Nautical Terms and Phrases Flashcards
Ahoy
Ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore combination greeting and attention-getting term, usually when one party is unknown to the other
Airdale
part of the aircraft-related crew
All hands
a directive or reference applying to everyone hearing the message, usually directing them to perform their specific function as part of a collective task for the ship to accomplish, as in “all hands to quarters”, “All hands up anchor”, etc.
Anchors aweigh
the anchor has broken contact with the floor or surface at the bottom of the body of water
Arresting cables
Each carrier-based aircraft has a tailhook, a hook bolted to an 8-foot bar extending from the after part of the aircraft. It is with the tailhook that the pilot catches one of the four steel cables stretched across the deck at 20-foot intervals, bringing the plane, traveling at 150 miles per hour, to a complete stop in about 320 feet. The cables are set to stop each aircraft at the same place on the deck, regardless of the size or weight of the plane
Aye or aye aye
an acknowledgement of an order with the understanding that the receiver with execute it.
Barge
Small boat used to transport personnel or light cargo
Before the mast
Generally refers to the enlisted part of the crew, especially when comparing them with officers. On sailing ships, this was a literal term referring to the physical location of the enlisted sailors’ living quarters on the ship, which were in the forecastle (the part of the ship forward of or “before” the foremast)
Belay
To make fast or secure to a pin or cleat, as in “belay that line.”
“Belay that”
Disregard the order or information referred to, or cease work if the order has already been partially executed
Bilge
Water that has leaked into the ship and/or wastewater that can accumulate in a holding tank or empty space until it is pumped out.
Binnacle list
A ship’s sick list. On sailing ships, a binnacle was the stand on which the ship’s compass was mounted; a list of men unable to report for duty was given to the officer or mate of the watch, who kept the list at the binnacle.
Black gang or blackgang
The engine room crew
Bluejacket
Enlisted sailor
Boarding a small boat or entering a car
When boarding a small boat or entering a car, juniors enter first and take up the seats or the space beginning forward, leaving the most desirable seat for the senior. Seniors enter last and leave first.
Boatswain or bosun
The sailor or petty officer in charge of the deck force or a specific section of the ship’s crew.
Boot camp
Basic training given to a new (recruit) sailors and Marines. During the Spanish-American War (1898-1902), sailors wore leggings called boots; this came to mean a Navy or Marine recruit.
Boot ensign
The most senior ensign of a Navy ship, squadron, or shore activity. In addition to his or her normal duties, the boot ensign teaches less-experienced ensigns about life at sea, planning and coordinating wardroom social activities, making sure that the officers’ mess runs smoothly, and generally trying to make sure that the junior ensigns don’t embarrass themselves or the Navy. Even though the position usually has little official authority, the boot ensign can also serve as the focus of the unit’s expression of pride and spirit. Also called “bull ensign”
Bow
The front of the ship
Bravo Zulu
Well done
Bridge
This is every ship’s primary control position when it is under way, and the place where all orders and commands affecting the ship, her movements, and routine originate
“Bring ship to anchor”
Bring the ship to a halt and drop the anchor
Bulkhead
A wall or other vertical surface, especially on a ship
Butterbar
Someone with the lowest officer rank, pay grade O-1 ensign or second lieutenant, whose rank insignia is one gold-colored rectangular bar; usually carries a connotation of a lack of experience
“Cast off all lines”
Disconnect or let go all lines connecting a ship with a dock or another ship.
Catapults
The four steam-powered catapults on an aircraft carrier’s deck thrust a 48,000lb aircraft 300 feet, from zero to 165 mph, in 2 seconds. On each plane’s nose gear is a T-bar that locks into the catapult shuttle, which pulls the plane down the catapult’s length. The flight deck crew can launch two aircraft and land one every 37 seconds in daylight, and one per minute at night.
“Come left/right to course”
Make a slight change in course or heading, usually less than 15 degrees.
Course
The ship’s direction or compass heading, expressed in degrees or, less frequently, in cardinal directions.
Coxswain
the helmsman of a ship. Originally the coxswain (pronounced “coxun”) was the swain (boy servant) in charge of the small cockboat kept aboard for the ship’s captain, which was used to row him to and from the ship. With time this has come to mean the helmsman of any boat or ship, regardless of size
Davy Jones’ Locker
The floor of the ocean
Deck
Floor or other horizontal surface, especially on a ship
Dogwatch
The period of time at sea between 4 and 6 pm (first dogwatch) or 6 and 8pm (second dogwatch)
Drill
A standardized sequence of actions designed to react to a possible situation; used to practice skills and improve proficiency.
Duffle or Duffel
A sailor’s personal effects. Referring not only to the sailor’s clothing but also the seabag in which he carries and stows it, the term comes from the Flemish town of Duffel near Antwerp, where a rough woolen cloth made there was often used to make the seabags.
Ease the Rudder
Decrease the current rudder angle (with zero degrees being amidships).
Elevators
Each of a carrier’s four deck-edge elevators can lift two aircraft from the cavernous hangar deck to the 4.5 acre flight deck in seconds.
Fathom
A standardized nautical unit of measurement equaling 6 feet, usually referring to depth of water
“Gangway”
Get out of the way; make may for someone or something coming through an area
General Quarters
All hands man their battle stations on the double (At a run)
Shipshape
In good order and function; squared away
Smoking Lamp
If it’s “lit”, you have permission to smoke; if not, you don’t.
Sonar
Underwater detection device using sound and echo detection
Starboard
The right side as one is facing forward
“Steady as you go”
Maintain the course the ship is on at the moment the command is given
Stern
The rear of the ship
