17. Precautions for Preparing to go to Sea

Question 1

Term

Answer 1

Definition

Question 2

Seaworthiness

Answer 2

The condition of a ship regarding its fitness to perform a particular voyage with safety.

Question 3

Ballast

Answer 3

Weight placed in the ship’s lower compartments to ensure stability.

Question 4

Bilge

Answer 4

The lowest part of the ship’s hull where water tends to collect.

Question 5

Draft

Answer 5

The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull.

Question 6

Freeboard

Answer 6

The vertical distance between the waterline and the upper deck level, essentially measuring a ship’s reserve buoyancy.

Question 7

Trim

Answer 7

The difference in draft between the bow and the stern of a ship.

Question 8

List

Answer 8

The tilt or lean of a ship in the water, typically caused by uneven loading or water ingress.

Question 9

Displacement

Answer 9

The weight of the water a ship displaces when afloat, which equals the ship’s weight.

Question 10

Deadweight

Answer 10

The total weight a ship can carry, including cargo, fuel, fresh water, stores, passengers, and crew.

Question 11

Gross Tonnage

Answer 11

A measure of the overall internal volume of a ship before deducting spaces used for crew, machinery, etc.

Question 12

Net Tonnage

Answer 12

The volume of space available for cargo and passengers, after deducting crew and machinery spaces.

Question 13

Plimsoll Line

Answer 13

A line painted on a ship’s side that shows the limit to which a ship can be legally loaded.

Question 14

Load Line

Answer 14

A marking that indicates the maximum depth to which a vessel is allowed to sink when loaded with cargo.

Question 15

Sheer

Answer 15

The longitudinal curvature of the deck of a ship.

Question 16

Camber

Answer 16

The transverse curvature of the deck of a ship.

Question 17

Watertight Integrity

Answer 17

The condition of a ship’s structure preventing the ingress of water to protect buoyancy and stability.

Question 18

Bulkhead

Answer 18

A vertical partition in the ship, providing structural integrity, compartmentalization, and fire resistance.

Question 19

Scuppers

Answer 19

Openings along the edges of a ship’s deck, designed to allow water on deck to drain off.

Question 20

Swing Circle

Answer 20

The area that a ship will sweep with its anchor when anchored, allowing for movement due to wind or currents.

Question 21

Sea Trials

Answer 21

Tests conducted to measure a ship’s performance and general seaworthiness.

Question 22

Shakedown Cruise

Answer 22

A voyage to test the ship’s equipment and operation, typically performed before the ship enters service.

Question 23

Muster List

Answer 23

A roll of crew members assigned to specific duties in an emergency situation.

Question 24

Derelict

Answer 24

A ship abandoned at sea without hope of recovery.

Question 25

Flotsam

Answer 25

Debris left floating on the water after a shipwreck, including cargo, parts of the ship, etc.

Question 26

Jetsam

Answer 26

Goods deliberately thrown overboard from a ship in distress, typically to lighten the load.

Question 27

Lagan

Answer 27

Goods lying on the bottom of the ocean, sometimes marked by a buoy, which can be reclaimed.

Question 28

Provisions

Answer 28

Supplies of food, drink, and other essentials for the crew of a ship.

Question 29

Rigging

Answer 29

The system of ropes, cables, or chains employed to support a ship’s masts and to control or set the yards and sails.

Question 30

Hull

Answer 30

The main body of the ship, providing buoyancy and protection from the environment.

Question 31

Keel

Answer 31

The central structural backbone of a ship, running longitudinally along the base of the hull.