

LG Letter of Guarantee

LGC Liquefied Hazardous Gas

LGM Lawful General Merchandise

LGTH Length

LHAR London, Hamburg, Antwerp or Rotterdam

LIABTY Liability

LIC Licence

Licenses Some governments require certain commodities to be licensed prior to exportation or importation. Clauses attesting to compliance are often required on the B/L. Various types issued for export (general, validated) and import as mandated by government(s).

lie to To head into the wind and stop forward motion

Lien A legal claim upon goods for the satisfaction of some debt or duty

life raft An inflatable craft into which the crew of a yacht transfers if the yacht intends to sink

lifebuoy Life saving buoy designed to be thrown to a person in the water to prevent drowning

lifejacket Buoyant garment. In Britain the name is reserved for one that will turn a person the rightway up. Otherwise its called a buoyancy aid


keyword description

lifeline Stout line around the deck of the boat to keep crew from falling overboard, the lines run around the outside of the deck creating a railing. The lines are attached to stanchions (upright metal posts)

LIFO Liner In Free Out

lift The energy generated by sail, hull or foils that moves a boat windward

Lifting appliances Stationary or mobile appliances used on board ships for suspending, raising or lowering loads or moving them from one position to another while suspended

Lightening A vessel discharges part of its cargo into a lighter to reduce the vessel's draft so it can then get alongside a pier

Lighter Open or covered barge towed by a tugboat and used mainly in harbors and inland waterways to carry cargo to/from alongside a vessel

Lighterage Refers to carriage of goods by lighter and the charge assessed therefrom

lightweight anchor Anchor that has pivoting flukes that dig into the ground as tension is placed on the anchor. It does not have a stock

line Light rope, any length of rope that has a specified use

Line Of Position -LOP The locus of points along which a ship's position must lie. A minimum of two are necessary to establish a fix, it is standard practice to use at least three when obtaining a fix

line thrower Device that throws a safety line for cables and ropes in rescue operations at sea. It can be used between ships, from shore to ship, from ship to shore, or for rescuing personnel or swimmers

Liner A vessel sailing between specified ports on a regular basis

LIQD Liquid

Liquidated Damages The penalty a seller must pay if the construction project does not meet contractual standards or deadlines

List The amount in degrees that a vessel tilts from the vertical

LIT Litre

LITE Light

litigation maritime The law and practice of admiralty matters. Covers a wide variety of waterfront claims, many of which may be pursued in courts and many of which are not technically under the umbrella of "maritime law"

LL Loadline (International Convention On Load Lines)

LLA Local Lighthouse Authority

LLMC Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims

Lloyds’ Registry An organization maintained for the surveying and classing of ships so that insurance underwriters and others may know the quality and condition of the vessels offered for insurance or employment

LMAA London Maritime Arbitrators Association

LMC Lloyds Machinery Certificate

LMT local mean time, limit


keyword description

LNDD Loss and damage

LNG Liquefied natural gas. Natural gas will liquefy at a temperature of approximately -259 F or -160 C at atmospheric pressure. One cubic foot of liquefied gas will expand to approximately 600 cubic feet of gas at atmospheric pressure.

LNGC LNG Carrier. An ocean-going ship specially constructed to carry LNG in tanks at 160 C

LO lubricating oil

LO/LO Lift on / Lift off

LOA Length overall

LOAD CMLD Loading completed

LOAD COM Loading commenced

Load Line An internationally recognised line painted on the side of merchant ships. When a ship is loaded, the water level is not supposed to go above the line. Water can reach different parts of the line as its temperature and saltiness varies with the season and location.

load water line (LWL) A line painted on the side of the vessel to which the vessel sinks when carrying its full load.

loadicator Electronic system, usually with software to ensure that the vessel always departs the berth with adequate stability for the voyage

loading computer Computer with special software to ensure that the vessel always departs the berth with adequate stability for the voyage

loading plan computer see loading computer

LOC Letter Of Credit. Letter Of Compliance (USCG). Location

Local Cargo Cargo delivered to/from the carrier where origin/destination of the cargo is in the local area

LOF Lloyd’s Open Form (of Salvage Agreement)

log A record of courses or operation. Also, a device to measure speed.

LOG Letter of guarantee

logbook A boat's record of activity.

LOI Letter of Indemnity, Letter of Intent

LOIS LORAN-C Operations Information System

LOL limitation of owner's liability, loss of life

Long Ton 1000 kgs (2,240 pounds)

LONGITUDE The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England

longitude distance in degrees east or west of Greenwich, England, meridian which is 0 .

Longitudinal A shell, deck, or bulkhead stiffener running fore and aftfrom bulkhead to bulkhead, except in the shelter and upper decks, where some are broken by hatch interference. They give strength and rigidity to the framework and shell

longshoreman Individual employed in a port to load and unload ships.

loose without packing


keyword description

Loose gear Any gear by means of which a load can be attached to a lifting appliance but which does not form an integral part of the appliance or load

loose-footed Describes a mainsail attached to the boom at the tack and clew, but not along the length of it's foot.

LOP Line Of Position. Letter Of Protest

LOR letter of readiness

LOS line of sight, Law of the Sea

Lost Time Injury Frequency Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to safeguard crew against injuries and fatalities

Lost Time Sickness Frequency Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to safeguard crew sickness and fatalities while serving onboard

LOT Load on top

LOW Last Open Water

LP Liquid Petroleum. Low Pressure

LPC London Processing Centre

LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas

LPTB Low Pressure Turbine

LR Lloyd's Register of Shipping (British classification society)

LR1 (Large Range 1) Vessels 50,000-79,999 DWT

LR2 Large Range 2) Vessels 80,000-159,000 DWT

LRIT Long Range Identification and Tracking. IMO requires all passenger ships and all cargo ships on international voyages to report their positions to their flag administration at least four times a day. This is generally done automatically via satellite service providers

LRL Lloyd's Register of London

LS Lumpsum Freight. Money paid to Shipper for a charter of a ship (or portion) up to stated limit irrespective of quantity of cargo

LSA life saving appliances,Lloyd's standard form of salvage agreement

LSD Lashed Secured Dunnaged

LSFO low sulphur fuel oil

LSO Linseed oil

LST Local standard time

LSUM Lumpsum

LT Liner Terms. Long Ton = 1,016.05 kilogram (2,240 lbs). Local Time

LTD Light Displacement tonnage. Lost During Transhipment. Limited

LTHH Liner Terms Hook/Hook

LTL Less Than Truckload

LTM Long Ton/Miles


keyword description

LTONS Long Tons

LTR Letter

LTS Laytime saved

lubber line A mark or permanent line on a compass indicating the direction forward parallel to the keel when properly installed

lube oil lubricant

LUBO Lubricant oil

lubricant Substance introduced to reduce friction between moving surfaces, largest application for lubricants, in the form of motor oil, is protecting the internal combustion engines in motor vehicles and powered equipment

LUBS Lubricants

luff The fore edge of a sail

luff rope Rope sewn into the luff of a sail

luff up To luff up means to bring the boat's bow so close to the wind, that the leech of the sail begins to flap

luffing To head into the wind, causing sails to flap and flutter

lug or lugsail A four sided sail bent onto a yard

LUMPS Lumpsum Freight. Money paid to Shipper for a charter of a ship (or portion) up to stated limit irrespective of quantity of cargo

LV Leave. Last Visit

LW Low Water. Winter Load line. Lower

LWL length on water line , low water line

LWONT Low Water Ordinary Near Tides

LWOST Low water on ordinary spring tables

LYCN Laycan (Layday Cancelling Date)

M & R Maintenance and Repair

M ( MN) Main

M/D Month after date

M/E Main Engine

M/F Manifest. Made Fast

M/M Minimum/Maximum (Cargo Capacity)

M/O Money Order

M/R Mate's Receipt

M/S Month after sight

M/T Motor tanker. Metric Tons

M/V Motor Vessel. Merchant Vessel

MACH Machine, Machinery


keyword description

made fast stable

magnetic bearing The bearing of an object after magnetic variation has been considered, but without compensation for magnetic deviation

magnetic compass The magnetic compass consists of a magnetized pointer (usually marked on the North end) free to align itself with Earth's magnetic field

magnetic course The course of a vessel after magnetic variation has been considered, but without compensation for magnetic deviation

magnetic deviation Compass error. The difference between the reading of a compass and the actual magnetic course or bearing due to errors in the compass reading. These errors can be caused by metals, magnetic fields and electrical fields near the compass. Prior to using a compass, magnetic deviation should be recorded for many different points on the compass as the error can be different at different points. The act of checking for magnetic deviation is called swinging.

magnetic north The direction to which a compass points. Magnetic north differs from true north because the magnetic fields of the planet are not exactly in line with the north and south poles. Observed differences between magnetic and true north is known as magnetic variation.

magnetic variation The difference between magnetic north and true north, measured as an angle. Magnetic variation is different in different locations, so the nearest compass rose to each location on a chart must be used.

MAI Marine Accident Investigation

MAIB Marine Accident Investigation Branch

MAIIF Marine Accident Investigators' International Forum

main engine Main, or propulsion engines are used to turn the ship's propeller and move the ship through the water, they typically burn diesel oil or heavy fuel oil

main mast The tallest (or only) mast on a boat

main sail The largest sail on a multiple sail boat

main sheet Line that controls the position of the mainsail

main stay The line supporting the mast

main topsail A topsail on the main mast

make fast To attach a line to something so that it will not move

make way Moving through the water

Malpractice A carrier giving a customer illegal preference to attract cargo. This can take the form of a money refund (rebate); using lower figures than actual for the assessment of freight charges (undercubing); misdeclaration of the commodity shipped to allow the assessment of a lower tariff rate; waiving published tariff charges for demurrage, CFS handling or equalization; providing specialized equipment to a shipper to the detriment of other shippers, etc.

Mandamus A writ issued by a court; requires that specific things be done

Manifest Document that lists in detail all the bills of lading issued by a carrier or its agent or master for a specific voyage. A detailed summary of the total cargo of a vessel. Used principally for Customs purposes.


keyword description

MARAD Maritime Administration (U.S.)

MARBS Marine Assistance Request Broadcasts

marconi rig Lightweight mast supported by stays and shrouds

marina Place where boats can find fuel, water and other services, also contain slips where boats can stay for a period of time

Marine Accident Investigation - MAI The process of detailed and systematically examining and investigating marine accidents relating to ships or other marine crafts, in order to determine the causes of the accident (collision, fire/explosion, grounding, foundering, and other) and suggest recommendations to avoid accidents in the future

Marine engineering Engineering of boats, ships, oil rigs and any other marine vessel or structure. Specifically, marine engineering is the discipline of applying engineering sciences, mostly mechanical and electrical engineering

Marine Insurance Broadly, insurance covering loss or damage of goods at sea. Marine insurance typically compensates the owner of merchandise for losses sustained from fire, shipwreck, etc., but excludes losses that can be recovered from the carrier

Marine Protest Type of notary act used to document bad weather and how it effected a shipment

marine salvage The process of rescuing a ship, its cargo and sometimes the crew from peril

Marisat Maritime satellite system

Maritime Business pertaining to commerce or navigation transacted upon the sea or in seaports in such matters as the court of admiralty has jurisdiction

Maritime Domain All areas and things of, on, under, relating to, adjacent to, or bordering on a sea, ocean, or other navigable waterway, including all maritime related activities, infrastructure, people, cargo, and vessels

Mark General term for a navigation mark, e.g. buoy structure or topographical feature which may be used to fix a vessel’s position

mark Marks used on a lead line or anchor rode indicating the length of the line at that point. A buoy or other object used to mark a location

Marking Letters, numbers, and other symbols placed on cargo packages to facilitate identification. Also known as marks

MARKT Market

marl To wrap a small line around another

marline A small line used for whipping, seizing, and lashing

marlinespike Pointed tool used to separate the strands of a rope or wire

MARPOL International convention for prevention of Pollution from ships, covers oil spills, pollution from chemicals, garbage and sewage and completely bans discharge in some areas

Marpol 73/78 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (IMO), a set of regulations aimed at preventing pollution by oil, chemicals, noxious substances, garbage and sewage water

MARS Mariners' Alerting and Reporting Scheme, a confidential reporting system run by The Nautical Institute to allow full reporting of accidents (and near misses) without fear of identification or litigation


keyword description

MAS Mandatory Annual Survey (SOLAS,MARPOL)

mast The pole attached to the deck at the right angle, holding up the sails

mast boot A protective cover wrapped around the mast at the deck on a keel stepped boat to prevent water from entering the boat

mast box A box where a deck stepped mast is stepped

mast gate The point at which the mast enters the foredeck of a boat

mast head The top of the mast

mast partners Supporting structures to take the load of the mast at the deck

mast spanner A device that allows the control of a rotating mast on catamarans

mast step Fitting or construction into which the base of the mast is placed

mast track A track or groove in the back of the mast to which the sail is attached by means of lugs or the bolt rope

master The person in charge of a vessel. The captain

Master Inbond US Customs' automated program under AMS. It allows for electronic reporting of inbound (foreign) cargoes in the US

Master’s General Account Ship Accounting performed by a ship’s Captain

masthead The top of the mast

masthead fly A windvane attached to the top of the mast to show which direction was wind is coming from

masthead light Also known as a steaming light. The masthead light is a white light that is visible for an arc extending across the forward 225° of the boat. When lit the masthead light indicates that a vessel under power, including sailboats with engines running. Masthead lights are usually located halfway up the mast rather than at the top.

masthead rig A design in which the forestay runs to the peak of the mast

mastman The crewmember who works the lines on the mast when hoisting sails, and who assists the bowman with the work on the foredeck

MAT Materials

match racing A racing format where only two yachts compete at a time

mate An assistant to the captain, officer

Mate's Receipt An archaic practice. An acknowledgement of cargo receipt signed by a mate of the vessel. The possessor of the mate's receipt is entitled to the bill of lading, in exchange for that receipt

MAX Maximum

maxi A boat designed to the maximum rating allowed under the International Offshore Rule, or more recently, the international measurement system.

mayday Distress signal (spoken word), from the French m'aidez

Mb Megabyte

MB Merchant Broker. Main Bearing

Mbbl One thousand barrels


keyword description

MBM 1,000 board feet. One MBM equals 2,265 C.M.

MBT Motor blocks & turnings

MCA Maritime and Coastguard Agency (U.K.)

MCDS Modular Cargo Delivery System

MCFS Master Container Freight Station. See CFS

MCHY Machinery

Mcr C Motorcar Carrier

Mcr F Motorcar Ferry

MCT Marine Custody Transfer, transactions involving transporting of raw and refined petroleum between tanks and tankers; tankers and ships, from one operator to another

MCTM Marine Custody Transfer Measurement

Md C Module Carrier

MDA Maritime Domain Awareness. The effective understanding of anything associated with the global maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of the United States

MDO (DO) Marine diesel oil

MDSE Merchandise

ME Main Engine

mean draft The averaging of the stern and bow drafts, with correction for water level variation

mean high water The depth of the water at average high tide

mean low water A figure representing the average low tide of a region

mean lower low water In an area with two tides, this figure represents the average of the lowest of the low tides

MEAS Measure

MEAST Measurement

measured mile A course marked by buoys or ranges measuring one nautical mile. Measured miles are used to calibrate logs

Measurement Cargo Freight on which transportation charges are calculated on the basis of volume measurement

Measurement Ton 40 cubic feet

meat hook large fishing hook

mechanical advantage (or purchase) Mechanical method of increasing an applied force, disregarding the effects of friction, if a force of 100 pounds applied to a tackle is magnified to a force of 400 pounds, the purchase or mechanical advantage is said to be four to one, or 4 : 1

Mechanically Ventilated Container Container fitted with a means of forced air ventilation

MED Mediterranean sea

mediterranean berth A method of docking with a boat's stern to the dock


keyword description

MEEMA Marine Engine and Equipment Manufacturers Association

Megaports Initiative National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) initiative, started in 2003. It teams up with other countries to enhance their ability to screen cargo for radiation at major international seaports

MEHRA Marine Environmentally High Risk Areas

MEMO Memorandum

Memorandum Bill of Lading An in-house bill of lading. A duplicate copy

MEO Medium Earth Orbit (satellite configuration)

MEP Marine Environmental Protection

MEPC Maritime Environment Protection Committee, IMO branch dealing, among others, with the construction of tankers

MEPC Marine Environment Protection Committee, IMO

mercator Type of projection of the globe used when making charts. Since the world is a sphere, it is impossible to draw accurate charts on flat paper. A Mercator projection shows all of the meridians as straight vertical lines rather than lines that would intersect. This is the type of projection used on a typical world map, but the distances become very distorted near the poles.

meridian A longitude line. Meridians are imaginary circles that run through both poles

MERSAR Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual

MES Mobile Earth Station

mess The place in a ship where personnel socialise, eat, and (in some cases) live

messenger A small line used to pull a heavier line or cable. The messenger line is usually easier to throw, lead through holes or otherwise manipulate than the line that it will be used to pull

messman A seaman on temporary duty in the sailors' or officers' dining quarters who serves the food and clears the tables

metacentric height Distance between the center of gravity of a ship and its metacenter

METAREA Meteorological Area

meteorology The study of weather

Meter Unit of length, 39.37 inches

Metric Ton 2,204.6 pounds or 1,000 kilograms

MF Medium Frequency

MFA Medical First Aid

MFAG Medical First Aid Guide

MFC Marine Fitter Course

MFG Manufacturing

MFR Manufacturer

MFST Manifest


keyword description

MFT Manufacture

MGA Master’s General Account

MGN Marine Guidance Note

MGN Marine Guidance Note

MGO Marine Gas Oil

MGR Manager

MHWN Mean high water neaps

MHWS Mean high water springs

MHz Mega Herz

Microbridge Cargo movement in which the water carrier provides a through service between an inland point and the port of load/discharge. The carrier is responsible for cargo and costs from origin on to destination. Also known as IPI or Through Service.

MID Maritime Identification Digits, Middle

midchannel buoy A red and white vertically striped buoy used in the United States to mark the middle of a channel. Midchannel buoys may be passed by on either side. Also see nun and can buoys

MIDNOV Middle November

midship Center of the vessel, middle between bow and stern

midships A place on a boat where its beam is the widest.

Mile A unit equal to 1609.35 meters (5,280 feet) on land. A nautical mile is 1852 meters (6076.115 feet)

millibar A unit of pressure used to measure the pressure of the atmosphere. 1 millibar equals 0.03 inches of mercury

MIN Marine Information Note. Minimum

MIN/MAX Minimum/Maximum (Cargo Capacity)

minelayer Type of warship whose mission is to lay sea mines

minesweeper Type of warship whose mission is to collect or destroy sea mines

Mini Landbridge An intermodal system for transporting containers by ocean and then by rail or motor to a port previously served as an all water move (e.g., Hong Kong to New York over Seattle)

Minimum Bill of Lading A clause in a Bill of lading which specifies the least charge that the carrier will make for issuing a lading. The charge may be a definite sum or the current charge per ton for any specified quantity

Minimum Charge The lowest charge that can be assessed to transport a shipment

minute When used to measure location a minute is one sixtieth of one degree. One minute of latitude is equal to one nautical mile. Each minute is divided into sixty seconds

MIP Marine Insurance Policy

MIS Missing. Management Information System (computer)

missile boat Small combat vessel that carries anti-ship missiles


keyword description

Mixed Container Load A container load of different articles in a single consignment

mizzen mast A smaller aft mast on a ketch or yawl rigged boat

mizzen sail The sail on the aft mast of a ketch or yawl rigged sailboat

mizzen staysail A small sail that is sometimes placed forward of the mizzen mast

MK Make

MKR Maker

MKT Market

MLB Mini Landbridge. Motor Lifeboat

MLC Maritime Labour Convention

MLC 2006 Maritime Labour Convention. International Labour agreement, defines the rights and protection at work of seafarers

MLM International convention on Maritime Liens and Mortages 1993

MLW Mean Low Water

MLWN Mean Low Water Neaps

MLWS Mean Low Water Springs

MMbbl one million barrels

MMC Maritime Management Company

MMSI Maritime Mobile Standard Identity, compulsory code to identify vessels with the GMDSS/DSC system

MNG Morning

MNI Member of The Nautical Institute

MNS Character of main propulsion machinery assigned to a ship having classification character NS

MO(S) Month(s)

MOA Memorandum of Agreement

MOB Man Overboard

MOD Modify

Modem Modulator-Demodulator. A device that links a computer to the Internet

Modified Atmosphere A blend of gases tailored to replace the normal atmosphere within a container

MOIST Moisture

MOL More or less

MOLCHO More or Less in Charterers Option

MOLCHOPT More or Less Charterers Option

MOLCO More or less in charterers option

MOLOO More or Less in Owners Option


keyword description

monkey deck A false deck built over a permanent deck. Often used in the bow of larger sailing ships, forward of the anchor windlass and provides a working platform around the portion of the bowsprit as it attaches to the ship

monkey fist Type of knot, so named because it looks somewhat like a small bunched fist, it is a large heavy knot usually made in the end of a heaving line to aid in accurate throwing

monohull A boat that has only one hull, as opposed to multihull boats such as catamarans or trimarans

moor To attach a boat to a mooring, dock, post, anchor, etc.

mooring An arrangement for securing a ship to a mooring buoy or pier. A secure place where a boat can be moored

mooring ball An anchored ball to which you can secure your boat. Safer alternative to anchoring provided the mooring ball and lines are in good condition

mooring buoy A buoy marking the location of a mooring. Usually attached to an anchor by a small pendant

mooring line A line used to secure a boat to an anchor, dock, or mooring

MOP Mobile Offshore Production

MORN Morning

morse code A code that uses dots and dashes to communicate by radio or signal lights

MOT Motor. Monthly Overtime

motor An engine. The act of using an engine to move a boat

motor sailer A boat designed to use its motor for significant amounts of time and use the sails less often than a normal sailboat

