Common Nautical Terms

Question 1

Define Vessel

Answer 1

Every description of water craft, including non-displacement crafts, WIG crafts and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as means of transportation on water

Question 2

Which direction is Port

Answer 2

Left

Question 3

Which direction is Starboard

Answer 3

Right

Question 4

Define Deck

Answer 4

Floor

Question 5

Define Deckhead

Answer 5

Ceiling

Question 6

Define Bulkhead

Answer 6

Wall within the hull of the ship

Question 7

Define Porthole

Answer 7

Window

Question 8

Define Bridge/ Wheelhouse

Answer 8

Where primary vessel navigation occurs

Question 9

Define Engine Room

Answer 9

Location of engines, usually on a lower deck

Question 10

Define Galley

Answer 10

Kitchen

Question 11

Define Messroom

Answer 11

Dining area

Question 12

Define Heads

Answer 12

Toilets

Question 13

Define Cabin

Answer 13

Bedroom

Question 14

What is “Length Overall”

Answer 14

Length from the tip of the bow to stern

Question 15

Define Beam

Answer 15

Vessel width at its widest point

Question 16

What is Draught

Answer 16

Vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the Hull

Question 17

Define Freeboard

Answer 17

Distance from the waterline to the uppermost continuous deck

Question 18

Define “Underway”

Answer 18

A stationary vessel NOT at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.

Question 19

Define “Making way”

Answer 19

Moving through the water under some form of propulsion

Question 20

What is the Forecastle (Foc’sle)

Answer 20

Deck at the forward part of the ship

Question 21

What is the Poop/Flag Deck

Answer 21

Deck at the aft of the ship

Question 22

Define Hull

Answer 22

The main body of a ship

Question 23

Define Hatch

Answer 23

An opening in the deck of a ship

Question 24

Define Rudder

Answer 24

Vertical plate or board used for steering

Question 25

Define Screw

Answer 25

Propeller

Question 26

Define Propeller

Answer 26

Type of fan that transmits power by converting rotational motion into thrust

Question 27

Define Bilge

Answer 27

Lowest interior part of the ship

Question 28

Define Scupper

Answer 28

Drain hole in the deck

Question 29

Define Gangway

Answer 29

The platform connecting the dock and the ship, used to embark/ disembark the vessel

Question 30

Define Air Draft

Answer 30

From the very top of the ship to the waterline