Nautical Terms Flashcards
Adrift
Loose from moorings (applied to anything lost, out of hands, or left lying about)
AFT
Near or toward the stern of the vessel.
Aloft
Above the vessel’s uppermost solid structure (Overhead or high above)
Alongside
By the side of the pier or vessel.
All hands/ Muster/ Quarters
Assembly of all hands for accountability
Avast/ Belay
To cancel an order; To cease
Aye-Aye
Reply to an order; (I understand and will comply)
Barracks
Buildings where military personnel live
Below
Beneath the deck (Downstairs)
Bow
The front of the ship
Brightwork
Brass or shiny metal that is kept polished rather than painted.
Brow
A Moveable ladder used for boarding a vessel from a pier.
Bunk or Rack
Bed
Bulkhead
A partition or “wall” on a vessel
Carry On
An order to resume work or duties.
Cast Off
To throw off; to let go; to unfurl
Colors
Raising or lowering of a national flag; ceremonies held at 0800 and sunset.
Compartment
Room
Deck
Floor
Eyes in the Boat
Looking straight ahead while at position of attention.
Fast
Snugly Secured
Fore
Towards the bow of the vessel
Galley
The cooking compartment or kitchen on a vessel
Gangway
Opening in a bulwark/ lifeline that provides access to a brow; an order meaning to clear the way.
Gear Locker
Storage Room
Head
Bathroom
Ladder
Steps
Liberty
Permission to leave the base
Mast
The vertical structure from a vessel that holds rigging for flags and pennants, electronic equipment, and the National Ensign while underway; the flag pole at a shore-based unit.
Mess Deck
The compartment where enlisted personnel eat.
Officer of the Day/Deck (OOD)
The officer who acting directly under the commanding officer is responsible on an assigned day/watch for overseeing the unit/vessel, preserving order, protecting property, and enforcing regulations.
Overhead
Ceiling
Passageway
Hallway
Performance Tracker
Recruit progress documentation slip
Port
Referring to the left side of a vessel when seen by someone facing the bow
Quarterdeck
Area between squad bays; location where import vessels and shore units stand watch
Reveille
Wake up; start a new day
Scullery
Compartment for washing and sterilizing dishes
Scuttlebutt
Drinking fountain; a rumor
Secure
Lock; put away or stop work
Starboard
Referring to the right side of a vessel when seen by someone facing the bow
Stern
The back of the vessel
Strike
Lower or bring down
Swab
Mop
Taps
Time to sleep; end of day
Topside
Upstairs
Turn to
An order to begin work
Underway
When a vessel is not tied to a pier or at anchor
Watch
A period of duty