MOU Memorandum Of Understanding (often refers to PSC)

mould A light pattern of a part of a ship usually made of thin wood or paper. Also called a template

moulded breadth Maximum beam, or breadth, of the ship measured inside the inner shell strakes of plating, and usually occurs amidships

moulded depth Vertical distance measured from the top of the keel to the top of the freeboard deck beam at side

moulded draught Draught measured to any water-line, either forward or aft, using the moulded base line as a datum

Moulded Surface The inside surface of the skin, or plating, of a ship. The moulded surface has no thickness, and is fair and smooth

mount An attachment point for another object. The act of putting an object on its mount

mouse Also mousing. Tying a line so that it will not come undone, such as when attaching a line to a hook

MPMS Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (API)


keyword description

MPP Multi Purpose Ship. General cargo ship with holds designed for container stowage. The holds generally have tween decks and containers can be stacked and lashed on to the hatch covers. The MPP is still capable of carrying breakbulk cargoes, and bulk cargoes. Some are also equipped with tanks for liquid cargoes. It generally also has its own cranes and derricks, sometimes with heavy lift capability

MRCC Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre

MRD Moored

MSA Maritime Security Act

MSC Marine Safety Committee (IMO). Maritime Safety Center (US Coast Guard)

MSCHOA Maritime Security Centre Horn Of Africa

MSD Marine sanitation device (toilet)

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets. Detailed Information about the dangerous products carried

MSG Message

MSI Maritime Safety Information

MSIS Marine Safety Information System

MSN Merchant Shipping Notice 'M- Notice',UK

MSO Marine Safety Office

MSS Mobile Satellite Services

MSSIS Maritime Security and Safety Information System. Shares and displays vessel Automated Identification System (AIS) data real–time with multiple international users through a web–based, password–protected system

MSTK Mistake

MSTKE Mistake

MT Metric ton (i.e. 1,000 kilos). Motor Tanker. Magnetic tape

MTC Maritime Transport Committee of the OECD

MTH(S) Month(s)

MTIME Meantime

MTKS Many thanks

MTNS Metric tons (i.e. 1,000 kilos)

MTONS Metric tons (i.e. 1,000 kilos)

MTSA Maritime Transportation Security Act

MUCHAS As much as

multihull Any boat with more than one hull, such as a catamaran or trimaran

Multimodal Intermodal

MultiTank Container A container frame fitted to accommodate two or more separate tanks for liquids

MUSC Maritime & Underwater Security Consultants


keyword description

mushroom anchor A type of anchor with a heavy inverted mushroom shaped head. Mushroom anchors are used to anchor in mud and other soft ground.

muster list List showing all the special duties of each crew member and indicating the station to which each member must go, and the duties that he has to perform

muster station point a place, especially on a ship, where people should gather if there is an emergency

MUTILT Mutilate

MV Motor Vessel

MWB Multipurpose Work Boat

MWHILE Meanwhile

N And

N/B New Building

NA Not Applicable. Not Available

NA & ME Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

NAABSA Not Always Afloat But Safely Aground

NACE National Association of Corrosion Engineers

nadir A point on the celestial sphere directly below the observer, diametrically opposite the zenith

naked sailing A theme for pleasure sailing done with s partly or completely naked crew around which an entire travel industry has evolved; popular for vacations that range from rather “normal” sailing trips done naked to adult swinger cruises

NASA National Aeronautics & Space Administration

NATL National

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization

natural gas Short for compressed natural gas or CNG. A type of compressed gas used as fuel for stoves and heaters. CNG is stored in metal cylinders prior to use. CNG is considered safer than other types of fuel such as propane (LPG) because it is lighter than air and may rise into the sky in the event of a leak. Caution should still be used as CNG can collect near the cabin ceiling, potentially causing an explosion. Propane is available in more areas around the world than CNG so CNG is not often used outside of North America.

naturist sailing A theme for pleasure sailing done with s partly or completely naked crew around which an entire travel industry has evolved; popular for vacations that range from rather “normal” sailing trips done naked to adult swinger cruises

nautical Having to do with boats, ships, or sailing

nautical almanac A book containing all current data: navigational, tidal, astronomical and so on. It is published annually

Nautical Mile Distance of one minute of longtitude at the equator, or latitude on a meridian, approximately 6,076.115. The metric equivalent is 1852

NAV Navigation. Subcommittee on Safety of Navigation (IMO)

NAVAREA Navigational Area


keyword description

navigable water Water of sufficient depth to allow a boat to travel through it

navigation The act of determining the position of a boat and the course needed to safely move the boat from place to place

NAVIGATION The art and science of conducting a ship safely from one point to another

navigation lights At sundown all boats in open water are required to carry lights. The system of lighting differs for each kind of boat

navigation regulations (or COLREGS)

The regulations governing the movement of vessels in relation to each other, generally called steering and sailing rules

navigational aid Any fixed object that a navigator may use to find his position, such as permanent land or sea markers, buoys, radiobeacons, and lighthouses

navigational audits Inspections (audits) whose purpose is to check the general navigation competence onboard a vessel, verify safety of navigation, ensure effective and consistent application of navigational practices and bridge procedures in accordance with regulatory and industry requirements

Navigational deficiencies Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to avoid navigational related deficiencies recorded during external inspections and audits

Navigational incidents Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s navigational performance

navigator The person responsible navigating a boat

NAVTEX navigational and meteorological warning broadcast service

NC Non Conformance. Non-Continuous liner on tailshaft

NCAGS Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping

NCB National Cargo Bureau

NCITD National Committee on International Trade Documentation

NCOB No Cargo On Board

NCSRY Necessary

NCV No Commercial Value

NDT Non-Destructive Testing

NEA Nuclear energy agency

neap tide When the tide range is the least,rising less and dropping less than the other tides during the four week cycle

NEC Not Elsewhere Classified

NEC Necessary

NECSA Navigational Electronic Chart System Association

NEG Negotiate, Negotiation

NEGO Negotiate, Negotiation


keyword description

Negotiable Instruments 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 "order b/l's."

NES Not Elsewhere Specified

Nested Articles packed so that one rests partially or entirely within another, thereby reducing the cubic-foot displacement

Nesting Cargo is presented stacked in the contour of similarly shaped cargo, it may be likened to a stack of plates. This is particularly relevant in the presentation of tankage strakes for transport

Net Tare Weight The weight of an empty cargo-carrying piece of equipment plus any fixtures permanently attached

Net Tonnage The replacement, since 1994, for “Net Register Tonnage.” Theoretically the cargo capacity of the ship. Sometimes used to charge fees or taxes on a vessel

Net Weight 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

Neutral Body An organization established by the members of an ocean conference acts as a self-policing force with broad authority to investigate tariff violations, including authority to scrutinize all documents kept by the carriers and their personnel. Violations are reported to the membership and significant penalties are assessed

Neutral Body An organization established by the members of an ocean conference acts as a self–policing force with broad authority to investigate tariff violations, including authority to scrutinize all documents kept by the carriers and their personnel

newbuilding, newbuild newly constructed ship

NEWCI Not east of west coast of italy

NFTZ Non Free Trade Zone

NGMTS Negotiating Group on Maritime Transport

NH North of cape Hatteras

NH3 AMMONIA (Anhydrous). Gas usually carried by LPG tankers at about -50 deg.c. Lighter than air, it is easily escaping from any openning and be highly dangerous to inhale in great uantity. Reacting violently with water

NHP Nominal horse power

NI The Nautical Institute

NIHQ Nautical Institute Headquarters, London

Nippon Kaiji Kyokai NK, Japanese classification society which certifies seagoing vessels for compliance to standardized rules regarding construction and maintenance

NK (NKK) Nippon Kaiji Kyokai. Japanese classification society which certifies seagoing vessels for compliance to standardized rules regarding construction and maintenance

NL No Liner On Tailshaft

NM Nautical Mile, One minute of latitude; approximately 6,076 feet - about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5,280 feet


keyword description

NMEA National Marine Electronics Association

NMFC National Motor Freight Classification

NMT Not more than

NN Noon

NNR National Nature Reserve

NO, NR Number

NOA Notice of Arrival. Electronic advance notice to port states of arrival of ships from foreign ports

NOAA National Marine and Atmospheric Administration

NOD Notice of Departure. Electronic advance notice to port states of departure of ships from foreign ports

NOE Not Otherwise Enumerated

NOI Not Otherwise Indexed

NOIBN Not Otherwise Indexed By Name

Nomenclature of the Customs Cooperation Council

The Customs tariff used by most countries worldwide. It was formerly known as the Brussels Tariff Nomenclature and is the basis of the commodity coding system known as the Harmonized System

NOMT(D) Nominate(d)

NON REV Non reversible

NONDELY Nondelivery

NONDLY Nondelivery

Non-Dumping Certificate Required by some countries for protection against the dumping of certain types of merchandise or products

NON-REVERSIBLE If loading completed sooner than expected, then saved days will not be added to discharge time allowed (laytime)

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)

A cargo consolidator in ocean trades who will buy space from a carrier and subsell it to smaller shippers. The NVOCC issues bills of lading, publishes tariffs and otherwise conducts itself as an ocean common carrier, except that it will not provide the actual ocean or intermodal service.

Noon Report Report sent by ships at noon. Includes distance travelled, position, fuel used, departure and arrival times etc

noon sight A sighting taken for celestial navigation at noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky

NOP Notice of Protest (see LOP)

NOR Notice of Readines. Not responsible. Not Otherwise Rated

NOR T & A Notice of Readiness tendered and accepted

NORDER In order

NORED No reduction

NORSKE VERITAS DNV Norwegian classification society


keyword description

NORT Notice of Readiness tendered

north One of the 4 cardinal compass points. North is the direction toward the North Pole and is at 0° on a compass card

north pole The "top" point of the line about which the earth rotates

north star Polaris, the North Star, is visible in the northern hemisphere and indicates the direction of north. In the southern hemisphere the Southern Cross is used to find the direction of south.

north wind Wind coming from the north

northerly wind Wind coming from the north

NOS Not Otherwise Specified

no-sail-zone The area of plus minus 45 degrees into the wind in which boats generally can’t sail

Nose Front of a container or trailer, opposite the tail

No-show Cargo which has been booked but does not arrive in time to be loaded before the vessel sails. See also "Windy Booking"

NOT Notice Of Termination

notebook Portable personal computer

notices to mariners Official notices reporting changes to charts and other navigational and safety items

NOTMAR Notice To Mariners

NOx Mono-nitrogen oxides NO and NO2 (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide) produced from the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air during combustion

NOx efficiency Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the amount of NOx emitted relative to the transport work performed

NPA Nigerian Ports Authority

NPA National petroleum association

NPCFB North Pacific Coast Freight Bureau

NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

NR Not Required

NRT Net Registered Tonnage

NSV Net Standard Volume

NSW Net Standard Weight

NT Not. Net Ton. Net Tonnage

NTC Not to count

NTCEIU Not to count, even if used

NTCEUU Not to count, unless used

NTD Noted

NTM Notice to mariners


keyword description

NTVRP Non Tank Vessel Response Plan. A written plan to reduce risk and mitigate damage for an oil spill. Similar to MARPOL regs for Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)

NTWGHTM Net weight

NTWT Net weight

NUMAST National Union of Marine, Aviation & Shipping Transport Officers

nun buoy A conical buoy with a pointed top, painted red, and having an even number, used in the United States for navigational aids. At night they may have a red light. These buoys should be kept on the right side of the boat when returning from a larger body of water to a smaller one such as a marina. Can buoys are used on the opposite side of the channel. Also see green and red daymarks.

NVIC Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (USCG)

NVOC Non vessel owning company

NVOCC Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier

NWT Net Weight

NX Next

NXDAY Next day

NXMO Next month

NXWK Next week

NXYR Next year

NYPE New york produce exchange

NYSA New york shipping association / new york assembly

NYSE New York Stock Exchange

NYSMA New York Society of Maritime Arbitrators

O/A On Account of

O/B On Board

O/D On Demand

O/N Order-Notify

O/NR Order Number

O/P Open charter, open cover

O/T Overtime

OA Overage

OAF Operation application form

oar A stick with a blade at the end used to row a rowboat. Oars are different than paddles because they have a provision to be secured to the rowboat for rowing, such as an oarlock.

oarlock Device to attach oars to a rowboat, allowing the operator to row rather than paddle the boat


keyword description

OB Owners Bonus

OBJ Object

OBL Original B/L. A document which requires proper signatures for consummating carriage of contract. Must be marked as "original" by the issuing carrier.

OBO Ore Bulk / Oil (carrier). or Combination carrier, is a ship designed to be capable of carrying wet or dry cargoes

OBQ Onboard Quantity (before loading)

OBS Observations

observation spot A position of the precise latitude and longitude

observed position A position or fix determined by observing landmarks or other objects to find the position.

OBST Obstruct

OBTN Obtain

OC Oil-Lubricated Stern Bearing, Continuous Liner on Tailshaft. Ore Carrier

OCC Occupied

OCCPD Occupied

occulting lights A navigational light which turns on and off in a regular pattern, but is on more than it is off. The opposite of a blinking light.

ocean The large body of salt water covering seven tenths of the earth.

Ocean Bill of Lading A contract for transportation between a shipper and a carrier. It also evidences receipt of the cargo by the carrier. A bill of lading shows ownership of the cargo and, if made negotiable, can be bought, sold or traded while the goods are in-transit.

OCIMF Oil Companies International Marine Forum

OCNFRT Ocean freight

OCNUS Outside continental united states

OCP Overland Common Points. Term stated on the bills of lading offering lower shipping rates to importers east of the Rockies, provided merchandise from the Far East comes in through the West Coast ports. OCP rates were established by U.S. West Coast steamship companies in conjunction with western railroads so that cargo originating or destined for the American Midwest and East would be competitive with all-water rates via the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf ports. Applies to eastern Canada.

OCR Optical Character Recognition (computer)

OD Over draft, over deck, organisaton development

ODS Operating Differential Subsidy. An amount of money the U.S. government paid U.S. shipping companies that qualify for this subsidy. The intent was to help offset the higher subsidy. The intent was to help ofset the higher cost of operating a U.S.flag vessel. The ODS program is administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration and is being phased out.

OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, headquartered in Paris with membership consisting of the world's developed nations.


keyword description

OEEC Organisation for european economic co-operation

OEHTM Offshore Emergency Helideck Team Member

OERTL Offshore Emergency ResponseTeam Leader

OF Ocean freight

OFA Offer

OFC Office

OFCE Office

off the wind Sailing with the wind coming from the stern or quarter of the boat

Officer Matrix Requirements for the officers of a tanker (OCIMF), Among others, "Time with Company”, “Time in Rank" and "Time in Tankers"

Officer Retention Rate Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to retain officers within the organization

Officers experience rate Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the percentile experience of the officers currently onboard the vessel on basis of 12 months of experience as 100%

offing seaward, a safe distance from shore

offshore Away from land, toward the water. See inland

offshore installation Any offshore structure (e.g. a drilling rig production platform, etc) which may be a hazard to navigation

offshore wind Wind that is blowing away from the land, towards the water

OFR Offer

OGMSA Office of Global Maritime Situational Awareness. United States initiative to establish a world–wide maritime information exchange that encompasses both public and private sector entities with maritime interests. The GMSA supports maritime domain awareness by making maritime related information available and searchable

OGSB One good safe berth

OHSAS 18001 British Standard for occupational health and safety management systems

oil mist Oil droplets suspended in the air in the size range 1~10 µm, when the concentration of oil mist increases and reaches the lowest explosion level (LEL; 50 mg/l, as defined by the IACS), it can explode

oil record book Book all cargo vessels must have where the chief engineer will record all oil or sludge transfers and discharges within the vessel. This is necessary in order for authorities to be able to monitor if a vessel's crew has performed any illegal oil discharges at sea (MARPOL)

Oil Tight Sealed by welding or caulking to prevent oil leakage

OILPOL Oil Pollution

Oilskin Waterproof clothing

OK Okay

OL Our letter

old salt a very experienced and/or old sailor


keyword description

OLTR Our letter

OMBO One man Bridge Operation

On Board A notation on a bill of lading that cargo has been loaded on board a vessel. Used to satisfy the requirements of a letter of credit, in the absence of an express requirement to the contrary.

On Deck A notation on a bill of lading that the cargo has been stowed on the open deck of the ship

on the beam To the side of the boat at right angles, abeam

on the bow To the bow of the boat, forward of the beam

on the quarter To the stern of the boat, aft of the beam

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

ONBD On board

onboard on the boat

one-design Any boat built to certain standards or rules so that is like all others in the same class.

onshore wind A wind blowing onto the land

OO Owners Option

OOD officer of the deck

OOW Officer Of the Watch

OPA 90 Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (USA)

OPEC Organisation of petroleum exporting countries

open A location that is not sheltered from the wind and seas. An open location would not make a good anchorage

Open Account A trade arrangement in which goods are shipped to a foreign buyer without guarantee of payment

open chock Hole attached to the hull to guide a line via that point

Open Insurance Policy A marine insurance policy that applies to all shipments made by an exporter over a period of time rather than to one shipment only

Open Sea The water area of the open coast seaward of the ordinary low-water mark, or seaward of inland waters

Open Top Container A container fitted with a solid removable roof, or with a tarpaulin roof so the container can be loaded or unloaded from the top

Operating Ratio Comparison of a carrier's operating expense with its net sales. The most general measure of operating efficiency

Operational deficiencies Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to avoid operational related deficiencies recorded during external inspections and audits

OPIC Overseas Private Investment Corporation

OPIN Opinion

OPN Open


keyword description

OPP Outbreak Prevention Plan, precautions and measures to be taken to prevent a virus outbreak. Opposite

OPPR Oil pollution preparedness and response

OPRC International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness,Response and Co-operation, IMO

OPRP Outbreak Prevention and Response Plan, ship’s response plan to cases of illness

OPT (S) Option(s)

Optimum Cube The highest level of cube utilization that can be achieved when loading cargo into a container

OPTN (S) Option(s)

OPTNTY Opportunity

ORB Owner's risk of breakage

ORD Order

ORD Ordinary

ORD(S) Order(s)

Order-Notify (O/N) A bill of lading term to provide surrender of the original bill of lading before freight is released; usually associated with a shipment covered under a letter of credit.

ORDNRY Ordinary

ORGAN Organization

ORGN Origin

ORGNL Original

Origin Location where shipment begins its movement

Original Bill of Lading OBL. A document which requires proper signatures for consummating carriage of contract. Must be marked as "original" by the issuing carrier.

ORO Ore/Oil Carrier

OROUTES Ocean routes

OS&D Over, Short or Damaged Usually discovered at cargo unloading

OSD Open shelter decker

OSH Open Shelter Deck

OSH Open Shelter Deck

osmosis Osmosis is when water penetration occurs through the gel coat and into the laminate below. Osmosis is marked by blistering

OSP One safe port

OSV Offshore Support Vessel

OT Our Telegram. Out Turn. Overtime. Oil Tight

OTBD Outboard

OTC Open top container


keyword description

OTFC Oil Tanker Familiarisation Course

OTLX Our telex

OTR Other

OTWS Otherwise

OURLET Our letter

OURTEL Our telegram

Out Gate Transaction or interchange that occurs at the time a container leaves a rail or water terminal

out of trim Sails that are not properly arranged for the point of sail that the boat is on. The sails may be luffing or have improper sail shape, or the boat may be heeling too much. These conditions will slow the boat down.

outboard On the side of the hull that the water is on. Outboard engines are sometimes just called outboards.

outboard engine An engine used to power a small boat. Outboard engines are mounted on a bracket aft of the stern of the boat.

Outbreak Prevention Plan Precautions and measures to be taken to prevent a virus outbreak, OPP

outhaul A line used to tension the foot of a sail, used to maintain proper sail shape

outrigger A floatation device attached to one or both sides of the hull to help prevent a capsize

OV Over

overall length The total length of the boat, including any object protruding from the bow or the stern. Also known as LOA.

overboard In the water outside of the vessel.Over the side or out of the ship

Overcharge To charge more than the proper amount according to the published rates

overfall Dangerously steep and breaking seas due to opposing currents and wind in a shallow area.

overhang The area of the bow or stern which hangs over the water.

overhaul To sort out mess with the rigging

Overheight Cargo Cargo more than eight feet high which thus cannot fit into a standard container

Overland Common Point OCP. Term stated on the bills of lading offering lower shipping rates to importers east of the Rockies, provided merchandise from the Far East comes in through the West Coast ports. OCP rates were established by U.S. West Coast steamship companies in conjunction with western railroads so that cargo originating or destined for the American Midwest and East would be competitive with all-water rates via the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf ports. Applies to eastern Canada.

override A line that becomes improperly wrapped over itself and fouls a winch

OVID Offshore Vessel Inspection Database. Voluntary system of inspection where all inspections are posted to an online database created for the OCIMF

OWG Owing to

OWISE Otherwise


keyword description

Owner Code Standard Carrier Alpha Code. Used to identify the carrier or carrier's company name that a supplier uses for transporting its shipments to their customer. See SCAC Code

owner's flag A boat owner's private pennant.

OWS Owners

oxter plate Molded plate used to continue the shell plates immediately above the propeller aperture of a ship

OZ Ounce

P In sail measurements, the longest reach of the mainsail along the mast.

P & I Protection and Indemnity (insurance)

P & I club Protection & Indemnity club

P and I (P&I) club Protection and Indemnity club

P flag Signal flag known as the "Blue Peter" [blue square in a white the vessel is about to proceed to sea."

P Yacht Pleasure Yacht

P&L Profit and loss

p.m. post meridiem

P/CPTS Port captains

P/L Partial Loss

P/T Pusher/Tag

P/TS Passenger/Training ship

P/V Pressure Vacuum (Valve)

P/VF Passenger/Vehicles Ferry

PA Port Aft

Packing List Itemized list of commodities with marks/numbers but no cost values indicated

pad eye A small fitting with a hole used to guide a line

PADAG Please Authorize Delivery Against Guarantee. A request from the consignee to the shipper to allow the carrier or agent to release cargo against a guarantee, either bank or personal. Made when the consignee is unable to produce original bills of lading

paddle A stick with a blade in the end of it used to propel a small boat through the water. The act of using a paddle to propel a boat

painted waterline A painted line on the side of a boat at the waterline. The color usually changes above and below the waterline as the boat is painted with special antifouling paint below the waterline.

painter A line attached to the bow of a dinghy and used to tie it up or tow it

Paired Ports A U.S. Customs program wherein at least two designated Customs ports will enter cargo that arrives at either port without the necessity of an in-bound document.

Pallet A platform with or without sides, on which a number of packages or pieces may be loaded to facilitate handling by a lift truck


keyword description

pallet jack Tool used to lift and move pallets. The front wheels are mounted inside the end of the forks, and as the hydraulic jack is raised, the forks are separated vertically from the front wheels, forcing the load upward until it clears the floor

palm A tool worn on the hand with a thimble shaped structure on it and used when sewing sails

PAMA Piraeus Association of Maritime Arbitration

PAN PAN An urgent message used on adio regarding the safety of people or property. A PAN PAN message is not used when there is an immediate threat to life or property, instead the MAYDAY call is used. PAN PAN situations may develop into MAYDAY situations. As with a MAYDAY, PAN PAN messages have priority on the radio channels and should not be interrupted. In the case of a less urgent safety message, such as a hazard to navigation, the appropriate signal to use is SECURITE

Panama chock Steel casting used for line handling from one vessel to another vessel or to the dock

Panamax Market category of ships notionally within the limit for transit of the Panama Canal.Current maximum dimensions are: Length 294.1 meters (965 feet); width 32.3 meters (106 feet); draft 12.0 meters (39.5 feet) in tropical fresh water; height 57.91 meters (190 feet) above the water (approx. 50,000-80,000 DWT)

Panamax Tanker A liquid cargo vessel of 50,000 to 70,000dwt

PANDI Protection and indemnity (insurance)

PANDL Profit and loss

Paper Rate A published rate that is never assessed because no freight moves under it

PARA Paragraph

Parachute Balloon spinnaker

parachute anchor A parachute anchor is used to stop drifting

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

parallax error Error that can be introduced when not reading an instrument directly from its front, due to the separation of the indicator and the scale being read.

parallel rules A navigational tool used to move a line on a chart from one location to another without changing its angle, such as when moving a plotted course to a compass rose. Parallel rules are two straight edges that are mechanically connected such that both edges always remain parallel. Lines can then be "walked" across a flat chart. Also used to compare the orientation of a line to a magnetic or geographic orientation on a compass rose

parallel sailing Sailing on a circle parallel to the Equator

parallels Lines of latitude, north and south of the Equator

parcel Material wrapped around a line to prevent chaffing

Parcel Receipt An arrangement whereby a steamship company, under rules and regulations established in the freight tariff of a given trade, accepts small packages at rates below the minimum bill of lading, and issues a parcel receipt instead of a bill of lading.

PARP Paragraph


keyword description

parrot beak A clip at the end of a spinnaker pole to hold the guy.

part fray or break

Partial Shipments Under letters of credit, one or more shipments are allowed by the phrase "partial shipments permitted."

Particular Average Marine insurance provision under which damages or expenses incurred by a shipper (whose cargo is exposed to a danger) are borne by that shipper only

partners Supporting structures used to support areas where high loads come through openings in the deck, such as at the mast boot

PASS Passenger

passage A route between points or ports

passage planning Procedure to develop a complete description of a vessel's voyage from start to finish, also voyage planning

Passenger injury ratio Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to safeguard all passengers while onboard

Passenger Yacht Code - PYC Lloyd’s Register classification alternative to SOLAS for yachts in private or commercial service carrying between 13 and 36 passengers created to override compliance with some SOLAS passenger ship requirements, does not cover sailing yachts

PASSNGR Passenger

PASTUS Past Us

PAT Patent

patant log Type of log that uses a counter attached to a rotor on a line which is towed behind the boat to help measure distance and speed

pax Abbreviation for Total Passengers

pay off Allow the boat turn to leeward

pay out To let out a line

Payee A party named in an instrument as the beneficiary of the funds. Under letters of credit, the payee is either the drawer of the draft or a bank

Payer A party responsible for the payment as evidenced by the given instrument. Under letters of credit, the payer is the party on whom the draft is drawn, usually the drawee bank

PAYMNT Payment

PAYT Payment

PB Permanent Bunkers

PB Pilot Boat

PBR Port Billing Rate

PC Period of Charter. Part Cargo. Personal Computer

PC(S) Piece(s)

PCC Pure Car Carrier


keyword description

PCE Piece

PCGO Part Cargo

PCL Parcel

PCT Percent

PCT Percent

PD Port dues

PDPR Per Day or Pro Rata. Per Day Pro-Rated

peak The upper corner of a four sided sail or top end of a gaff or spritsail.

peak tanks Tanks found at the forward and aft extremities of the ship that is, forward of the collision bulkhead and aft of the after peak bulkhead

pedestal The column that the wheel is mounted on.

peeling Changing from one spinnaker to another

P-effect or Prop Walk When a boat is in a standstill position and put into forward or reverse, the resistance of the boat to move and the motion of the propeller creates a paddlewheel effect pulling the stern of the boat to either port or starboard side depending on the spin of the propeller. P-effect is especially noticable in reverse where there is greater boat resistance to move backwards thus making it easier for the prop to pull the boat sideways.

pelorus A card marked in degrees and having sightings on it that is used to take bearings relative to the ship, rather than magnetic bearings as taken with a compass.

pendant A small line attached to a mooring chain. Also sometimes called a pennant.

pennant A small flag, such as can be used for signaling. Flags can be used together to spell words or individually as codes, such as the quarantine flag.

PEPEN Panellinia Enosi Ploiarhon Emporikou Naftikou. Panhellenic Masters Union of the Merchant Marine.

Per Diem A charge, based on a fixed daily rate

PER SE By Itself

PERDIEM By the Day

Perils of the Sea Those causes of loss for which the carrier is not legally liable. The elemental risks of ocean transport

permanent ballast Weight permanently installed on a ship to bring its center of gravity within specified limits, usually made of heavy, solid materials, such as concrete, lead or iron pigs

personal floatation device PFD. A device used to keep a person afloat. Also called a life jacket, life preserver or life vest

PF Port Forward. Position Fix

PFD Personal Flotation Device

PFD position fixing device, personal floatation device

PFT Per Freight Ton

PG Persian golf


keyword description

PGH Per gang per hatch

phosphorescence luminescence

PHPD Per Hatch Per Day

Phytosanitary Inspection Certificate A certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to satisfy import regulations of foreign countries; indicates that a U.S. shipment has been inspected and found free from harmful pests and plant diseases.

PI Port Inboard

PIA Port Inboard Aft

PIANC Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses

PIC Person In Charge

Pickup The act of calling for freight by truck at the consignor's shipping platform.

PICO port in charterer’s option

pier The structure perpendicular to the shoreline to which a vessel is secured for the purpose of loading and unloading cargo. A place extending out into the water where vessels may dock. Usually made out of wood or cement

Pier-to-House A shipment loaded into a container at the pier or terminal, thence to the consignee's facility

Pier-to-Pier Containers loaded at port of loading and discharged at port of destination

pile A pole embedded in the sea bottom and used to support docks, piers and other structures

PILF Pilfrage

Pilferage Petty thievery-the taking of small parts of a shipment-as opposed to the theft of a whole shipment or large unit (insurance)

piling A pole embedded in the sea bottom and used to support docks, piers and other structures.

pillar A square or round timber fixed perpendicularly under the middle of the beams for supporting the decks

pilot An individual with specific knowledge of a harbor, canal, river or other waterway, qualified to guide vessels through the region. Some areas require that boats and ships be piloted by a licensed pilot.

Pilot boat A power or sailing boat used by pilots (men who have local knowledge of navigation hazards of ports)

pilothouse a small cabin on the deck of the ship that protects the steering wheel and the crewman steering.

piloting The act of guiding a vessel through a waterway.

PIN Personal Identification Number

pinch Steering a sailboat too close to the eye of the wind, causing the sails to luff.

pintle A pin used to attach a stern mounted rudder. The hole that the pin fits is known as a gudgeon.


keyword description

Pintle and gudgeon The pintle and the gudgeon together form a swinging hinge usually associated with the installation of the rudder on smaller tiller steered boats. The pintle has pins that fit into the holes on the gudgeon thus creating a hinge like fitting

PIOPIC P and I Oil Pollution Indemnity Clause

PIST Piston

piston In reciprocating engines, it is the moving component that is contained by a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings. In an engine, its purpose is to transfer force from expanding gas in the cylinder to the crankshaft via a piston rod and/or connecting rod

pitch A fore and aft rocking motion of a boat. Also see roll and yaw. How much a propeller is curved. A substance used to seal cracks in wooden planks.

pitch - vessel movement rise and fall motion (bow and stern) on the width center axis

pitch poled When a boat's stern is thrown over its bow.

pitman Crewmember who controls the halyards and mast winches and assists the mastman.

PK(S) Pack(s)

PKD Packed

PKG Packing, Package

PKR Packer

PLA Port of london authority

Place of Delivery Place where cargo leaves the care and custody of carrier

Place of Receipt Location where cargo enters the care and custody of carrier

PLADV Please Advise

planing A boat rising slightly out of the water so that it is gliding over the water rather than plowing through it.

planing Mode of operation for a waterborne craft in which its weight is predominantly supported by hydrodynamic lift, rather than hydrostatic lift (buoyancy)

planing hull A hull design that is capable of planing.

planing speed The speed needed for a boat to begin planing.

planking Wood strips used to cover the deck or hull of a wooden vessel.

platform A horizontal surface raised above the level of the adjacent area, e.g oil platform

PLB Personal Locator Beacon

PLB personal locator beacon

Plimsoll Line Load Line. An internationally recognised line painted on the side of merchant ships. When a ship is loaded, the water level is not supposed to go above the line. Water can reach different parts of the line as its temperature and saltiness varies with the season and location.

Plimsoll Mark A series of horizontal lines, corresponding to the seasons of the year and fresh or saltwater, painted on the outside of a ship marking the level which must remain above the surface of the water for the vessel's stability.


keyword description

plot To find a ship's actual or intended course or mark a fix on a chart.

plow anchor Also called a CQR or coastal quick release anchor. An anchor that is designed to bury itself into the ground by use of its plow shape

PLS Please. Position Location System

PLS/ABP Please advise berthing prospects

PLS/CFM Please confirm

PLTC Port Liner Term Charges

PLTG Plating

plug A tapered device, usually made from wood or rubber, which can be forced into a hole to prevent water from flowing through it. Plugs should be available to fit every through hull. The act of using something to prevent water entering through a hole.

PM Past Meridien, Premium

Pmiz The longest reach of the mizzen along its mast.

PMS Planned Maintenance System

PNDG Pending

PNI Philippine Nautical Institute

PNLTY Penalty

PNO Panellinia Naftiki Omospondia. Panhellenic Marine Federation

PNT Point

PO Purchase Order

POB Pilot on board. Persons on board. Post office box

POC Port of call

POD Port of Discharge. Port of Destination. Paid on delivery. Proof of Delivery, a document required from the carrier or driver for proper payment

point To sail as close as possible to the wind. Some boats may be able to point better than others, sailing closer to the wind. The names given to directions on a compass

point of departure The latitude and longitude of the point from which a vessel calculates dead reckoning

Point of Origin The place at which a shipment is received by a carrier from the shipper

point of sail The position of a sailboat in relation to the wind. A boat with its head into the wind is known as "head to wind" or "in irons". The point of sail with the bow of the boat as close as possible to the wind is called close hauled. As the bow moves further from the wind, the points of sail are called: close reach, beam reach, broad reach, and running. The general direction that a boat is sailing is known as its tack.

POL Port of Loading.Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants.

polaris Polaris, the North Star, is visible in the northern hemisphere and indicates the direction of north. In the southern hemisphere the Southern Cross is used to find the direction of south.


keyword description

pole A spar. Such as a pole used to position a sail. One of the 2 points around which the earth spins and from which the earth's magnet field is emitted, as in the North and South pole.

Pomerene Act - U.S. Federal Bill of Lading Act of 1916

U.S. federal law enacting conditions by which a B/L may be issued. Penalties for issuing B/L's containing false data include monetary fines and/or imprisonment.

poop deck A boat's aft deck

pooped having a wave wash over the stern of the boat

POR Pacific Ocean Region, Port of refuge

Port Harbor with piers or docks. Left side of a ship when facing forward. Opposite of starboard. Opening in a ship's side for handling freight, porthole

Port Facility Security Officer Is the person designated as responsible for the development, implementation, revision and maintenance of the port facility security plan

Port Facility Security Plan Is a plan developed to ensure the application of measures designed to protect persons on board, cargo, cargo transport units and ship’s stores within the port facility from the risks of a security incident

port of call An intermediate stop for a ship on its sailing itinerary

Port of Call Port where a ship discharges or receives traffic

Port of Entry Port where cargo is unloaded and enters a country

Port of Exit Place where cargo is loaded and leaves a country

Port Security It is the defense, law and treaty enforcement, and counterterrorism activities that fall within the port and maritime domain

Port Security Grant Program As a result of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2005, fiscal year grant funding is provided annually to the Nation’s most at–risk seaports for physical security enhancements

Port state The sovereign territory a vessel is visiting

Port State Control - PSC Inspection of a foreign-flagged vessel voluntarily docked in another sovereign state’s waters. When flag states fail to remove substandard vessels from commerce, port state control can, enforcing rules adopted by the IMO. Inspections for compliance with safety and environmental standards are carried out by a Port State Control Officer (PSCO)

Port state control deficiency ratio Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to avoid deficiencies issued during Port State Control Inspections

Port state control detention Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the ability to complete PSC inspections without incurring a detention (code 30)

Port state control performance Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s Port State Control Performance

port tack Sailing with the wind coming over the port bow

porthole A port. A window in the side of a boat, usually round or with rounded corners. Sometimes portholes can be opened, sometimes they are fixed shut. Also see hatches

POSBL Possible


keyword description

POSH When travelling between Britain and India, both in the northern hemisphere, the port berths were mostly in the shade when travelling out (easterly) and the starboard ones when coming back (home), so the best and most expensive berths were POSH

position circle Circle that can be measured both from a chart and from the surface of the earth for the purpose of position fixing. The circles can be measured by sextant. Two overlapping position circles can be used to give a position fix

position doubtful A mark of PD made on a chart when plotting a boat's position to indicate that there is reason to doubt that the fix is accurate

position fix - PF A position derived from measuring external reference points, also fix

position line Line that can be identified both on a nautical chart or aeronautical chart and by observation out on the surface of the earth. The intersection of two position lines is a fix that is used in position fixing to identify the navigator's location

POSN Position

POSTN Position

pound The action of a boat's bow repeatedly slamming into oncoming waves.

PP Port Prefix

PPA Piraeus Port Authority, port management authority

PPD Prepaid

Ppd. Freight charges paid by the consignor (shipper) prior to the release of the bills of lading by the carrier.

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

PPI Policy proof of interest, Plan Position Indicator, Principal Party of Interest

PPI Plan Position Indicator. Display that provides a 2-D "all round" display of the space around a radar site. The distance out from the center of the display indicates range, and the angle around the display is the azimuth to the target

PPL Proposal

PPM Parts per Million

PPOS Propose

PPSF Pounds per square foot

PPSI Pounds per square inch

PPT Prompt. Prompt loading. Cargo or Ship is available promptly

pram A type of dinghy with a flat bow

Pratique Licence or permission to use a port

Pratique Certificate Lifts temporary quarantine of a vessel; granted pratique by Health Officer

PRBLM Problem

PRC Price. People's Republic of China

PRDCN Production

PRDS Products


keyword description

PREAMBLE Introduction to a charter party

Pre-cooling Process employed in the shipment of citrus fruits and other perishable commodities. The fruit is packed and placed in a cold room from which the heat is gradually extracted. The boxes of fruit are packed in containers that have been thoroughly cooled and transported through to destination without opening the doors.

PREF Prefer

preferred channel buoy Also known as a junction buoy. A red and green horizontally striped buoy used in the United States to mark the separation of a channel into two channels. The preferred channel is indicated by the color of the uppermost stripe. Red on top indicates that the preferred channel is to the right as you return. Also see can and nun buoys.

PRELIM Preliminary

PREM Premium

PREN Premium

Prepaid Freight charges paid by the consignor (shipper) prior to the release of the bills of lading by the carrier.

PRES Pressure

PREV(LY) Previous(ly)

prevailing winds The typical winds for a particular region and time of year.

preventer A line run forward from the boom to a secure fitting to prevent the boom from jibing accidentally when running. If the boat jibes anyway, this can cause the sail to become backwinded.

Prima Facie On first appearance

prime meridian The 0° longitude line that runs through Greenwich, England.

privileged vessel The vessel that is required to maintain its course and speed when boats are approaching each other according to the navigation rules. Also known as the stand on vessel

PRIVT Private

Pro Forma Latin term meaning "For the sake of form"

Pro Forma Invoice An invoice provided by a supplier prior to the shipment of merchandise, informing the buyer of the kinds and quantities of goods to be sent, their value, and specifications (weight, size, etc.)

Pro Rata Latin term meaning "In proportion"

PROBLY Probably

Product Tanker A liquid cargo vessel of 10,000 to 60,000dwt. Also referred to as a Handymax Tanker

PROFORMA Estimated Account

Project Rate Single tariff item, established to move multiple commodities needed for a specified project, usually construction

PROP propeller


keyword description

propane Also known as LPG (liquid petroleum gas). Propane is a common fuel used for cooking and heating. CNG (natural gas) is considered safer because propane is heavy than air and will sink into the bilge if it leaks, creating the potential for an explosion. Propane is more easily available throughout the world than CNG however, so it is used for most boats outside of North America.

propeller An object with two or more twisted blades that is designed to propel a vessel through the water when spun rapidly by the boat's engine

propeller shaft The spinning shaft from the engine to which the propeller is attached

PROS(V) Prospect(ive)

protest see Captain's protest

protractor A navigation tool used to measure angles on a chart.

Provisioning Aquiring food and beverages or grocery provisions

prow The part of the bow forward of where it leaves the waterline.

PRP Potentially Responsible Party

PRPD Product

PRT Petroleum revenue tax

PRVD Provided, Prooved

PRVT Private

PS Passenger Ship

PSAR Passenger sales agency rules

PSBL Possible

PSC Port State Control. Inspection of a foreign-flagged vessel voluntarily docked in another sovereign state’s waters. When flag states fail to remove substandard vessels from commerce, port state control can, enforcing rules adopted by the IMO. Inspections for compliance with safety and environmental standards are carried out by a Port State Control Officer (PSCO)

PSCO Port State Control Officer. Carries out inspections for compliance with safety and environmental standards for Port State Control (PSC)

PSE Please

PSF Passenger Ship Familiarisation

PSFO Port Security Facility Officer

PSGP Port Security Grant Program. As a result of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2005, fiscal year grant funding is provided annually to the Nation’s most at–risk seaports for physical security enhancements

PSI Pounds Per Square Inch

PSI Per square inch

PSO Pollution of the sa by oil

PSS Peak Season Surcharge

PSSG Passing


keyword description

PSSR Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW)

PST Personal Survival Techniques (STCW)

PTA Passenger transport authority

PTA Prepaid ticket arrangement

PTI Pre trip inspection/preventive technical inspection

PTL Partial total loss

PTO Please turn over

PTSA Port and Tanker Safety Act

PTTI Postal telegraph & telephone international

Publishing Agent Person authorized by transportation lines to publish tariffs or rates, rules, and regulations for their account.

PUF Passenger User Fee

pull in rowing, to row an oar, putting your back into it

pulley A wheel on an axle that is designed to support movement of a cable or belt along its circumference, used in a variety of ways to lift loads, apply forces or transmit power

Pulp Temperature Procedure where carrier tests the temperature of the internal flesh of refrigerated commodities to assure that the temperature at time of shipment conforms to prescribed temperature ranges.

pulpit A sturdy railing around the deck on the bow. Located at the bow of the boat, this area is enclosed by a metal railing

pump out Removing waste from a holding tank

pumpman A rating that tends to the pumps of an oil tanker

PURCH Purchasing

purchase Two or more blocks connected to provide a mechanical advantage when lifting heavy objects.

purifier Device used to purify oil or fuel, to prevent small substances to block the path where the oil or fuel is being burned

purser Senior financial administrator (treasurer) on a ship

PUS Plus Us. Past Us

pushpit Also called stern pulpit. A sturdy railing around the deck at the stern. Located at the stern of the boat and like the pulpit, this area is enclosed by a metal railing

put in to enter a port or harbor

PV pressure/vacuum, prime vertical

PVA Passenger Vessel Association

PVC foam PVC is the acronynm for Ployvinyl chloride foam. A tough, resilient foam that is not affected by water

PVO Passenger Vessel Operator

PW Packed weight, per weght


keyword description

PWH Per Workable Hatch

PWHD Per Workable Hatch Day

PWSA Ports and waterways safety act

PWWD Per Weather Working Day

PYC Passenger Yacht Code

Q flag all yellow signal flag meaning my vessel is healthy and I request free pratique (license to enter port on the grounds that the vessel is disease free).

q.n. Quotation

QA Quality Assurance

QC Quantity at captain's option. Quality Coordinator

QD Quadruple screw

QE ABS Quality Evaluations

QI Qualified Individual (OPA 90)

QIT Quality Improvement Team

QITE Quite

QK(LY) Quick(ly)

QLFY Qualify

QLTY Quality

QLY Quality

QN Quintuple Screw

QNTY Quantity

QOTE Quote

QRTR Quarter

QSC Quality Steering Committee

QSCS Quality System Certification System

QSTN Question

QTE Quote

QTN Quotation

QTY Quantity

QTY Quantity

quadrant A device connected to the rudder that the steering cables attach to.

QUAR Quarantine

Quarantine A restraint placed on an operation to protect the public against a health hazard. A ship may be quarantined so that it cannot leave a protected point. During the quarantine period, the Q flag is hoisted.


keyword description

quarantine flag The quebec pennant is flown when first entering a country, indicating that the people on the ship are healthy and that the vessel wants permission to visit the country.

quarter The side of a boat aft of the beam. There are both a port quarter and a starboard quarter.

Quarter Breast line Mooring line, whose purpose is to keep the vessel close to the pier

quartering Sailing with the wind between the stern and the beam

quartering sea A sea which comes over the quarter of the boat

quarters Sleeping areas on the boat

Quay A structure attached toland to which a vessel is moored. A section parallel to the shore for docking and unloading vessels. See also Also Wharf, Pier and Dock.

queen topsail small stay sail located between the foremast and mainmast

QUES Question

quick flashing light A navigational aid with a light that flashes about once per second

Quoin A wedge-shaped piece of timber used to secure barrels against movement

Quota The quantity of goods that may be imported without restriction during a set period of time

Quotation An offer to sell goods at a stated price and under stated terms

QUTN Quotation

QWT Quay Weight and Tonnage dues

QY Quay

R&D Research and Development

R/A Refer to acceptor

R/E Rate of exchange

R/L Reefer container list

R/O Release order

R/P By return of post. Return to Port for orders

R/T Revenue ton

R/T radio telegraph, telegraphy, telephone

R/V Round Voyage

rabbet In shipbuilding, a groove or a channel incised by a peculiar form of plane along a piece of timber to receive the edge of a plank

race A strong, rippling tide

rack To be driven at high speed over the water by a brisk wind

racon A radar beacon which emits its signal when triggered by beams from a radar

RADAR RAdio Detection And Ranging. An electronic instrument that uses radio waves to find the distance and location of other objects. Used to avoid collisions, particularly in times of poor visibility


keyword description

radar arch An arch to mount the radar, usually at the stern of the boat

radar clearing line A radar range to provide a safe distance off when travelling along a coast

radar reflector An object designed to increase the radio reflectivity of a boat so that it is more visible on radar. Many small boats are made with fiberglass and other materials that do not reflect radar very well on their own

radio An instrument that uses radio waves to communicate with other vessels. VHF (very high frequency) radios are common for marine use, but are limited in range. Single side band (SSB) radios have longer ranges

radio beacon A navigational aid that emits radio waves for navigational purposes. The radio beacon's position is known and the direction of the radiobeacon can be determined by using a radio direction finder

radio bearing A bearing taken with a radio direction finder toward a radio beacon.

radio direction finder RDF for short. An instrument that can determine the direction that a radio transmission is coming from. The RDF is used with a radio beacon to find a radio bearing to help determine the vessel's position.

radiowaves Invisible waves in the electromagnetic spectrum that are used to communicate (radio) and navigate (radar, RDF)

raft A small flat boat, usually inflatable. To moor with more than boat tied together

raft A group of any timbers attached together to form a float

rail The edge of a boat's deck

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

rake Measurement of the top of the mast's tilt toward the bow or the stern. An inclination or slope from the perpendicular, thus the rake of the masts; the rake of the stem or stern

RAM Random Access Memory (computer)

ram Drive one ship onto another

range The calculated distance to another vessel or object. Distance a boat can travel with its available fuel and supplies. Difference between high and load tides. A pair of landmarks or markers that a helmsman may use as a visual gauge to steer a correct course.

range lights A pair of lights or day marks deliberately placed to mark a narrow channel

RAS Replenishment at Sea

Rate Basis A formula of the specific factors or elements that control the making of a rate. A rate can be based on any number of factors (weight, measure, equipment type, package, box, etc.).

rating Seaman who assists officers in all departments, skilled seafarer who carries out essential tasks in the day-to-day running of the ship

ration A certain allowance of food served out to those on board a ship or elsewhere

ratlines Small lines tied between the shrouds to use as a ladder when going aloft

RB Rubber Stern Bearing

RBS Recreational Boating Safety


keyword description

RCAO Refined canola oil

RCC Rescue Coordination Centre

RCDS Raster Chart Display Systems

RCO Refined corn oil

RCOGNZ Recognize

RCOMND Recommend

RCPT Receipt

RCV Receive

RCV(D) Receive(d)

RCVR Receiver

RCVRY Recovery

RD Read, RounD trip, Running days

RDC Running down clause

RDF Radio Direction Finder

RDY Ready

RE Regarding. Regulatory Evaluation. Reffering to

reach Sail with the wind abeam, or almost so

reaching Any point of sail with the wind coming from the side of the boat. If the wind is coming from directly over the side, it is a beam reach. If the boat is pointed with its bow more directly into the wind it is a close reach. If the wind is coming from over the quarter, it is called a broad reach.

ready about Term used by the helmsman to notify the crew to get ready for a tack

Reasonableness Under ICC and common law, the requirement that a rate not be higher than is necessary to reimburse the carrier for the actual cost of transporting the traffic and allow a fair profit.

Rebate An illegal form of discounting or refunding that has the net effect of lowering the tariff price. See also Malpractice.

RECAP Recapitulation of the terms and conditions agreed

Receiving point A mark or place at which a vessel comes under obligatory entry, transit or escort procedure (e.g. port entry, canal transit or ice breaker escort)

reciprocal A bearing 180° from the other. A direction directly opposite the original direction

RECM Recommend

RECOMM Recommend

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

Recourse A right claim against the guarantors of a loan or draft or bill of exchange

RECV(D) Receive(d)


keyword description

red buoy A nun buoy. A conical buoy with a pointed top, painted red, and having an even number, used in the United States for navigational aids. At night they may have a red light. These buoys should be kept on the right side of the boat when returning from a larger body of water to a smaller one such as a marina. Can buoys are used on the opposite side of the channel. Also see green and red daymarks.

red daymark A navigational aid used in the United States and Canada to mark a channel. Red square daymarks should be kept on the right when returning from a larger to smaller body of water. Green daymarks mark the other side of the channel. Also see can and nun buoys.

Red Label A label required on shipments of flammable articles

REDWS Rate, extras and demurrage according to worldscale

reef To partially lower a sail so that it is not as large, helps prevent too much sail from being in use when the wind gets stronger. A line of rock and coral near the surface of the water.

reef cringles Reinforced cringles in the sail designed to hold the reefing lines when reefing the sail

reef knot Also known as the square knot. This knot is an unreliable knot used to loosely tie lines around the bundles of sail that are not in use after reefing.

reef points Points where lines have been attached to tie the extra sail out of the way after reefing

Reefer Refrigerated cargo ship, a type of ship typically used to transport perishable commodities which require temperature-controlled transportation, such as fruit, meat, fish, vegetables, dairy products and other foods. Refrigerated container

reefing To partially lower a sail so that it is not as large, helps prevent too much sail from being in use when the wind gets stronger

reefing To reduce a sail by taking in upon its head, if a square sail, and its foot, if a fore-and-aft sail

reefing lines Lines used to pull the reef in the sail. The reef line will pass through reef cringles, which will become the new tack and clew of the reefed sail

reel Roll of rope, wire or pipe

reel laying Method to install subsea pipelines

reeve Leeding a line through a block or other object

REF Refer. Reffering. Refrigeration

REFCE Reference

REFCON Refrigerated container

refrigeration plant Refrigeration plants on merchant vessels play a vital part in carrying refrigerated cargo and provisions for the crew on board. In reefer ships, the temperature of the perishable or temperature sensitive cargo such as food, chemical, or liquefied gas, is controlled by the refrigeration plant of the ship. The same plant or a smaller unit can be used for maintaining the temperature of different provision rooms carrying food stuffs for crew members

REG(D) Register(ed)

regatta A series of boat races


keyword description

Registered Owner The legal title of ownership of the vessel that appears on the ship's registration documents. It may be an Owner/Manager or a wholly-owned subsidiary in a larger shipping group

Registry The ship's certificate determining the ownership and nationality of the vessel

REGLTN Regulation

REL Relative/related

Related Points Group of points to which rates are made the same as or in relation to rates to other points in group

relative bearing A bearing relative to the boat or another object, rather than a compass direction

Relay To transfer containers from one ship to another when both vessels are controlled by the same network (carrier) manager

Releases of substances Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to avoid releases of substances as defined by MARPOL (Annex 1-6)

REM Remittance

Remittance Funds sent by one person to another as payment

REMN Remain

REMT(D) Remit(ed)

RENC Regional Electronic Navigational Chart Co-Ordinating Centre

REP Representative. Reporting System

REPO Report

REPORTD It is reported

Reporting point see Way point

REPT Report

REQMNT Requirement

RES Reserve

RESPBL Responsible

RESPBTY Responsibility

RESPCTVLY Respectively

Restricted Articles Articles handled only under certain conditions

RESV Reserve

REV Review. Reversing

Revenue Ton A ton on which the shipment is freighted. If cargo is rated as weight or measure (W/M), whichever produces the highest revenue will be considered the revenue ton. Weights are based on metric tons and measures are based on cubic meters. RT=1 MT or 1 CBM.

Reverse IPI An inland point provided by an all water carrier's through bill of lading in the U.S. by first discharging the container in an East Coast port.


keyword description

Reversible If loading completed sooner than expected at load port, then days saved can be added to discharge operations.

REVPRT Revised Report

REVS Revise

REVSO Reverting soonest

RF range finder, radio frequency, reference

RFC Request For Class

RFI Request For Invoice

RFP Request For Approval

RFP Request for Proposal

RFQ Request for Quotation

RFQ Request For Quote

RGD(S) Regard(s)

RGE Range

RGRT Regreat

rhumb In navigation, the track of a ship which cuts all the meridians at the same angle

rhumb line A line that passes through all meridians at the same angle. When drawn on a Mercator chart, the rhumb line is a straight line. However the Mercator chart is a distortion of a round globe on a flat surface, so the rhumb line will be a longer course than a great circle route.

RI RINA

RIB Rigid Inflatable Boat. The hull is rigid while inflatable pontoons are mounted to the sides of the dinghy

ride out To weather a storm, either at sea or at anchor.

riding light Anchor light. A white light displayed from the top of the mast to indicate that the boat is at anchor

riding sail Also called a stability sail or steadying sail. Any small sail set to help the boat maintain its direction without necessarily moving, as when at anchor or in heavy weather.

rig A combination of sails and spars. The act of preparing the rig before sailing

rigging The wires, lines, halyards and other items used to attach the sails and the spars to the boat. The lines that do not have to be adjusted often are known as standing rigging. The lines that are adjusted to raise, lower and trim the sails are known as running rigging.

right To return a boat that is not upright to its upright position

rigid inflatable A small inflatable boat that has a solid hull but has buoyancy tubes that are inflated to keep it afloat.

RINA Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Registro Italiano Navale (classification society)

rip current as in tide rip; water disturbance created by conflicting current and wind


keyword description

risk management The identification, assessment and prioritization of risks

RLB Resilient Light Beacon

RLS Rolls

RM Room

RM Room

RMC Installations character for Cargo Refrigerating Installations

RMK(S) Remark(s)

RMKBLE Remarkable

RMT National Union of Rail, Maritime And Transport Workers

RMTNC Remittance

RNC Raster Navigational Chart

RO Routing Organization

RO/RO Roll-on Roll-off. A method of ocean cargo service using a vessel with ramps which allows wheeled vehicles to be loaded and discharged without cranes. Also refers to any specialized vessel designed to carry Ro/Ro cargo

roach A curve out from the aft edge (leech) of a sail. Battens are sometimes used to help support and stiffen the roach.

roaring forties The areas of ocean between 40° and 50° latitude in the S Hemisphere, noted for gale-force winds

Roaring Fourties A region between 40° south and 50° south where westerly winds circle the earth unobstructed by land.

ROB Remaining on board (cargo, bunkers, supplies). The material remaining in vessel tanks, void spaces, and/or pipelines after discharge. Remaining on board quantity includes water, oil, slops, oil residue, oil/water emulsions etc.

ROC Reference our cable

rocker The upward curvature of the keel towards the bow and stern.

rode Anchor rode. A line or chain attached to the anchor

ROE Rate Of Exchange

ROL Refer to our letter

ROLET Reference our letter

Roll To re-book cargo to a later vessel

roll A side to side motion of the boat, usually caused by waves. Also see pitching and yawing.

roll - vessel movement side to side (port and starboard) rocking motion on the length center axis

roller a wave

roller furling A method of storing a sail usually by rolling the jib around the headstay or the mainsail around the boom or on the mast


keyword description

roller reefing A system of reefing a sail by partially furling it. Roller furling systems are not necessarily designed to support roller reefing.

rolling The side-to-side (athwartship) motion of a vessel

rolling heap slang expression meaning ocean

rolling hitch A knot used to attach a line to a spar or similar object.

ROM read only memory

Root Cause Analysis Root cause analysis (RCA) is a method of problem solving that tries to identify the root causes of faults or problems that cause operating events

rope Traditionally a line must be over 1 inch in size to be called a rope. Cordage purchased from a supplier is called rope. Once installed on a yacht it is referred to as "lines".

RO-RO roll on/roll off. A shortening of the term, "Roll On/Roll Off." A method of ocean cargo service using a vessel with ramps which allows wheeled vehicles to be loaded and discharged without cranes.

ROT Refer to our telegram

ROTEL Reference our telegram

ROTLX Reference to Our telex

ROTX Reference to Our telex

Route The manner in which a shipment moves; i.e., the carriers handling it and the points at which the carriers interchange.

ROV Remotely operated vehicle

row A method of moving a boat with oars. The person rowing the boat faces backwards, bringing the blade of the oars out of the water and toward the bow of the boat. They then pull the oars through the water toward the stern of the boat, moving the boat forward.

ROW Right-of-way (ROW) regulations to prevent collisions between boats

rowboat A small boat designed to be rowed by use of its oars. Some dinghys are rowboats.

rowlocks Used as guides for oars.

RP20 Replay (by) 20th

RPL Replay

RPLSH Replenish

RPM Revolutions per minute

RPT Repeat

RPTN Repetition

RPWED Reply (by) wednesday

RPY Replay

RQ Require, Request

RQST Request


keyword description

RR Radio Reguulations

RRS Russian Register of Shipping

RS Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (classification society)

RSBO Refined soyabean oil

RSPCTV(LY) Respective(ly)

RSV Reserve

RSVP Please reserve

RT Radio Telegraph, telegraphy, telephone. Revenue Ton

RT - Revenue Tonne 1.0 metric tonne or 1.0 cubic meter, whichever greater. The overall RT is calculated on a line by line basis of the Packing List using the largest amount. The overall freight liability is calculated on the total RT amount, multiplied by the freight rate.

RTCM Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services

RTN Return

RTRN Return

rub guard Rail on the outside of the hull of a boat to protect the hull from rubbing against piles, docks and other objects

rub rail, rub strake Rail on the outside of the hull of a boat to protect the hull from rubbing against piles, docks and other objects

rudder A flat surface attached behind or underneath the stern used to control the direction that the boat is traveling

rudder head The top part of the rudder - the one being actually attached to the tiller.

rudder post The post that the rudder is attached to. The wheel or tiller is connected to the rudder post.

rules of the road The rules concerning which vessel has the right of way if there is a possibility of collision between two or more boats.

run To allow a line to feed freely.

run aground To take a boat into water that is too shallow for it to float in, i.e: the bottom of the boat is resting on the ground.

runners, running backs Adjustable stays used to control tension on the mast. Temporary backstays used to stabilise the mast and prevent undue flerxing.

running A point of sail where the boat has the wind coming from aft of the boat. Running can cause the danger of an accidental jibe. Used to describe a line that has been released and is in motion. Sailing with the wind blowing from astern, sailing downwind

running backstay Adjustable stay used to control tension on the mast. Temporary backstay used to stabilise the mast and prevent undue flerxing

running bowline A type of knot that tightens under load. It is formed by running the standing line through the loop formed in a regular bowline.

running fix A fix taken by taking bearings of a single object over a period of time. By using the vessel's known course and speed, the location of the vessel can be found.


keyword description

Running Gear Complementary equipment for terminal and over–the–road handling containers

running lights Navigational lights that are required to be used when a vessel is in motion.

running rigging All lines, halyards and sheets used in controlling sails and spars

RV Round Voyage

RVNX Released Value Not Exceeding. Usually used to limit the value of goods transported. The limitation refers to carrier liability when paying a claim for lost or damaged goods.

RVSD Revised

RVT Revert

RVTG Reverting

RWA Ready willing and able

RWF Radio weather forecasts

RWTH Raised water tight hatch

Rx Receiver

RYA Royal yachting assocation

RYC(20) Reference your cable (date)

RYL Reference to your letter

RYL(ROL) Refer to your (our) Letter

RYLET Reference your letter

RYTEL Reference your telegram

RYTLX Reference to Your telex

S & W Sediment & Water

S.O.S. Save Our Souls

S/D Sight draft, Sea damage

S/M Shipping mark

S/N Sample number, Serial number, shipping note

S/O Shipping Order

S/P Stowage plan

S/R B/L Signing and releasing bills of lading

S/S Steamship

S/T Short Ton(s)

S+R B/L Signing and Releasing Bill of Lading

SA South america. Safe anchorage. Salvage association. Starboard Aft

SAC special area of conservation

saccade Sudden jerk of the sails in light winds, and a heavy swell

safe course A determined safe route across dangerous water


keyword description

safe overhead clearance A distance that needs to be kept between the mast and overhead electrical lines to prevent electrical arcing.

SAFE Port Act Is the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 which is an Act of Congress in the United States that covers port security

safe room All water surface within a certain distance from potential hazards such as the shore

safety harness Device worn around a person's body that can be attached to jack lines to help prevent a person from becoming separated from the boat

safety pin Any pin that is used to prevent a fitting from falling open. A pin used to keep the anchor attached to its anchor roller when not in use

SAG Sagging

sagging stress a ship is put under when it passes over the trough of a wave, tends to make the middle portion lower than the bow andstern

sail A large piece of fabric designed to be hoisted on the spars of a sailboat in such a manner as to catch the wind and propel the boat. The act of using the wind to propel a sailboat.

sail shape The shape of a sail, with regard to its efficiency. In high winds a sail would probably be flatter, in low winds rounder. Other circumstances can cause a sail to twist. Controls such as the cunningham, boom vang, outhaul, traveler, halyards, leech line, sheets, and the bend of the mainmast all can affect sail shape. Also see sail trim.

sail track A slot into which the bolt rope or lugs in the luff of the sail are inserted to attach the sail. Most masts and roller reefing jibs use sail tracks. Systems with 2 tracks can allow for rapid sail changes

sail trim The position of the sails relative to the wind and desired point of sail. Sails that are not trimmed properly may not operate efficiently. Visible signs of trim are luffing, excessive heeling, and the flow of air past telltales. Also see sail shape

sailboat A boat which uses the wind as its primary means of propulsion

sailcloth A fabric, usually synthetic, used to make sails.

sailing Propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large (usually fabric) foils called sails. The art of directing a ship on a given line laid down in a chart

sailing directions Books that describe features of particular sailing areas, such as hazards, anchorages, etc.

sailing rig the equipment used to sail a bost, including sails, booms and gaffs, lines and blocks

SALM Single Anchor Leg Mooring

salon also saloon, main social cabin of a boat

Salvage rescue, the process of rescuing a ship, its cargo and sometimes the crew from peril, see marine salvage

Salvage Tug Type of tugboat used to rescue or salvage ships which are in distress or in danger of sinking

SAM surface to air missile

sampan Small boat with a narrow design, originally found in Japan and China


keyword description

sampson post A strong post used for to attach lines for towing or mooring.

sanction An embargo imposed by a Government against another country

sand bar An area in shallow water where wave or current action has created a small, long hill of sand. Since they are created by water movement, they can move and may not be shown on a chart.

SAR Search and Rescue

SARMIS SAR Management Information System

SARSAT Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking

SART Search and Rescue Radar Transponder

SART Search and Rescue Transponder is a self-contained, waterproof radar transponder intended for emergency use at sea, it is used to help locate a survival craft or distressed vessel by creating a series of dots on a rescuing ship's radar display

SAS safety at sea

satellite navigation Navigation using information transmitted from satellites. See Global Positioning System

Satellite Navigation Form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board automatic equipment

SatNav Satellite Navigation

sat-phone A satellite telephone. Sat-phones send and receive signals directly to and from orbiting satellites and can operate from almost anywhere on earth

SATPM Saturday P.M.

SATSHEX (SATSHINC) Saturdays sundays, holidays excluded (included)

SATSHINC Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Included

SB Safe Berth

SBJ Subject (to)

SBM Single buoy mooring

SBM Single Buoy Mooring

SBO Soyabean oil

SBT Segregated Ballast Tank

SCA Suez Canal Authority

SCAC Code Standard Carrier Alpha Code. Used to identify the carrier or carrier's company name that a supplier uses for transporting its shipments to their customer. See Owner Code

scale Climb.

scandalize On a gaff rig the sail is made loose footed, the clew is brought forward along the boom and the sail cloth is drawn up in folds along the gaff and mast. From this position the sail is instantly available for use.


keyword description

scantling In shipbuilding, refers to the collective dimensions of the various parts, particularly the framing and structural supports, used in the plural to describe how much structural strength in the form of girders, I-beams, etc. is in a given section. The scantling length refers to the structural length of a ship

SCDUL Schedule

scend The distance that the trough of a wave is below the average water level. With large waves in shallow water the scend is important to help determine whether a boat will run aground.

SCHDL Schedule

SCHED Schedule(d)

Schedule B The Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States.

school A large body of fish

schooner A sailboat with two or more masts. The aft mast is the same size or larger than the forward one(s). Also see ketch and yawl.

schooning To move forward quickly; historic nautical term

SCM Stern To Manifold (Distance)

scope Technically, the ratio of length of anchor rode in use to the vertical distance from the bow of the vessel to the bottom of the water. Usually six to seven to one for calm weather and more scope in storm conditions.

SCOPIC Special Compensation P&I Clause

scopolamine a drug prescribed for motion sickness

scow A boat with a flat bottom and square ends

SCR Special Casualty Representative (P&I)

scramble net A net used for people to climb off a ship in an emergency

scraper A small, triangular iron instrument, with a handle fitted to its centre, and used for scraping decks and masts

SCRB Survival Craft and Rescue Boat

Screaming Sixties The area between 60 degrees and 70 degrees latitude noted for exceptionally strong wind, huge seas, and frequent icebergs.

Screen Bulkhead A bulkhead, usually placed between the engine room and boiler room, which is fire proof, dust proof, and gas tight

screw propeller

SCT Shekou container terminals

scuba diving Diving where the diver's equipment is completely self-contained

scud To run before the wind in a storm

scull A method of moving a boat by using a single oar at the stern

sculling A technique of “rowing” a dinghy with a single oar


keyword description

sculling oar a large oar used for propelling a boat by moving from side to side; also used for an emergency rudder

scupper Drain in cockpit, coaming, or toe-rail allowing water to drain out and overboard. When in toe rail, properly known as "freeing port"

scupper pipe A pipe which drains water from scuppers throughout the side of a ship

scuttle To sink a boat

scuttlebutt Gossip. People talking about things that may or may not be true, usually about other people or events. The term scuttlebutt evolved from the name of a keg containing water and alcohol that sailors used to gather about before meals.

SCVNG Scavenging. To search through for salvageable material

SD Sea Damage. Single Decker

SDBC Single Deck Bulk Carrier

SDCAO Super De-gummed Canola Oil

SDR Special Drawing Right (1 SDR = 3,061 GF)

SDW Summer Dead Weight

SDWT Summer Dead Weight

sea A body of salt water. A very large body of fresh water

sea anchor A drogue designed to bring a boat to a near stop in heavy weather. Typically a sea anchor is set off of the bow of a boat so that the bow points into the wind and rough waves.

sea buoy The last buoy as a boat heads to sea

sea cock A valve used to prevent water from entering at a through hull

sea kindly Boat comfortable in rough weather

sea level The average level of the oceans, used when finding water depths or land elevations.

Sea Protest In maritime law, a sea protest is a notarized statement obtained after a ship enters port after a rough voyage. Its purpose is to protect the ship's charterer or owner from liability for damage to the cargo, the ship or to other ships in a collision, where this was caused by the perils of the sea (for example, bad weather)

sea room Room for a boat to travel without danger of running aground.

Sea Waybill Document indicating the goods were loaded onboard when a document of title (b/L) is not needed. Typically used when a company is shipping goods to itself.

Sea-Bee Vessels Ocean vessels constructed with heavy-duty submersible hydraulic lift or elevator system at the stern of the vessel. The Sea-Bee system facilitates forward transfer and positioning of barges. Sea-Bee barges are larger than LASH barges. The Sea-Bee system is no longer used.

seacock Valve on the hull of a boat or a ship, permitting water to flow into the boat, such as for cooling an engine or for a salt water faucet, or out of the boat, such as for a sink drain or a toilet

SEAFREIGHT Costs charged for transporting goods over the sea. This does not cover haulage or loading/discharging costs but the sea transport only


keyword description

seagoing Vessel designed to be able to cross oceans.

seamanship The ability of a person to motor or sail a vessel, including all aspects of its operation

seat locker A storage locker located under a cockpit seat

Seawaymax Vessel The largest vessel that can transit the locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Length is 226 meters (740 feet); Beam is 24 meters (78 feet); Draft is 7.92 meters (26 feet)

Seaworthiness The fitness of a vessel for its intended use.Statement of condition of the vessel (valid certificates, fully equipped and manned etc.)

seaworthy A boat or a boat's gear able to meet the usual sea conditions

SEC Second

secondary port A port that is not directly listed in the tide tables but for which information is available as a difference from a nearby standard port.

SECS Seconds

SECT Section

sector An arc of a circle in which certain types of navigational lights known as sector lights are visible.

sector light A navigational light that is visible only for a specific sector or arc of a circle, enabling a boat to determine that it lies within that sector. Sector lights might mark the entrance to a channel.

sector lights Lines created by masked coloured lights that indicate a safe channel

secure To make fast. To stow an object or tie it in place.

Secure Freight Initiative It is a key provision of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 and is part of the International Container Security scanning project. It builds on its current partnership between the Container Security Initiative and the Megaports Initiative. It expands the use of scanning and imaging equipment to examine more U.S. bound containers, not just those determined to be high risk

securite A type of warning message transmitted by radio. Securite messages are used to warn of impending storms, navigational hazards and other potential problems that are not immediately life threatening by themselves. MAYDAY and PAN PAN are used for more immediate problems.

Security deficiencies Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the ship manager’s security performance measured by the number of deficiencies recorded during external inspections and audits

Security Level 1 Level for which minimum appropriate protective security measures shall be maintained at all times

Security Level 2 Level for which appropriate additional protective security measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a security incident

Security Level 3 Level for which further specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target

SED U.S. Commerce Department document, "Shipper's Export Declaration"

SEEMP Ship Energy Efficiency Plan


keyword description

seized bound together

seizing Tying two lines, or a spar and a line together, by using a small line.

SelCall Selective Call

self bailing Said of an area, such as the cockpit, that is capable of rapidly draining away any water that may fill the area.

self draining A locker or other area equipped with a drain capable of allowing any water that may collect in it to leave, such as from wet clothes or equipment.

self steering gear A device used to keep a sailboat on the same heading relative to the wind without aid of a person. Self steering gear is a mechanical system using a wind vane instead of electrical power as does an autopilot.

self-bailing cockpit A watertight cockpit with scuppers, drains, or bailers that remove water.

SELFD Self Discharging

SelFEC Selective FEC

self-tacking Normally applied to a sail that requires no adjustment other than sheeting when boat is tacked

self-tending A club footed triangular foresail which is sheeted to the forward deck and needs not be adjusted when tacking

semaphore A method of signaling using two flags held in position by the signaler

semi-trailers Are usually 12.0 meter flat bed road trailers

SENC System Electronic Navigational Chart

sentinel A weight hung from the anchor chain in order to keep the anchor lying as flat as possible to prevent dragging.

SEPA Separate

separation zone A region drawn on a chart to separate two lanes that have shipping vessels moving in opposite directions

SERV Service

serve To wind small line around a rope to protect it from chaffing and weather

server A larger computer used to provide services to user computers (clients)

Service A string of vessels which makes a particular voyage and serves a particular market

Service Contract As provided in the Shipping Act of 1984, a contract between a shipper (or a shippers association) and an ocean common carrier (or conference) in which the shipper makes a commitment to provide a certain minimum quantity of cargo or freight revenue over a fixed time period, and the ocean common carrier or conference commits to a certain rate or rate schedule as well as a defined service level (such as assured space, transit time, port rotation or similar service features). The contract may also specify provisions in the event of nonperformance on the part of either party.

SES Satellite Earth Station, Seafarers' Education Service

set To put an object in place, as in "set the anchor." The direction a current is moving. To hoist a sail


keyword description

SET(L) Settle(ment)

settling tank A tank for holding liquid until particles suspended in it settle to the bottom of a liquid and form a sediment

sextant A navigational instrument used to determine the vertical position of an object such as the sun, moon or stars. Used with celestial navigation.

SF Stowage Factor. Cubic space (measurement tonne) occupied by one tonne (2,240 lbs/1,000 kgs) of carg. Safe port. Starboard Forward. Sparring Fitted

SF/SG Stowage factor/specific gravity

SFI Secure Freight Initiative. It is a key provision of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 and is part of the International Container Security scanning project. It builds on its current partnership between the Container Security Initiative and the Megaports Initiative. It expands the use of scanning and imaging equipment to examine more U.S. bound containers, not just those determined to be high risk

SFO Sunflower oil

SFTD Shifted

SG Specific Gravity

shackle U-shaped piece of metal secured with a clevis pin or bolt across the opening, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release locking pin mechanism, also known as a gyve

shackle A metal U-shaped connector that attaches to other fittings with the use of a pin that is inserted through the arms of the U, lines and halyards often use shackles

shaft alley A casing covering the propeller shaft and extending from engine room to after peak

shake out To remove a reef from a sail.

shakedown An initial trip with a boat to make sure that everything is operating properly.

shank The long bar part of an anchor, the flukes are at one end of the shank and the stock is at the other

SHBE Should be

she All boats are referred to as female. "She is at anchor" "Her sails are set"

shear pin A pin attaching one part to another that is designed to break if excessive loads are applied. For example to connect the propeller to the propeller shaft so that the pin can break if the propeller strikes something, preventing damage to the propeller and engine.

sheathing A covering to protect the bottom of a boat.

sheave A wheel used to change the direction of a line, such as in a block or at the top of the masthead

SHEEIU Sundays and holidays expected even if used

sheepshank A knot used to temporarily shorten a line

sheer The fore and aft curvature of the deck. A sudden change of course

sheer strake The top plank on the side of a wooden boat that follows the sheer of the deck


keyword description

sheet A line attached to the clew of a sail and is used to control the sail's trim. The sheets are named after the sail, as in jib sheets and main sheet

sheet bend A type of knot used to tie two lines together

shell plating plating that forms a ships hull; this is further subdivided into side shell plating and bottom plating

Shelter-Deck Ship An oceangoing vessel with a continuous top deck above the main deck, the upper deck having no overhead protection from the weather, but sheltering the deck below. Shelter-deck ships have covered openings in the top deck, in the transverse bulkheads beneath the top decks, or in the sides above the main deck

SHEX Saturday and Holidays Excluded

SHINC Saturday and Holidays Included

ship A large vessel. To take an object on board such as cargo or water. To put items such as oars on the boat when not in use.

Ship Demurrage A charge for delaying a steamer beyond a stipulated period.

ship in seas take in seas

Ship Load The amount of cargo a ship carries or is able to carry

Ship Operator Company responsible for the commercial decisions concerning the employment of a ship and therefore who decides how and where that asset is employed

Ship Security Officer Is the person on board the vessel, accountable to the master, designated by the Company as responsible for the security of the ship, including implementation and maintenance of the ship security plan and for the liaison with the company security officer and the port facility security officers

Ship Security Officer - SSO Crew member is responsible for the on-board security plan and all security equipment, required for ISPS

Ship Security Plan Is a plan developed to ensure the application of measures on board the ship and designed to protect persons on board, cargo, cargo transport units, ship’s stores or the ship from the risks of a security incident

Ship Superintendent Person in charge of ensuring that necessary repair works on a ship are being executed properly, especially in a shipyard

Ship’s Tackle All rigging, cranes, etc., utilized on a ship to load or unload cargo

shipbroking Financial service, which forms part of the global shipping industry. Shipbrokers are specialist intermediaries/negotiators (i.e. brokers) between shipowners and charterers who use ships to transport cargo, or between buyers and sellers of ships

Shipmanager Company designated by the ship owner or charterer to be responsible for the day to day commercial running of the ship and the best contact for the ship regarding commercial matters

Shipment Tender of one lot of cargo at one time from one shipper to one consignee on one bill of lading

SHIPMT Shipment

Shipper The person or company who is usually the supplier or owner of commodities shipped. Also called Consignor


keyword description

Shipper The party in whose name a contract of carriage of goods has been concluded with at carrier or any party by whom, in whose name or on whose behalf the goods are actually delivered to the carrier in relation to the contract of carriage.

Shippers Association A non-profit entity that represents the interests of a number of shippers. The main focus of shippers associations is to pool the cargo volumes of members to leverage the most favorable service contract rate levels.

Shipper's Export Declaration (SED,"Ex Dec")

A joint Bureau of the Census' International Trade Administration form used for compiling U.S. exports. It is completed by a shipper and shows the value, weight, destination, etc., of export shipments as well as Schedule B commodity code.

Shipper's Instructions Shipper's communication(s) to its agent and/or directly to the international water-carrier. Instructions may be varied, e.g., specific details/clauses to be printed on the B/L, directions for cargo pickup and delivery.

Shipper's Letter of Instructions for issuing an Air Waybill

The document required by the carrier or freight forwarders to obtain (besides the data needed) authorization to issue and sign the air waybill in the name of the shipper.

Shipper's Load & Count (SL&C) Shipments loaded and sealed by shippers and not checked or verified by the carriers.

Shipping Act of 1916 The act of the U.S. Congress (1916) that created the U.S. Shipping Board to develop water transportation, operate the merchant ships owned by the government, and regulate the water carriers engaged in commerce under the flag of the United States. As of June 18, 1984, applies only to domestic offshore ocean transport.

Shipping Act of 1984 Effective June 18, 1984, describes the law covering water transportation in the U.S. foreign trade

Shipping Act of 1998 Amends the Act of 1984 to provide for confidential service contracts and other items.

Shipping Order Shipper's instructions to carrier for forwarding goods; usually the triplicate copy of the bill of lading.

Ships - Barge Carriers Ships designed to carry barges; some are fitted to act as full containerships and can carry a varying number of barges and containers at the same time. At present this class includes two types of vessels LASH and Sea-Bee.

Ships - Bulk Carriers All vessels designed to carry bulk cargo such as grain, fertilizers, ore, and oil.

Ships - Cable Layer Deep-sea vessel designed and used to lay underwater cables for telecommunications, electric power transmission, or other purposes

Ships - Combination Passenger and Cargo Ships

Ships with a capacity for 13 or more passengers.

Ships - Freighters Breakbulk vessels both refrigerated and unrefrigerated, containerships, partial containerships, roll on / roll off vessels, and barge carriers.

Ships - Full Containerships Ships equipped with permanent container cells, with little or no space for other types of cargo.

Ships - General Cargo Carriers Breakbulk freighters, car carriers, cattle carriers, pallet carriers and timber carriers.

Ships - Partial Containerships Multipurpose containerships where one or more but not all compartments are fitted with permanent container cells. Remaining compartments are used for other types of cargo.

Ships - Roll-on/Roll-off Ships specially designed to carry wheeled containers or trailers using interior ramps.


keyword description

Ships - Tankers Ships fitted with tanks to carry liquid cargo such as: crude petroleum and petroleum products; chemicals, Liquefied gasses(LNG and LPG), wine, molasses, and similar product tankers.

Ship's Bells Measure time onboard ship.One bell sounds for each half hour.One bell means 12:30,two bells mean 1:00, three bells mean 1:30, and so on until 4:00 (eight bells). At 4:30 the cycle begins again with one bell.

Ship's Manifest A statement listing the particulars of all shipments loaded for a specified voyage.

Ship's Tackle All rigging, cranes, etc., utilized on a ship to load or unload cargo.

shipshape Neat, orderly and ready to use.

SHIPSUP Ship Superintendent

shoal Shallow water. An underwater sand bar that has its top near the surface.

shoaling A phenomenon occurring as the waves enter a shallow water - their movement forward is slowed down because of the bottom friction, and thus their height increases.

shore The edge of the land near the water

shore A prop or support placed against or beneath anything to prevent sinking or sagging.

shoreline Where the land meets the water.

Short Sea shipping Movement of goods by ship without crossing an ocean, usually staying along one continent, coastal shipping

short splice A quickly made splice joining two lines together. A short splice is wider than the original line and will not fit through blocks or fairleads.

Short Ton 2,000 pounds.

shorten To reef a sail, or drop a sail. To reduce sail area on a boat

shove off To push a boat, as from a dock or another boat

SHP Ship

SHPD Shipped

SHPG Shipping

SHPPG Shipping

SHPR Shipper. The party in whose name a contract of carriage of goods has been concluded with at carrier or any party by whom, in whose name or on whose behalf the goods are actually delivered to the carrier in relation to the contract of carriage.

SHPT Shipment

shroud Part of the standing rigging that helps to support the mast by running from the top of the mast to the side of the boat. Sailboats usually have one or more shrouds on each side of the mast

SHT Sheet

SHTG Shortage

SHUD Should

SHUDBE Should be


keyword description

SI Starboard Inboard. International System of Units

SIA Starboard Inboard Aft

SIC Standard Industrial Classification.A standard numerical code used by the U.S. Government to classify products and services

SID Single decker vessel

side lights Green and red lights on the starboard and port sides of the boat required for navigation at night. Each light is supposed to be visible through an arc of 112.5°, beginning from directly ahead of the boat to a point 22.5° aft of the beam.

Side-Door Container A container fitted with a rear door and a minimum of one side door.

sideslip The tendency of a boat to move sideways in the water instead of along its heading due to the motion of currents or leeway.

sideways force The part of the force generated by the wind in the sail that moves the boat sideways

SIG Signature

Sight Draft A draft payable upon presentation to the drawee

sight reduction tables Tables containing information about the position of the sun, moon, planets and stars. When using celestial navigation these tables help find the position of a boat.

SIGN Signature

signal halyard A halyard used to hoist signal flags.

SIGRE Signature

SIGTTO Society of International Gas Transport and Terminal Operators, an industry organization promoting the exchange of safety information concerning the processing, transporting and handling of liquefied gases.

simulator System used for training seafarers without exposing them to real risks. To the trainee, it creates the impression that he is in a real ship bridge, or engine room, or cargo handling or GMDSS, thus allowing him to learn, make mistakes harmlessly or train how to handle dangerous situations

single sideband A type of radio carried on a boat to transmit long distances.

single-handed To sail alone; :without crew

sink To go to the bottom of the water. The act of causing an object to go to the bottom of water

SIPD Shipped

SIRE Ship's inspection report, a database system of the OCIMF

SIS Special Intermediate Survey

sister ship A vessel of a similar design to another

SITC Standard International Trade Classification. A standard numeric code developed by the United Nations to classify commodities used in international trade, based on a hierarchy

SITOR Simplex Teleprinter Over Radio (RTT, RTTY)

sked A position report issue every 6 hours


keyword description

skeg Any flat protrusion on the outside of the hull that is used to support another object such as the propeller shaft or rudder.

SKIDS Bearers (timber or steel) positioned under the cargo to enable forklift handling at port, and for ease of rigging and lashing on board ship.

skiff A small boat

skin The outside surface of a boat. Usually used when describing a fiberglass or other molded hull

skipper The person in charge of a vessel

SL(D) Sail(ed)

SL/W Shippers load and count. All three clauses are used as needed on the bill of lading to exclude the carrier from liability when the cargo is loaded by the shipper.

slab reefing Also points reefing, and sometimes jiffy reefing. Reducing the area of the mainsail by partially lowering the sail and re-securing the new foot by tying it to the boom with points or lines attached to the sail.

slack A line that is loose. To ease a line

slack water A period of almost no water movement between flood and ebb tides

Slamming The impact of the bottom structure of a ship onto the sea surface, observed while sailing in waves, when the bow raises from the water and subsequently impacts on it

slats battens

slatting flapping

SLC Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

SLD Sailed

SLE Safety Equipment Certificate

SLF Subcommittee on Stability Loadlines and Fishing Vessel Safety (IMO)

SLG Sailing

slide Also called a lug. Metal or plastic pieces attached to a sail's luff that slide in a mast track to allow easy hoisting of a sail.

Sling A wire or rope contrivance placed around cargo and used to load or discharge it to/from a vessel.

sling Lines used to hoist heavy or awkward objects and the act of using such lines. Ropes used to secure the center of a yard to the mast

slip A vessel's berth between two piers.space between two docks or piers where a boat can be moored

sloop A style of sailboat characterized by a single mast with one mainsail and one foresail. Also see cutter

slot The opening between the jib and the mainsail. Wind passing through this opening increases the pressure difference across the sides of the mainsail, helping to move the boat forward

slow ahead Command to move forward at a slow speed

slow astern Command to move backwards at a slow speed


keyword description

SLP Passenger Ship Safety Certificate

SLR Cargo Ship Safety Radio Telegraphy/Telephony Certificate

SMA Society of Maritime Arbitrators

small stuff Small lines used when whipping and serving

SMarT Support for Maritime Training scheme (UK)

SMC Safety Management Certificate (ISM Code)

SMCP Standard Marine Communication Phrases (IMO)

Smelling the Bottom A term which describes a vessel with little underkeel clearance where the keel is close to the sea bottom. The flow of water around the hull disturbs the silt and will usually cause the water astern to be stained by the mud

SML Small

SMPL Sample

SMS safety management system

SMTH Smooth

SN Satellite Navigation. Form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board automatic equipment

SNAC Single Number Access Code

SNAME Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers

snap back zone Area where a person could be injured if a mooring line of a ship or large boat, while in use, parted and came flying back.

snap hook A metal fitting with a arm that uses a spring to close automatically when connected to another object.

snatch block A block that can be opened on one side, allowing it to be place on a line that is already in use.

SNC Survey Not Complete

SNER Sooner

SNK Sunk

SNST Soonest

snub To suddenly stop or secure a line

snubber a spring line tied from the boat to chain rode, usually near the water's surface. It helps disperse tension forces. It also prevents damage to the boat by ground tackle and can help in the retrieval of the ground tackle in heavy weather. (to reduce the snap of the rode when it stretched out)

snug down To prepare (a vessel) to weather a storm, as by taking in sail or securing movable gear

SOA Statement of account

SOC Shipper Owned Container, Society

SOF Statement Of Facts


keyword description

SOFA South of Africa

soft eye An eye splice that does not use a protective insert

soggering being lazy and unassuming of responsibility

SOL Shipowners liability

SOLAS International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (IMO). Treaty that requires flag states to ensure their ships comply with safety standards for construction, equipment and operation. Its navigation chapter applies to all vessels, it does not apply generally to pleasure yachts

sole A floor on a boat

sole plate A plate to which an engine or pump, etc. is bolted

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

SOPEP Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan

SOS Save Our Souls, distress signal

SOSREP Secretary of State's Representative for Marine salvage and Intervention

sound Signals required by navigation rules describing the type of vessels and their activities during times of fog, To measure the depth of the water with a lead

sounding The depth of the water as marked on a chart. Diving, as in a submarine or whale going deeper

sounding line used to measure the depth of the water and to pick up samples from the bottom

sous palan Under hook- cargo will be brought alongside the carrying vessel, free of expense to the cargo buyer or the carrier

south One of the 4 cardinal compass points. South is the direction toward the South Pole and is at 180° on a compass card.

south pole The "bottom" point of the line about which the earth rotates

south wind Wind coming from the south

southerly wind Wind coming from the south

southern cross A constellation in the shape of a cross used to determine the direction of the South Pole when traveling in the southern hemisphere

southwester Wind coming from the southwest

SOx Sulphur oxides, formed when fuel containing sulfur, such as coal and oil, is burned. SO2 dissolves in water vapor to form acid, and interacts with other gases and particles in the air to form sulfates and other products that can be harmful to people and their environment

SOx efficiency Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the mass of SOx emitted relative to the transport work performed

SP Safe Port. Salvage Purposes

SP MAT Special Material

SP/CON Speed and Consumption

SPA Special Protection Area. Subject to Particular Average. See also Particular Average


keyword description

spanker A gaff-headed sail attached to the mizzenmast

spar A pole used as part of the sailboat rigging, such as masts, booms, and gaffs

spar buoy A tall buoy used as a navigational aid

spar poles most often of wood, aluminum or carbon fiber, used as supports, such as the mast, boom, or spinnaker pole.

SPC Self-Polishing Copolymer (Anti-Fouling Compound)

SPD(S) Speed(s)

SPEC Specification

spell To relieve someone when taking turns at a task, such as manning the helm

spherical buoy A ball shaped buoy marking a navigational hazard

SPI Ship-Port Interface (IMO)

spider band A metal band around a spar with an eye to take the shackles used on the running rigging

spidering Strengthening of circular tanks for transport, this prevents the tanks from becoming warped. The tanks are strengthened with steel or wood crossbeams giving a "spider" appearance

spill the wind To head up into the wind or loosen a sail, allowing the sail(s) to luff

spindle buoy A tall cone shaped navigational buoy

spinnaker A large, triangular sail, most often symmetrical, flown from the mast in front of all other sails and the forestay. Used sailing downwind

spinnaker halyard A halyard used to raise the spinnaker

spinnaker pole Sometimes spinnaker boom. A pole used to extend the foot of the spinnaker beyond the edge of the boat, and to secure the corner of the sail

spinnaker pole lift Also spinnaker lift. A line running from the top of the mast, used to hold the spinnaker pole in place.

spitfire A storm jib. A small jib made out of heavy cloth for use in heavy weather. Sometimes brightly colored.

splashboard A raised portion of the hull forward of the cockpit intended to prevent water entering

splice The place where two lines are joined together end to end

SPM single point mooring

SPM Single Point Mooring System

sponsons Projections from the sides of a watercraft, for protection, stability, or the mounting of equipment such as armaments or lifeboats, etc. They extend a hull dimension at or below the waterline and serve to increase flotation or add lift when underway

SPOT Sattelite Positioning and Tracking

Spotting Placing a container where required to be loaded or unloaded


keyword description

spreader Small spars extending toward the sides from one or more places along the mast. The shrouds cross the end of the spreaders, enabling the shrouds to better support the mast. A piece of equipment designed to lift containers by their corner castings

spring To begin, as in "to spring a leak."

spring line Docking lines that help keep the boat from moving fore and aft while docked. The after bow spring line is attached near the bow and runs aft, where it is attached to the dock. The forward quarter spring line is attached to the quarter of the boat, and runs forward, being attached to the dock near the bow of the boat.

spring tide The tide with the most variation in water level, occurring during new moons and full moons. This is the time of the highest high tide and the lowest low tide. The opposite of a neap tide.

sprit A spar that supports the peak of a four-cornered sail extending from the mast.

spritsail A four-sided fore and aft sail set on the mast, and supported by a spar from the mast diagonally to the peak of the sail

SPRT Separate

SPRTLY Separately

spurling pipe Pipe or tube through which an anchor chain passes to the chain locker below the deck of a ship

squall A sudden intense wind storm of short duration, often accompanied by rain. Squalls often accompany an advancing cold front

square knot Reef knot. A simple knot that can slip. Often used on sailboats when reefing

square rigged A sailboat having square sails hung across the mast

square sail A square sail hung from a yard on the mast. Best used when sailing down wind

SRA Ship Repair Agreement

SRBL Signing and Releasing Bill of Lading

SRCO Semi-refined corn oil

SRL Ship Repairers' Liability

SRR Search and Rescue Region

SRTS Survey Report Tracking Sheet

SRY Sorry

SSA Special Survey Automation. Special Periodical Survey of Automated Control System

SSB Single Side Band radio. A type of radio used on a boat to transmit for long distances.

SSC Ship Structure Committee

SSH Special Periodical Survey of Hull

SSHEX Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Excluded

SSHINC Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Included

SSIGS Special Periodical Survey of Inert Gas System

SSM Special Periodical Survey of Machinery. Surface to Surface Missile


keyword description

SSO Ship Security Officer. Crew member is responsible for the on-board security plan and all security equipment, required for ISPS

SSP Started Sea Passage. Ship Security Plan

SSQHE Safety, Security, Quality, Health & Environment

SSS Short Sea Shipping, movement of cargo by sea between ports situated in geographical Europe or between those ports situated in non-European countries having a coastline on the enclosed seas bordering Europe (Baltic, Mediterranean and Black). It is a successful mode of transport in Europe

SSW Summer Salt Water

ST Sent. Short ton, a weight unit of measure equal to 2,000 pounds. Special Treatment

ST / SV Sea Training/Supply Vessel

STA/AC Statement of account

STA/VOY/AC Statement of voyage account

STAB Stability

stability Tendency of a ship to keep its upright position or return to it, to keep from heeling or rolling excessively, and the ability to quickly return upright after heeling.The force that holds a vessel upright or returns it to upright if keeled over. Weight in the lower hold increases stability. A vessel is stiff if it has high stability, tender if it has low stability. It is paramount that a vessel is stable in all aspects at all times. When cargo is loaded/discharged, the stability is monitored by a computer, which takes into account the weight and position of cargo within the vessel

stability sail A vertical pole on which flags can be raised.

stall Air is said to stall when it becomes detached from the surface it is flowing along. Usually air travels smoothly along both sides of a sail, but if the sail is not properly trimmed, the air can leave one of the sides of the sail and begin to stall. Stalled sails are not operating efficiently. To stop moving.

STAMT Statement

stanchion A post near the edge of the deck used to support life lines

stand The short period of time where the tide is neither rising or falling (At a stand still)

Stand by A preparatory order (wait, be ready)

stand on vessel The vessel that must retain its current course and rate of speed in order to avoid a potential collision with an approaching give-way vesel

stand on vessel The vessel that is required to maintain its course and speed when boats are approaching each other according to the navigation rules. Also known as the privileged vessel

standalone Not connected

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)

A standard numerical code used by the U.S. Government to classify products and services.

Standard International Trade Classification (SITC)

A standard numeric code developed by the United Nations to classify commodities used in international trade, based on a hierarchy.


keyword description

standard port A port for which information is listed in the tide tables. Other ports known as secondary ports have information listed as a difference from the standard port rather that having complete tables.

standing he part of the line that will carry the load after a knot has been tied in it.

standing part That part of a line which is made fast.The main part of a line as distinguished from the bight and the end.

standing rigging The rigging of a boat that does not normally need to be adjusted.

standoff Navigate a vessel so as to avoid the shore, an obstruction, etc

stand-on To hold a boats course and speed

starboard Right side of a ship when facing the front. The opposite of port.

starboard tack A sailboat sailing on a tack with the wind coming over the starboard side and the boom on the port side of the boat. If two boats under sail are approaching, the one on port tack must give way to the boat on starboard tack

stateroom Sleeping quarters for the boat's captain or guests

statute mile A mile as measured on land, 5280 feet or 1.6 kilometers. Distances at sea are measured as nautical miles.

Statute Of Limitation A law limiting the time in which claims or suits may be instituted

statutory survey Survey where the result of the classification survey is taken as evidence of compliance with the corresponding statutory requirement, e.g. load line or safety construction

stay Lines running fore and aft from the top of the mast to keep the mast upright. Also used to carry some sails. The backstay is aft of the mast and the forestay is forward of the mast.

staysail A triangular sail similar to the jib set on a stay forward of the mast and aft of the headstay.

STBC Self Trimming Bulk Carrier. Bulk carrier that is capable of loading a full cargo of free-flowing grain without trimming to the cargo after the completion of loading

STBD Starboard

STC Said to contain

STCC Standard Transportation Commodity Code

STCW International Convention on Standards of Training,Certification and Watchkeeping (IMO). Formalizes experience and training requirements for crew

STD Standard. Short Term Disability

Steady An order to hold a vessel on the course she is heading

Steady as she goes Steer as needed to continue current heading (helm command)

Steady on a course Steer as needed to bring ship on desired course (helm command)

steadying sail Also stability sail or riding sail. Any small sail set to help the boat maintain its direction without necessarily moving, as when at anchor or in heavy weather.


keyword description

steaming light Also known as a masthead light. The steaming light is a white light that is visible for an arc extending across the forward 225° of the boat. When lit the steaming light indicates that a vessel under power, including sailboats with engines running. Steaming lights are usually located halfway up the mast rather than at the top.

Steamship Conference A group of vessel operators joined together for the purpose of establishing freight rates.

Steamship Guarantee An indemnity issued to the carrier by a bank; protects the carrier against any possible losses or damages arising from release of the merchandise to the receiving party. This instrument is usually issued when the bill of lading is lost or is not available.

steep seas Tall and short waves caused by water current and wave directions being opposite to the direction of the wind.

steerage The ability of the boat to be steered. In order for a rudder to be effective in steering a boat, there must be boat movement. A boat not moving cannot be steered

steerage way In order for the rudder to be able to properly steer the boat, it must be moving through the water. The speed necessary for control is known as steerage way

steering gear Apparatus for controlling the rudder

steering wheel The wheel operating the steering gear and by which the vessel is steered

stem The forward edge of the bow. On a wooden boat the stem is a single timber

STEM Subject to Enough Merchandise (Availability of cargo). Also, the forward most part of the bow.

stem the tide Head the vessel's bow directly into the current or waves

step A fitting for the bottom of the mast (mast step.) The act of placing the foot of the mast in its step andnraising the mast.

stepped A mast that is in place is stepped. Where the mast is stepped, as in keel stepped or deck stepped.

stern The aft part (back) of a boat, The end of a vessel. Opposite of bow

stern light A white running light placed at the stern of the boat. The stern light should be visible through an arc of 135°, to the rear of the boat.

stern line A line running from the stern of the boat to a dock when moored

Stern line Mooring line, whose purpose is to prevent forward movement

stern pulpit Pushpit. A sturdy railing around the deck at the stern

stern quarters The aft corners of the hull

Stern thruster Transversal propulsion device built into, or mounted to the stern of a ship or boat, to make it more maneuverable

sternway Making way in reverse

Stevedore Individual or firm that employs longshoremen and who contracts to load or unload the ship

STG Sterling

STGL Sterling pound


keyword description

STICS Simulator Training In Critical Situations

stiff A boat that resists heeling

stiffener In iron ship-building, one of a series of angle-bars, Z-bars,T-bars, channels or other shapes, riveted to plating, particularly to the plating of bulkheads, to give them the necessary stiffness or rigidity

Stipulation A condition, demand, or promise in an agreement or contract

STL Scuttled

STLFLRD Steel Floored

STMT Statement

STN Station

STO Storage Tanker

stock A crossbeam at the upper part of an anchor.

STON Short ton, a weight unit of measure equal to 2,000 pounds

stop Command to stop

stopper A mechanical device or knot used to keep a rope from running.

stopper knot A knot used in the end of a line to prevent the end from running through a block or other narrow space. Stopper knots prevent a line that slips from unthreading itself and getting lost.

Stopping Distance minimum distance that a vessel may be seen to come to rest over the ground. The distance is usually determined from a ship’s trials when the vessel is new. Test runs will normally provide the stopping distance, (a) from full ahead after ordering the main engines to stop. (b) from crash full astern (emergency stop)

stores Supplies on a boat

storm jib Sometimes called a spitfire. A small jib made out of heavy cloth for use in heavy weather. Sometimes brightly colored

storm sail The storm jib and storm trysail. Small sails built from heavy cloth for use during heavy weather.

storm trysail A very strong sail used in stormy weather. It is loose footed, being attached to the mast, but not the boom. This helps prevent boarding waves from damaging the sail or the rigging.

stow To put something away

Stowage Loading freight into ships' holds

stowaway A person illegally aboard and in hiding

STP Stop

STRADAP Storm radar data processor

Straight Bill of Lading Non-negotiable bill of lading which states a specific identity to whom the goods should be delivered. See Bill of Lading

strait Narrow, typically navigable waterway that connects two larger, navigable bodies of water


keyword description

STRAITREP Strait Ship Reporting System (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore)

strake On wooden boats, a line of planking running from the bow to the stern along the hull

Stranding When a vessel has grounded for a period of time it is said to be stranded for the purpose of Marine Insurance

strike To lower.

stringer A fore-and-aft member, fitted to strengthen the frames

Stripping Removing cargo from a container (devanning)

strum box A strainer in the bilge so that the bilge pump doesn't get clogged

STUATN Situation

studding out a sail extending a sail using a whisker pole

stuffing Putting cargo into a container

stuffing box An assembly to house a gland seal used to seal a rotating or reciprocating shaft against a fluid. A fitting around the propeller shaft to keep the bearing lubricated and to keep water out of the boat

STVDR Stevedor

STW Stowage/stowed, Said to weigh

STW Subcommittee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (IMO)

SUB Submarine. Subscription. Substitute. Subject (to), depending upon as a condition

SUBC Self-Unloading Bulk Carrier

SUBJ Subject

submarine Type of warship that can sail underwater

Subrogate To put in place of another; i.e., when an insurance company pays a claim it is placed in the same position as the payee with regard to any rights against others

SUBST Substitute

Suezmax Tanker A tanker of the maximum size capable of transit of the Suez Canal (approx. 120,000 -200,000 DWT)

Sufferance Wharf A wharf licensed and attended by Customs authorities

SUG Suggest

SUGST Suggest

sump pump Small pump for shower drainage

sundeck Upper open deck on a passenger ship

sunfish A sunfish has a single mast with a lateen sail (rig) and daggerboard

SUP Supply

SUPERCARGO Person employed by a ship owner, shipping company, charterer of a ship or shipper of goods to supervise cargo handling operations, often called a port captain

superstructure Cabins and rooms above the deck of a ship

SUPITDT Superintendent


keyword description

SUPLR Supplier

Supply Chain A logistical management system which integrates the sequence of activities from delivery of raw materials to the manufacturer through to delivery of the finished product to the customer into measurable components

Supramax A bulk carrier of 50,000 to 60,000 DWT

SUPY Supply

SURANO Surface Radar And Navigation Operation

Surcharge Extra or additional charge

surf The breaking waves and resulting foam near a shore. The sport od riding waves on a board

surface supplied diving Diving using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, either from the shore or from a diving support vessel

surge Rising and falling of the sea, usually due to wave action

surge - vessel movement forward or aft movement of the entire vessel

Surtax An additional extra tax

SURV Standard underwater research vessel

SURV Surveyor

survey An inspection of a boat to determine its condition

surveyor A person who is qualified to inspect a boat in order to determine its condition

SUV Surveyor

SVC Service

SVIS Ship Vetting Information System

SVY Survey

SW Salt water, shippers weights

swab A mop made from rope. The act of susing such a mop

SWAD Salt Water Arrival Draft

swallow The place between the sheave (roller) and housing of a block, through which the line is run

swamp To fill with water

sway To hoist (a mast or yard) into position

sway - vessel movement sideways movement

SWD Sea water damage. Sea water draft

SWDD Salt Water Departure Draft

sweat and tail Sweat is the act of hauling a halyard to raise a sail or spar done by pulling all slack outward and then downward. Tail is controlling, coiling, and securing the runnning end of the halyard.

swell Large smooth waves that do not crest. Swells are formed by wind action over a long distance. Series of surface gravity waves that is not generated by the local wind


keyword description

swim platform A platform, usually on the transom, allowing swimmers to easily climb back onto a boat.

swing a compass The act of checking compass readings against known headings in order to determine the compass error.

swinging bridge A bridge that swings away from the waterway so that boats may pass beside it.

swinging circle, swinging room The distance a boat can move around its anchor. Swinging room is important because if other boats or objects are within a boat's swinging circle they may collide.

Swinging Room The circle area scribed by a vessel when lying at anchor that the vessel will turn through from one tide to another

swivel A rotating fitting used to keep a line from tangling.

SWL Safe Working Load

SYST System

T & AHP Towing and Anchor Handling Purposes

T & SP Towing and Salvage Purposes

T.& E. Transportation and Exportation. Customs form used to control cargo movement from port of entry to port of exit, meaning that the cargo is moving from one country, through the US, to another country

T/A Transatlantic

T/B Integrated Tug/Barge

T/C Time charter, Owners agree to hire a particular ship for a set length of time and provide technical management, crewing etc.

T/F Overseas cargo transhipment declaration form

T/MB Tug/Maintenance Boat

T/OS Tug/Oil Skimmer

T/R Trust receipt

T/S Transhipment - a shipping arrangement in which a shipment is discharged of the vessel at an intermediate port enroute and subsequently reloaded to another vessel for carriage to its final destination. Tug/Salvage

T/V Tanker Vessel

T4 Therefore

TA Transatlantic

tabernacle A hinged support for the bottom of a mast so that the mast can be lowered easily when passing under bridges.

tachometer A gauge that measures engine revolutions per minute

tack The lower forward corner of a triangular sail. The direcftion that a boat is sailing with respect to the wind as in port tack or starboard tack. To change a boat's direction, bringing the bow through the eye of the wind

tack hook A snap used to hold the tack of the jib at the bow, while the sail is raised.

tack pin A pin used to secure the tack of a triangular sail at the mast


keyword description

tacking To change a boat's direction, bringing the bow through the eye of the wind. To tack repeatedly, as when trying to sail to a point up wind of the boat

tackle Lines used with blocks in order move heavy objects

Tactical Diameter That greatest diameter scribed by the vessel when commencing and completing a turning circle

taffrail A rail around the stern of a boat

taffrail log Walker log; a propeller drawn through the water that operates an odometer on the boat registering the distance sailed

tail The end of a line. A line attached to the end of a wire to make it easier to use. To gather the unused end of a line neatly so that it does not become tangled

take in To remove a sail. To add a reef to a sail

tall buoy Also called a Dan buoy. A float with a flag at the top of a pole. Used to mark a position such as for a race or a man overboard.

tally The operation of hauling aft the sheets, or drawing them in the direction of the ship's stern

tang A metal fitting on the mast that the spreaders are attached to

tank ispection Inspections of tanks (cargo, ballast) are part of the ship's preventive maintenance program

Tanker broking Tanker brokers specialize in the chartering of Tankers, may specialize in crude oil, gas, oil products or chemical tankers

Tare Weight In railcar or container shipments, the weight of the empty railcar or empty container.

Tariff A publication setting forth the charges, rates and rules of transportation companies.

tarpaulin Heavy canvas used as a covering

TARV Transatlantic round voyage

TBA To be agreed

TBN To be Named or Nominated. (When the name of a ship is still unknown)

TBRN To Be Re-Named

TBS To Be Scrapped

TC Time charter, Owners agree to hire a particular ship for a set length of time and provide technical management, crewing etc.

TCP Time Charter Party

TCP/IP Transfer Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (computer)

TCPA Time to Closest Point of Approach (radar)

Tcs Tanker Caustic Soda

TCT Time Charter Trip

TCV Total Calculated Volume

TD (S) Tween deck(s), general cargo ships with two or sometimes three decks

TDWDT Tropical Dead Weight


keyword description

TDY Today

TECH(LY) Technical(ly)

Technical Manager Company designated by the ship owner or operator or ship manager to be specifically responsible for the technical operation and technical superintendancy of a ship

TEL Telegram

TELCON Telephone conversation

TELECOM Telecommunication

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

telltales Short pieces of yarn attached to the shrouds, or the sails. At the shrouds they indicate the direction of the wind (the apparent wind), and at the sails they help to check the air flow over the sail, so that proper trimming is easier

Temperature Recorder A device to record temperature in a container while cargo is en route

TEMPRY Temporary

tender A small boat used to ferry people and supplies between a larger boat and the shore. See dinghy. Used to describe a boat that heels easily.

Tender The offer of goods for transportation or the offer to place cars or containers for loading or unloading.

tenon The bottom of the mast, with a shape designed to fit into the mast step

Tenor Time and date for payment of a draft

Terminal An assigned area in which containers are prepared for loading into a vessel, train, truck, or airplane or are stacked immediately after discharge from the vessel, train, truck, or airplane

terminal a sea port or a dock or a berth or a docking facility for passenger, train and/or auto ferries or a facility which handles shipping containers and cargo

Terminal Charge Charge made for a service performed in a carrier's terminal area

Terms of Sale The point at which sellers have fulfilled their obligations so the goods in a legal sense could be said to have been delivered to the buyer. They are shorthand expressions that set out the rights and obligations of each party when it comes to transporting the goods. Following, are the thirteen terms of sale in international trade as Terms of Sale reflected in the recent amendment to the International chamber of Commerce Terms of Trade (INCOTERMS), effective July 1990: exw, fca, fas, fob, cfr, cif, cpt, cip, daf, des, deq, ddu and ddp.

Terms of Sale - CFR CFR (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 as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time the goods have been delivered on board the vessel, is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods pass the ship's rail in the port of shipment. The CFR term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.


keyword description

Terms of Sale - CIF CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) (...Named Place of Destination): A Term of Sale where the seller has the same obligations as under the CFR but also has to procure marine insurance against the buyer's risk of loss or damage to the goods during the carriage. The seller contracts for insurance and pays the insurance premium. The CIF term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.

Terms of Sale - CIP CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) (...Named Place of Destination): A Term of Sale which means the seller has the same obligations as under CPT, but with the addition that the seller has to procure cargo insurance against the buyer's risk of loss of or damage to the goods during the carriage. The seller contracts for insurance and pays the insurance premium. The buyer should note that under the CIP term the seller is required to obtain insurance only on minimum coverage. The CIP term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.

Terms of Sale - CPT CPT (Carriage Paid To) (...Named Place of Destination): A Term of Sale which means the seller pays the freight for the carriage of the goods to the named destination. The risk of loss of or damage to the goods, as well as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time the goods have been delivered to the carrier, is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods have been delivered into the custody of the carrier. If subsequent carriers are used for the carriage to the agreed upon destination, the risk passes when the goods have been delivered to the first carrier. The CPT term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.

Terms of Sale - DAF DAF (Delivered At Frontier) (…Named Place): A Term of Sale which means the sellers fulfill their obligation to deliver when the goods have been made available, cleared for export, at the named point and placed at the frontier, but before the customs Terms of Sale border of the adjoining country. (continued)

Terms of Sale - DDP DDP (Delivered Duty paid) (…Named Port of Destination): "Delivered Duty Paid" means that the seller fulfills his obligation to deliver when the goods have been made available at the named place in the country of importation. The seller has to bear the risks and costs, including duties, taxes and other charges of delivering the goods thereto, clear for importation. While the EXW term represents the minimum obligation for the seller, DDP represents the maximum.

Terms of Sale - DDU DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) (…Named Port of Destination): A Term of Sale where the seller fulfills his obligation to deliver when the goods have been made available at the named place in the country of importation. The seller has to bear the costs and risks involved in bringing the goods thereto (excluding duties, taxes and other official charges payable upon importation) as well as the costs and risks of carrying out customs formalities. The buyer has to pay any additional costs and to bear any risks caused by failure to clear the goods for in time.

Terms of Sale - DEQ DEQ (Delivered Ex Quay, [Duty Paid]) (Named Port of Destination): A Term of Sale which means the DDU term has been fulfilled when the goods have been available to the buyer on the quay (wharf) at the named port of destination, cleared for importation. The seller has to bear all risks and costs including duties, taxes and other charges of delivering the goods thereto.

Terms of Sale - DES DES (Delivered Ex Ship) (Named Port of Destination): A Term of Sale where the seller fulfills his/her obligation to deliver when the goods have been made available to the buyer on board the ship, uncleared for import at the named port of destination. The seller has to bear all the costs and risks involved in bringing the goods to the named port destination.


keyword description

Terms of Sale - EXW EXW (Ex Works) (…Named Place): A Term of Sale which means that the seller fulfills the obligation to deliver when he or she has made the goods available at his/her premises (i.e., works, factory, warehouse, etc.) to the buyer. In particular, the seller is not responsible for loading the goods in the vehicle provided by the buyer or for clearing the goods for export, unless otherwise agreed. The buyer bears all costs and risks involved in taking the goods from the seller's premises to the desired destination. This term thus represents the minimum obligation for the seller.

Terms of Sale - FAS FAS (Free Alongside Ship) (…Named Port of Shipment): A Term of Sale which means the seller fulfills his obligation to deliver when the goods have been placed alongside the vessel on the quay or in lighters at the named port of shipment.This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks of loss of or damage to the goods from that moment.

Terms of Sale - FCA FCA (Free Carrier) (… Named Place): A Term of Sale which means the seller fulfills their obligation when he or she has handed over the goods, cleared for export, into the charge of the carrier named by the buyer at the named place or point. If no precise point is indicated by the buyer, the seller may choose, within the place or range stipulated, where the carrier should take the goods into their charge.

Terms of Sale - FOB FOB (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 all costs and risks to loss of or damage to the goods from that point. The FOB term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.

TEU Twenty foot container Equivalent Units. Equivalent to standard 20' Container, a standard size intermodal container

TF Tropical Fresh load line

TFORE Therefore

TFR Transfer

TFT Thin Film Transfer, flat computer display

Tfw Tanker Fresh Water

TGM Telegram

TGR Together

the hard land

THERE4 Therefore

thimble A metal fitting used to strengthen an eye splice (loop) made in a rope or wire

Third Party Logistics A company that provides logistics services to other companies for some or all of their logistics needs. It typically includes warehousing and transportation services. Most 3PL’s also have freight forwarding licenses.

THMO This month

THMTH This month

THO Though

throat The forward upper corner of a four cornered sail known as a gaff rigged sail.


keyword description

through hull Fittings attached through the hull to which a sea cock and hose, a transducer, or other device is attached. Through hulls are used to expel waste water, such as from a sink, to let sea water in, such as for engine cooling, and to allow placement of sensors such as depth gauges. A sea cock is attached directly to the through hull before any hoses are attached so that the flow of water can be easily shut off if the hose fails. Plugs should be available to force into a through hole in case the through hole fails. Transducers should be equipped with caps to place over the hole should the transducer itself need to be removed.

Through Rate The total rate from the point of origin to final destination

Throughput Charge The charge for moving a container through a container yard off or onto a ship

THROUT Throughout

THRU Through

Thrust Block An engine room fitting that receives the thrust from the propeller. It incorporates the thrust bearings

thruster Propulsive device used by watercraft

thwart A transverse structural member in the cockpit. In small boats, often used as a seat

thwartships Also athwartships. Across the width of a boat.

THWARTSHIPS At right angles to the centreline of the ship

THWK This Week

THYR This year

Tidal Range The average difference between the high and low water, assessed over a period of a month or more

tidal atlas Small charts showing tidal stream directions and rate of flow

tidal current Also called tidal stream. The flowing of water caused by the rising and lowering tidal waters

tidal drift Strength of the tidal drift

tidal range The difference of a tide's high and low water levels

tidal stream The flow of water caused by rising and lowering tides

tide The predictable, regular rising and lowering of water in some areas due to the pull of the sun and the moon. Tidal changes can happen approximately every 6 or 12 hours depending on the region. To find out the time and water levels of different tides, you can use tide tables for your area. The period of high water level is known as high tide and the period of low water level is known as low tide. In the Bay of Fundy, the tidal range exceeds 40 feet (13 meters.)

tide rips This is an area of rough water where the wind is blowing across the water in the opposite direction from which strong tidal current is flowing

tide tables Tables containing information about the time of the high and low tides and the water level to be expected at that time.

tiller A spar attached to the rudder by the rudder head, used to control the direction of the boat. Another possibility for steering mechanism is a steering wheel.

tiller bar A device linking the two tillers of a catamaran


keyword description

tiller extension Also hiking stick. An extension to the tiller allowing the helmsman to steer while hiking. Commonly found on racing boats, they can help improve visibility or stability.

TIME BAR Time after which legal claims will not be entered

Time Charter 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.

Time Charter hiring of a vessel for a specific period of time; the owner still manages the vessel but the charterer selects the ports and directs the vessel where to go. The charterer pays for all fuel the vessel consumes, port charges, and a daily hire to the owner of the vessel

Time Draft A draft that matures either a certain number of days after acceptance or a certain number of days after the date of the draft.

time zone Regions of about 15° of longitude around the world where time is measured on a local scale. Each time zone keeps time slightly differently so that at 12:00 noon the sun will be high in the sky. For example at noon in England it is midnight in New Zealand. If New Zealanders kept their clocks set to the English time zone, it would be very dark at noon!

TIME-C/P Time charter party

TIP Taking inward pilot

TIR Transport International par la Route. Road transport operating agreement among European governments and the United States for the international movement of cargo by road. Display of the TIR carnet allows sealed containerloads to cross national frontiers without inspection.

TKG Taking

TKS Thanks

TKT Ticket

TL Trailer Load

TLFG Tanker, Liquefied Flammable Gases

TLG Tanker, Liquefied Gases

TLL timber load line

TLO Total loss only

TLX Telex

TMRW Tomorrow

TMSA Tanker Management and Self Assessment. Best-practice guide for tanker owners and operators to evaluate their approach to ISM, audit their operational safety, quality and environmental procedures, improve their management systems and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and environmental excellence

TMTH This month

TMW Tomorrow

TNDR Tender

TNK Tank


keyword description

TNNGE Tonnage

TO Tender Offer

TOBE To be

TOCA Transfer Of Class Agreement (IACS)

TOD Today

toe rail A small rail around the deck of a boat. The toe rail may have holes in it to attach lines or blocks. A larger wall is known as a gunwale

TOGZ Together

TOM Tomorrow

TOMO Tomorrow

Ton-Mile Unit used in comparing freight earnings or expenses. The amount earned from The cost of hauling a ton of freight one mile. The movement of a ton of freight one mile.

Tonnage 100 cubic feet. Generally refers to freight handled.The weight or displacement of a ship

TONNES Metric Tons

top heavy A boat that has too much weight up high. This can adversely affect the boat's stability

top mast A mast on top of another mast

Top-Air Delivery A type of air circulation in a container. In top air units, air is drawn from the bottom of the container, filtered through the evaporator for cooling and then forced through the ducted passages along the top of the container. This type of airflow requires a special loading pattern.

topmark A mark on the top of a navigational buoy or daybeacon

topmast a second spar carried at the top of the fore or main mast, used to fly more sail

topping lift A line running from the end of the boom to the top of the mast used to keep the boom from falling when the sail is not set

topsail A triangular sail set above the gaff on a gaff rigged boat

topsides The sides of a ship between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck, the portion of the hull above the water line

torch old sailing term for lantern that throws out a beam of light. Now it also can refer to a flashlight

torpedo boat Combat vessel designed for launching torpedoes, usually small and fast

TOT Total

TOTS Tanker Officer Training Standards

TOV Total Observed Volume

tow To pull a boat with another boat, such as a tugboat towing a barge

towage The charge made for towing a vessel

towing light Running lights that should be used by boats when towing to indicate that a tow is in progress


keyword description

TP Transpacific

TPC Tons per centimetre

TPI Tons per inch (immersion)

TPT Transportation

TQM total quality management

track The path that a vessel is taking. A guide in the mast or other spar that accepts lugs to each sail. A rail to which a sliding car is attached for easy adjustment of the position of blocks and lines.

Trade Acceptance A time or a date draft that has been accepted by the buyer (the drawee) for payment at maturity.

trade wind Winds in certain areas known for their consistent strength and direction. Trade winds are named because of their reliability, allowing for planned voyages along the routes favored by those winds.

TRAF Traffic

Traffic Persons and property carried by transport lines

Traffic Separation Scheme - TSS Traffic-management route-system (IMO). Shipping corridors marked by buoys which separate incoming from outgoing vessels, the traffic-lanes (or clearways) indicate the general direction of the ships in that zone, ships navigating within a TSS all sail in the same direction or they cross the lane in an angle as close to 90 degrees as possible

trailer The truck unit into which freight is loaded as in tractor trailer combination

trailing dragging, as in "dragging a line"

trailing edge The aft edge of a sail, more commonly called the leech

trailing suction hopper dredger Vessel used to excavate and remove material from the bottom of a body of water to create a new harbour, berth or waterway, or to deepen existing facilities

Training days per officer Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s commitment to maintain and enhance the officers’ competence

training run Not quite a run, but about 10 degrees off the course of an actual run

Tramp Line An ocean carrier company operating vessels not on regular runs or schedules. they call at any port where cargo may be available

tramp steamer Merchant ship that does not run between ports on a regular schedule but carries cargo wherever the shippers desire

trampoline The space on a catamaran, usually made of some kind of mesh, located between the two hulls. It's a place for the crew (like a cockpit on dinghies and cruisers)

TRANS(N) Transfer. Transactions. Transport. Transportation. Transverse

transducer An electronic device that uses sound waves to collect information such as water depth and vessel speed, usually attached to a through hull. The transducer then converts that information to electrical signals that can be used by electronic displays in the cockpit.


keyword description

transit Also called a range. Two navigational aids separated in distance so that they can be aligned to determine that a boat lies on a certain line. Transits can be used to determine a boat's position or guide it through a channel

transit corridor A broad geographic band that follows a general directional flow of travel connecting major origins and destinations

transit fix The method of lining up charted objects to obtain a Line Of Position

transit line Line passing through the observer and two other reference points

transom The flat area of the hull, at the stern of a boat

transom flaps Flaps in the transom that allow water to run off the boat

transport To move cargo from one place to another

Transportation & Exit (T&E) Allows foreign merchandise arriving at one port to be transported in bond through the U.S. to be exported from another port, without paying duty.

Transship To transfer goods from one transportation line to another, or from one ship to another

Transshipment Port Place where cargo is transferred to another carrier

trapeze A belt and line used to help a crew hike out beyond the edge of a boat to counteract the boat's heel. Usually used on small vessels for racing.

traveler A track or rod with an attached block, allowing more controlled adjustment of a sail's sheet. The traveler allows better control of the sail's shape.

TRBL Trouble

TRF Traffic

Trf. Tariff. A publication setting forth the charges, rates and rules of transportation companies.

triatic stay A stay leading from one mast, such as the main mast to another, such as the mizzen mast.

tricolor light A running light allowed on some sailboats instead of the normal bow and stern lights. The tricolor light contains the red and green side lights and the white stern light in a single fitting that is attached to the top of the mast.

TRIM Fore and aft balance of a ship

trim To haul in on a sheet to adjust the sail trim. A properly balanced boat that floats evenly on its waterline. Improperly trimmed boats may list or lie with their bow or stern too low in the water

TRIM & STAB Trim And Stability Booklet

trim tab An adjustable section of the rudder that allows the rudder to be corrected for lee helm or weather helm.

trimaran A three hulled boat. Hulls run parallel to one another with the middle one often being shorter than the two outer hulls

trimmer The person controlling the shape of the sails on a boat. It is usually the crew on a dinghy, and a different person for each sail on larger boats.

trip line A line attached to the end of an anchor to help free it from the ground


keyword description

Trip Time Charter short time charter agreed for a specified route only

TRMIT Transmit

TRNSFR Transfer

Tropic of Cancer A line 23 degrees, 27 minutes north of the equator. On June 21 the sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer, at all other times the sun is further south.

Tropic of Capricorn A line 23 degrees, 27 minutes south of the equator. On December 22 the sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn. At all other times the sun is further north.

tropics The region around the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The tropics are known for their warm weather.

trough The bottom of a wave, the valley between the crests

TRSHP(T) Tranship, Transhipment

truck A cap for the top of the mast

true course The course of a boat after being corrected for magnetic deviation and magnetic variation.

true north Geographic north. Toward the North Pole

true wind The speed and direction of the wind. The motion of a boat will cause the wind to appear to be coming at a different direction and speed, which is known as apparent wind

trunk The place that the centerboard or daggerboard retracts into.

trunnion hoop A hinged fitting at the top of a mast to hold another mast above it

Trust Receipt Release of merchandise by a bank to a buyer while the bank retains title to the merchandise. The goods are usually obtained for manufacturing or sales purposes. The buyer is obligated to maintain the goods (or the proceeds from their sales) distinct from the remainder of the assets and to hold them ready for repossession by the bank.

trysail A very small sail, used in a very heavy weather instead of a mainsail

Tsa Tanker Sulphuric Acid

TSLG Tanker, Specified Liquefied Gases

Tsunami A Japanese word, often incorrectly referred to as a tidal wave. A wave surge usually generated from an under surface disturbance like a sub-sea earthquake, causing major damage when reaching the shoreline

TT Telegram transfer. Telex transfer. Turn Time

TTL Total

TTO Tanker Take Over. The seller gives the buyer his vessel of oil to go with and returns it later

TTT Tanker To Tanker. The buyer brings his vessel and the product is transferred from the vessel of the seller to that of the buyer

tugboat A small powerful boat used to help move barges and ships in confined areas


keyword description

tumblehome The narrowing of a ship's hull with greater distance above the water-line, it is present when the beam at the uppermost deck is less than the maximum beam of the vessel

tune To adjust the standing rigging or other equipment to make a boat perform better

Tunnel Thruster Type of ‘Bow Thrust Unit’ which passes from either side of the ship to provide thrust to port or starboard

turbine rotary mechanical device that extracts energy from a fluid flow and converts it into useful work

Turn Short Round A ship’s manoeuvre to turn the vessel in its own length

Turn turtle To capsize

turn turtle For a boat to turn completely over such that its mast is pointing down instead of up

turnaround In water transportation, the time it takes between the arrival of a vessel and its departure

turnbuckle A metal fitting that is turned to tighten or loosen the tension on standing rigging

turning circle The distance required for a boat to turn in a complete circle

turtle A bag in which a spinnaker or other large sail can be stowed with the lines attached so that it can be rapidly raised

TVMSA Tanker Vessel Management & Self Assessment

TW Tween Decker, general cargo ship with two or sometimes three decks

TWD Tween Decker, general cargo ship with two or sometimes three decks

TWIC Transportation Worker Identification Credential

twine Small line used for whipping other light duties

twing Similar to a Barber hauler, a twing adjusts the angle of sheeting

twist locks A set of four twistable bayonet type shear keys used as part of a spreader to pick up a container or as part of a chassis to secure the containers

two half hitches A knot with two half hitches (loops) on the standing part of the line

two-way pallet A pallet so designed that the forks of a fork lift truck can be inserted from two sides only

Tx Transmitter

TXT Text

TY Today

TYC Thanks Your Cable

TYMSG Thanks your message

typhoon A strong tropical revolving storm of force 12 or higher in the southern hemisphere. Typhoons revolve in a counterclockwise direction. In the northern hemisphere these storms revolve clockwise and are known as hurricanes.

TYT Thanks for your telex

TYTLX


keyword description

U (R) You (Your)

U.S. Consular Invoice Document required on merchandise imported into the United States

U/A Underwritting Account

UBS Universal Bulk Ship

UCE Unforeseen Circumstances Expected

UCP Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, published by the International Chamber of Commerce. This is the most frequently used standard for making payments in international trade; e.g., paying on a Letter of Credit. It is most frequently referred to by its shorthand title: UCP No. 500. This revised publication reflects recent changes in the transportation and banking industries, such as electronic transfer of funds.

UEL Upper Explosive Limit

UFC Uniform Freight Classification

UFL Upper Flammable Limit

UHF Ultra High Frequency (300-3000 MHz). Communications devices using these frequencies are the best one for internal communications on steel ships as they are not hampered by steel bulkheads

UKAH United Kingdom/continent, antwerp/hamburg range

UKBH United Kingdom/continent, bordeaux/hamburg range

UKC United Kingdom/continent

UKHH United kingdom/continent, havre/hamburg range

UKHMA UK Harbour Masters Association

UKOOA United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association

UKPA(M) UK Pilots Association (Marine)

UKPMG UK Major Ports Group

ULBC Ultra Large Bulk Carrier

ULCC Ultra Large Crude Carrier. A tanker in excess of 320,000dwt.

Ullage The space not filled with liquid in a drum or tank. The ullage in a ship's hold can be relevant to stability.

ullage hatch A small hinged opening on a tank for gauging or sampling cargo

Ullage Report Report on the condition of the vessel’s tanks prior to loading, including record of the ullages in slop tanks

UMIB Urgent Marine Information Broadcast

UMS Universal Measurement System

UN United Nations

UN(D)STND Understand

UN/EDIFACT United Nations EDI for Administration, Commerce and Transport. EDI Standards are developed and supported by the UN for electronic message (data) interchange on an international level


keyword description

una rig Boat rigged with a single sail

UNAVLBL Unavailable

unbend Cast off or untie

UNBERD Unberthed

Unclaimed Freight Freight that has not been called for or picked up by the consignee or owner

UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

UNCTAD United nations conference on trade & development

UNDELVD Undelivered

under bare poles Having no sails up. In heavy weather the windage of the mast and other spars can still be enough to move the boat

under the lee On the lee side of an object, protected from the wind

under way A vessel in motion is under way

Undercharge To charge less than the proper amount

Underkeel Clearance A measurement of the amount of water under the ship’s keel. The value is obtained from the echo sounder with corrections applied

undertow Strong offshore current extending to the shore

underway A vessel in motion

Underwriters The parties who take upon themselves the risk of insurance, and so called from subscribing their names at the foot of the policy

UNDP United nations development program

UNESCO United nations education & scientific organization

unfurl To unfold or unroll a sail. The opposite of furl

Uniform Customs and Practices for Documentary Credits (UCP)

Rules for letters of credit drawn up by the Commission on Banking Technique and Practices of the International Chamber of Commerce in consultation with the banking associations of many countries. See Terms of Payment.

union jack A small flag representing the nationality of the boat

Unit Load Packages loaded on a pallet, in a crate or any other way that enables them to be handled at one time as a unit

Unitization The consolidation of a quantity of individual items into one large shipping unit for easier handling. Loading one or more large items of cargo onto a single piece of equipment, such as a pallet

UNIV Universal. University

UNKWN Unknown

UNLDD Unleaded

Unloading Removal of a shipment from a vessel

UNQTE Unquote

UNRCV(D) Unreceive(d)

UNREGD Unregistered


keyword description

UNT Unit

UOP Unless otherwise provided

UOS Unless otherwise specified

Up anchor Hoist or haul in the anchor

uphaul A line or wire used to control the height of a spinnaker pole

UPRVR Upperriver

UPS Uninterrupted Power Supply

upstream Moving from seaward into harbor, moving with the flood of the tide, moving up river toward the headwaters

UPTO Up to

UPWD Upward

upwind Object nearer the direction the wind is coming from than the observer

URCT(LY) Urgent(ly)

URG(LY) Urgent(ly)

URL Universal Resource Locator (Internet), a website's unique address

URS Yours

USAC US atlantic coast

USB Upper Side Band

USB Universal Serial Bus, standard interface to connect computer and other electronic devices

USB flash drive Data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable

USC Unless Sooner Commenced

USCG United States Coast Guard

USD(S) US Dollar(s)

USDA United states department of agriculture

USDOL(S) US Dollar(s)

USEC United states east coast

USFL Useful

USFRA US freight rate assessments

USG United states gulf

USNH United states north of cape hatteras

USPPI United States Principal Party of Interest

USS United States Ship (warship)

USTND Understood

USTOD Understood


keyword description

USWC United states west coast

UTC Universal Time (Coordinated), GMT

UTM Utmost

UU Unless Used

UUIWCATUTC Unless Used In Which Case Actual Time Used To Count

v bottom A hull with the bottom section in the shape of a "V"

V/BCC Vehicles/Bulk Cargoes Carrier

VAL Value

Validated Export License A document issued by the U.S. government; authorizes the export of commodities for which written authorization is required by law.

Validation Authentication of B/L and when B/L becomes effective

Valued Policy A value has been set upon the ships or goods insured, and this value inserted in the policy in nature of liquidated damages, to save the necessity of proving it, in case of a total loss.

vane A weathercock, A wind direction indicator.

vang A device, usually with mechanical advantage, used to pull the boom down, flattening the sail

Vanning A term for stowing cargo in a container

vapor header A pipeline connected to the top of a cargo tank that channels the displaced tank vapors to a shoreside control system

VAR Various

Variable Cost Costs that vary directly with the level of activity within a short time. Examples include costs of moving cargo inland on trains or trucks, stevedoring in some ports, and short-term equipment leases. For business analysis, all costs are either defined as variable or fixed. For a business to break even, all fixed costs must be covered. To make a profit, all variable and fixed costs must be recovered plus some extra amount.

variable pitch A type of propeller that has adjustable blades for varying speeds or directions, and may be able to reduce drag when under sail.

variation Magnetic variation. The difference between magnetic north and true north, measured as an angle. Magnetic variation is different in different locations, so the nearest compass rose to each location on a chart must be used.

VAT Value Added Tax, value after tax

VAT Value Added Tax

v-berth usually the forward berth of the boat, located in the bow

VC Vehicles Carrier

VCB Vertical Centre of Buoyancy

VCF Volume Correction Factor

VCG Vertical Centre of Gravity


keyword description

VCNTY Vicinity

VCV Vapor Control Valve

VDR Voyage Data Recorder

VDU Visual Display Unit (Computer)

vector A line drawn to indicate both the direction and magnitude of a force, such as leeway or a current

veer Turn away from the wind. A wind change clockwise. To veer a cable is to let it out more.To veer anchor cable meaning to pay out and slacken the cable

velocity made good Also VMG. Actual boat speed after adjusting for such factors as current and leeway

Ventilated Container Container designed with openings in the side and/or end walls to permit the ingress of outside air when the doors are closed.

ventilator Construction designed to lead air below decks. May have a cowl, which can be angled into or away from the wind; and may be constructed with baffles, so that water is not allowed below, as in Dorade ventilator.

ventilator cowl The swiveled opening at the top of a ventilator

vertical clearance The distance between the water level at chart datum and an overhead obstacle such as a bridge or power line.

very quick flashing A navigational aid with a light that flashes between 80 and 159 times per minute. Usually around twice per second

Very Small Aperture Terminal - VSAT VSAT.A two-way satellite ground station or a stabilized maritime VSAT antenna with a dish antenna that is smaller than 3 meters. The majority of VSAT antennas range from 75 cm to 1.2 m. Data rates typically range from 56 kbit/s up to 4 Mbit/s. VSATs access satellite(s) in geosynchronous orbit to relay data from small remote earth stations (terminals)

vessel Any kind of boat, ship or yacht

Vessel availability Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the company’s ability to minimize the unplanned unavailability

vessel crossing A vessel proceeding across a fairway / traffic lane / route

vessel inward A vessel proceeding from sea to harbour or dock

vessel leaving A vessel in the process of leaving a berth or anchorage

Vessel Manifest Statement of a vessel's cargoes or containers (revenue, consignee, marks, etc.). The international carrier is obligated to make declarations of the ship's crew and contents at both the port of departure and arrival. The vessel manifest lists various details about each shipment by B/L number. Obviously, the B/L serves as the core source from which the manifest is created.

Vessel Operating Expenses The costs of operating a ship, primarily consisting of crew wages and associated costs, insurance premiums, management fee, lubricants and spare parts, and repair and maintenance costs. Ship operating expenses exclude fuel cost, port expenses, agents' fees, canal dues and extra war risk insurance, as well as commissions, which are included in 'operating expenses (See Voyage Operating Expenses)

vessel outward A vessel proceeding from harbour or anchorage to sea


keyword description

Vessel Supplies for Immediate Exportation (VSIE)

Allows equipment and supplies arriving at one port to be loaded on a vessel, aircraft, etc., for its exclusive use and to be exported from the same port.

vessel turning A vessel making Large alteration of course such as to stem the tide when anchoring, or to enter, or proceed, after leaving a berth, or dock

Vetting Process of performing a background check on someone before offering them employment, in-depth assessment of a ship's quality and suitability for a task, the best way to match available vessels to the operational requirements of the voyage and the need to properly manage risk

Vetting deficiencies Key Performane Indicator (KPI) that expresses the ship manager’s ability to avoid deficiencies and negative observations from vetting inspections

VGP Vessel General Permit. To do with vessel discharges

VHF Very High Frequency radio waves (30-300 MHz). Communication devices using this frequency. It reaches only slightly beyond the horizon, except in favourable circumstances where transmission up to several hundred miles are possible. A radio that transmits in the VHF range

victualling Crew feeding expenses

victuals food

VIDS Vessel Identification System

VISA Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement

viscosity Measure of a fluid's resistance to gradual deformation by stress. For liquids, it corresponds to the informal notion of "thickness"

visual bearing A bearing taken by visually observing the location of known landmarks.

visual fix A fix taken by visually observing the location of known landmarks.

vittles victuals

Viz. Namely. Used in tariffs to specify commodities

VLBC Very Large Bulk Carrier

VLCC Very Large Crude oil Carrier. A tanker of 200,000 to 319,000dwt. It can carry about 2 million barrels of crude oil

VLDTY Validity

VLFO Vessel Load Free Out. The loading and discharge terms for the cargo to be shipped, as agreed to in the chartger party. The vessel (carrier) pays for the loading of the cargo on board the ship and the receiver pays for the discharge of the cargo from the ship to the pier.

VLOC Very Large Ore Carrier

VLOO Very large ore/oiler (carrier)

VMG Velocity Made Good. Actual boat speed after adjusting for such factors as current and leeway

VMUCH Very much

VNC Vessel Navigator Course

VOC Volatile Organic Compounds


keyword description

voice tube A large speaking tube that goes from one operating station to another

VOL Volume

VOP Value as in original policy

VOY Voyage

VOYAC Voyage account

Voyage A long journey to a distant place, usually by sea

Voyage Charter Hiring of a vessel and crew for a voyage between a load port and a discharge port. The charterer pays the vessel owner on a per-ton or lump-sum basis. The owner pays the port costs (excluding stevedoring), fuel costs and crew costs. Payment for the use of the vessel is known as freight. A voyage charter specifies a period, known as laytime, for unloading the cargo. If laytime is exceeded, the charterer must pay demurrage. If laytime is saved, the charter party may require the shipowner to pay despatch to the charterer

Voyage Direction The sector of a round trip voyage normally denoted by the direction of the sailing

Voyage Estimation The method to determine the return for any potential voyage on a voyage charter, after deducting from freight revenue, the running cost and other expenses

Voyage Number The numeric identification of a trip undertaken by a vessel on a fixed trade lane

Voyage Operating Expenses Voyage operating expenses include port and canal charges, bunker (fuel) expenses, extra war risk insurance, address and brokerage commissions (See Vessel Operating Expenses)

voyage planning Procedure to develop a complete description of a vessel's voyage from start to finish, also passage planning

VP Vapour Pressure

VPD Vessel Pays Dues

VPP Variable Pitch Propeller

VPQ Vessel Particulars Questionnaire. Contains all basic information about the vessel, owners, managers, crewing agents, crew complement, nationality of crew, etc. Also contains information of a permanent nature such as physical dimensions and tank capacities

VRM Vessel Resource Management, process by which the officers and crew work together to achieve safe and efficient ship operation, concentrates on areas of competence, knowledge, understanding and proficiency, seeking to develop best practice through a technique called Situational Awareness

VRP Vessel Response Plan

VRS Vapor Recovery System

VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal. A two-way satellite ground station or a stabilized maritime VSAT antenna with a dish antenna that is smaller than 3 meters. The majority of VSAT antennas range from 75 cm to 1.2 m. Data rates typically range from 56 kbit/s up to 4 Mbit/s. VSATs access satellite(s) in geosynchronous orbit to relay data from small remote earth stations (terminals)

VSIE Vessel Supplies for Immediate Exportation

VSL(S) Vessel(s)


keyword description

VSN Vision

VSOA Vessel Safety and Operations Audit

VTIS Vessel Traffic Information System

VTMS Vessel Traffic Management Services

VTS Vessel traffic system / service. Controls shipping in and around coastlines and congested waters. Usually operated by coastguard organizations or other authorities

VTSS Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme

VV Vise versa

W Watt

W.M. Weight or Measurement, the basis for assessing freight charges, also known as worm. The rate charged under W/M will be whichever produces the highest revenue between the weight of the shipment and the measure of the shipment.

W/I Within

W/M Weight or Measurement

W/P Without Predjudice

W/T With Transhipment at …

W/W Wrehouse Warrant

waist The portion of the deck between the forecastle and quarterdeck of a sailing vessel

wake Moving waves, that a boat leaves behind it, when moving through water

War Risk Insurance coverage for loss of goods resulting from any act of war

warehouse Place for the reception, delivery, consolidation, distribution, and storage of goods/cargo

Warehouse Entry Document that identifies goods imported when placed in a bonded warehouse. The duty is not imposed on the products while in the warehouse but will be collected when they are withdrawn for delivery or consumption

Warehouse Withdrawal for Transportation (WDT)

Allows merchandise that has been withdrawn from a bonded warehouse at one port to be transported in bond to another port, where a superseding entry will be filed

Warehouse Withdrawal for Transportation Exportation (WDT&E)

Allows merchandise that has been withdrawn from a bonded warehouse at one port to be transported in bond through the U.S. to be exported from another port, without paying duty

Warehouse Withdrawal for Transportation Immediate Exportation (WDEX)

Allows merchandise that has been withdrawn from a bonded warehouse at one U.S. port to be exported from the same port exported without paying duty

warehousing The storing of goods/cargo

warp Heavier lines (rope or wire) used for mooring, anchoring and towing. May also be used to indicate moving (warping) a boat into position by pulling on a warp

wash Turbulent water as caused, say, by a rotating propeller

wash plate Any of several plates fitted in a ship's bottom to prevent surging of bilge water when the ship is rolling or pitching


keyword description

watch A division of crew into shifts, shipboard duties are contained within a shift or watch system. Navigation, engine room and anchor duties are all carried out through structured periods of time known as watches

watch officer An officer taking his turn as officer of the watch

watchkeeping Division of qualified personnel to operate a ship continuously and respond to emergencies

watchstanding watchkeeping

Water Jet A modern method of propulsion or thruster unit currently being fitted to high speed craft

water tube boiler Type of boiler in which water circulates in tubes heated externally by the fire. Fuel is burned inside the furnace, creating hot gas which heats water in the steam-generating tubes

waterline Line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a ship sinks when it is properly trimmed

waterline length The length of the boat at the waterline

waterlogged Completely filled with water

watertight hatch Watertight doors. In the event of a hull breach, the hatches can be closed to seal off compartments on the affected portion of the boat.

waterway A river, canal or other body of water that boats can travel on

wave height That vertical distance between the crest of a wave and the lower part of the trough

way The progress of a boat. If a boat is moving it is considered to be "making way.", Movement of a ship through water such as headway, sternway or leeway

way point A mark or place at which a vessel is required to report to establish its position (Also known as Reporting point or Calling-in point)

Waybill A document prepared by a transportation line at the point of a shipment; shows the point of the origin, destination, route, consignor, consignee, description of shipment and amount charged for the transportation service. It is forwarded with the shipment or sent by mail to the agent at the transfer point or waybill destination. Abbreviation is WB. Unlike a bill of lading, a waybill is NOT a document of title.

waypoint A specific location as defined by GPS, the Global Positioning System

WB West bound. Waybill. Water Ballast

WBT Water Ballast Tank

WCCON Whether Cleared Customs or Not

WCSA West coast of south america, africa

WDCAO Water de-gummed canola oil

wear Sailing in a circle to change direction downwind to aviod a gybe. May also mean turning away from the wind, as in veer

weather windward, opposite of leeward

Weather Deck The uppermost, uncovered deck of a ship, which is exposed to the weather


keyword description

weather helm The tendency of a boat to head up toward the eye of the wind. The opposite of lee helm

weather shore The shore if wind blows strongly offshore

weather side The windward side (from where the wind is blowing)

weigh To raise, as in to weigh anchor

Weight Cargo A cargo on which the transportation charge is assessed on the basis of weight

welding Joining together two or more members with electric arc or by other means

well A chamber that houses a boats daggerboard

Well Car Also known as stack car. A drop–frame rail flat car

WENCHON Whether entered custom house or not

WEND World Electronic Navigation Database

west One of the 4 cardinal compass points. West is at 270° on a compass card

west wind Wind coming from west

westerly wind Wind coming from west

wet locker Locker equiped with a drain so that wet clothes can be stored in it without damaging other objects in the boat

wetted surface The amount of area of the hull, keel, rudder, and other objects that is under water

WG Weight guaranteed

WGT Weight

WH What hour

wharf A section parallel to the shore for docking and unloading vessels, also a quay

Wharfage Charge assessed by a pier or dock owner against freight handled over the pier or dock or against a steamship company using the pier or dock

WHBS Waste Heat Boiler Survey

wheel One of two methods used to steer a boat. A wheel is turned in the direction that the helmsman wants the boat to go. On smaller boats a tiller is usually used, which steers in the opposite manner

wheel over point - W A point where a turn is made, for large vessels, the point at which the actual maneuver is made to insure that the object being “indexed” is on the new track line taking into account the large turning circle, the advance and transfer of the vessel

WHFG Wharfage

Whfge. Charge assessed by a pier or dock owner against freight handled over the pier or dock or against a steamship company using the pier or dock.

WHFTBS Waste Heat Fire-Tube Boiler Survey

whip To bind the strands of a line with a small cord.

whisker pole A short spar, normally kept stowed, which may be used to push the clew of a jib away from the boat when the boat is running downwind

whistle buoy A navigational buoy with a whistle.


keyword description

whitecap A small wave with a breaking crest common on a windy day on inshore waters such as harbors and bays

WHO World Health Organisation

WHR Where

WHWTBS Waste Heat Water-Tube Boiler Survey

WHZ Whether

WIBON Whether In Berth Or Not

WICCON Whether in cargo clearence or not

wide berth At a considerable distance. Avoid something by a large distance

widow-maker a term for the bowsprit (many sailors lost their lives falling off the bowsprit while tending sails)

WIFPON Whether In Free Pratique Or Not

wildcat A sprocket wheel on the windlass for taking links of the chain cable

winch An engine for handling drafts of cargo secured on deck and fitted with drums on a horizontal axle, mechanical device for hauling in a line or otherwise adjust the "tension" of a rope or wire rope. In its simplest form it consists of a spool and attached hand crank

wind rode A vessel is described as wind rode when she is riding to her anchor head to wind

wind rose Diagram usually shown on pilot charts that indicates the frequency and intensity of wind from different directions for a particular place

wind scoop Funnel used to force wind in a hatch and ventilate the below decks area

windage The amount of a boat, sail or other object that the wind can push on

windlass An anchor engine used for heaving in the chain cable and anchor

window A transparent portion of a jib or mainsail

windward In the direction from which the wind is coming, opposite of leeward

Windy Booking A freight booking made by a skipper or freight forwarder to serve space but not actually having a specific cargo at the time the booking is made. Carriers often overbook a vessel by 10 to 20 percent in recognition that "windy booking" cargo will not actually ship.

wing to wing A method of running before the wind with two sails set. Usually the mainsail on one side and a headsail on the other, or one headsail on each side

wiper A general handyman in the engine room

WIPON Whether In Port Or Not

wishbone A boom composed of two separate curved pieces, one on either side of the sail, with this rig, sails are usually self tending and loose-footed

WISTA Women's International Shipping and Trading Association

Without Recourse A phrase preceding the signature of a drawer or endorser of a negotiable instrument; signifies that the instrument is passed onto subsequent holders without any liability to the endorser in the event of nonpayment or nondelivery


keyword description

WKDS Weekdays

WKG Working

WKLY Weekly

WKR Worker

WL Water Line. Will

WL NTD TKS Well noted thanks

WLBE Will be

WLD World

WLTHC Water Line / Top of Hatch Coaming. To see if the load/discharge gear is large and high enough to reach the hatches

WLTOHC Water Line-To-Hatch Coaming

WLTOHC Water Line-To-Hatch Coaming. To see if the load/discharge gear is large and high enough to reach the hatches

WM Weight or Measurement

WMO World Meteorological Organisation

WMO Wolrd Maritime Organization

WMT Wet Metric Tons (Being the weight of cargo loaded before the voyage commences typically for Iron Ore and Concentrates)

WMU World Maritime University

WNA Winter North Atlantic

WOG Without Guarantee

work boat A boat used for earning a living

WORKING COPY (CP'S) Copy of cp which not signed by both parties

working sails The sails used on a particular sailboat in normal weather conditions

working sheet The sheet that is currently taught and in use to control a sail. The opposite of the lazy sheet

WOUT Without

WOUT Without

WP Weather Permitting. Time during which weather prevents working shall not count as laytime

WP/E Working Party on Electricity (IACS)

WP/FPS Working Party on Fire Protection and Safety (IACS)

WP/HE Working Party on Human Element (IACS)

WP/M Working Party on Machinery (IACS)

WP/S Working Party on Strength of Ships (IACS)

WP/SRC Working Party on Surveyors Reporting and Certification (IACS)

WP/SSLL Working Party on Stability Subdivision and Load Lines (IACS)


keyword description

WPA With Particular Average

WPD Weather Permitting Day

WR Watch Receiver

WRI War risk insurance

WRIC Wire Rods In Coils

WRK Wrecked

WRO War risks only

WRT(G) Write (writing)

WRU Who Are You

WS Worldscale

WSHTC Worldscale hours, terms, conditions

WSNP Weather and Safe Navigation Permitting

WT Water Tight

WT Wait, Weight, watertight

WTBS Water-Tube Boiler Survey

WTR Water

WTS Working time saved

WUD(BE) Would (be)

WVNS Within vessel's natural segregation

WW Weather working. Worldwide

WW ready When and where ready

WWD Weather Working Day (s)

WWD OF … CONSEC HRS Weather working day of …. Consecutive hours

WWNWS World Wide Navigational Warning Service

WWP When Weather Permits

WWR When Where Ready

WWW World Wide Web (Internet facility)

WWWW Wibon, Wccon, Wifpon, Wipon

Wx Weather

X Shex, Sundays and holidays excepted

XBE Excluding both ends

XO Executive Officer

XOL Excess of Loss (Insurance)

XS In excess of

X-Whse Ex-warehouse


keyword description

YA York Antwerp Rules

yacht Vessel larger than a boat and smaller than a ship. A sailboat used for pleasure, not a working boat, mostly bigger boats primarily for sailing, but often seaworthy and equipped with strong engines

yacht broker Specialist who serves yacht or boat sellers and/or buyers as a representative for the sale or purchase of a yacht or boat

yacht chartering Practice of renting, or chartering, a sailboat or motor yacht and travelling to various coastal or island destinations, usually a vacation activity, but it also can be a corporate event

Yachts - Cruising most common yacht in private use, from 7 metres (23 ft) to 14 metres (46 ft) in length, capable of taking on long-range passages of many thousands of miles, usually have several cabins below deck

Yachts - Day sailing small, at under 6 metres (20 ft) in length, most do not have a cabin

Yachts - Luxury sailing sophisticated and luxurious boats, generally 25 metres (82 ft) or longer

Yachts - Racing dedicated for offshore racing, sacrifice crew comfort for speeds up to 35 knots in extreme conditions

Yachts - Sport fishing Boat with living amenities and sporting fishing equipment

Yachts - Weekender larger, at under 9.5 metres (31 ft) in length, designed to undertake short journeys, usually have only a simple cabin

yankee A fore-sail flying above and forward of the jib, usually seen on bowsprit vessels

YAR York Antwerp Rules

yar Fit and beautiful (boat)

yard Classification, storage or switching area. Spar attached to the mast and used to hoist square sails

yard arm The end of a yard

yaw To steer wildly or out of line of course

yaw - vessel movement port and starboard twisting motion on the vertical center axis

yawing To turn from side to side in an uneven course

yawl Two-masted boat, with the smaller, after mast stepped behind the stern post

YD Yard

YDAY Yesterday

YL Your letter

YLYR Your letter

yoke A piece of wood placed across the head of a boat's rudder, with a rope attached to each end, by which the boat is steered

York Antwerp Rules of 1974 Established the standard basis for adjusting general average and stated the rules for adjusting claims

YR Your year

YRS Yours


keyword description

YT Your telegram

YTLX Your telex

Z UTC GMT

ZD zone description

zenith An imaginary point directly "above" a particular location, on the imaginary celestial sphere. "Above" means in the vertical direction opposite to the apparent gravitational force at that location. The opposite direction, i.e. the direction in which gravity pulls, is toward the nadir

zenith angle The angle between the zenith and a heavenly body

zephyr A gentle breeze

zigzagging Alternating tacks on approximately equal distances

zincs Zinc plates attached to the hull to minimize electrolysis (and ultimate failure) of the metal in the rudder and other areas

ZN Zinc

zone description Number of hours to be added to zone time to obtain GMT, zero in the Greenwich time zone,negative for time zones to the east and positive to the west

ZT Zone Time

zulu Coordinated universal time

Zulu Time Time based on Greenwich Mean Time


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