Nautical Terms Part 1 Flashcards
Abaft
Toward the stern, relative to some object (“abaft the fore hatch”).
Abaft the beam
Further aft than the beam: a relative bearing of greater than 90 degrees from the bow: “two points abaft the port beam”. That would describe “an object lying 22.5 degrees toward the rear of the ship, as measured clockwise from a perpendicular line from the right side, center, of the ship, toward the horizon.”
Abeam
On the beam, a relative bearing at right angles to the centerline of the ship’s keel.
Aboard
On or in a vessel (see also close aboard).
About
“To go about is to change the course of a ship by tacking. Ready about, or boutship, is the order to prepare for tacking.”
Above board
On or above the deck, in plain view, not hiding anything. Pirates would secret their crews below decks, thereby creating the false impression that an encounter with another ship was a casual matter of chance.
Above-water hull
The hull section of a vessel above the waterline, the visible part of a ship. Also, topsides.
Absentee pennant
Special pennant flown to indicate absence of commanding officer, admiral, his chief of staff, or officer whose flag is flying (division, squadron, or flotilla commander).
Absolute bearing
The bearing of an object in relation to north. Either true bearing, using the geographical or true north, or magnetic bearing, using magnetic north. See also bearing and relative bearing.
Accommodation ladder
A portable flight of steps down a ship’s side.
Accommodation ship (or accommodation hulk)
A ship or hulk used as housing, generally when there is a lack of quarters available ashore. An operational ship can be used, but more commonly a hulk modified for accommodation is used.
Adrift
Afloat and unattached in any way to the shore or seabed, but not under way. It implies that a vessel is not under control and therefore goes where the wind and current take her (loose from moorings, or out of place). Also refers to any gear not fastened down or put away properly. It can also apply generically to any person or thing that is misplaced or missing, e.g., “absent without leave”.
Afloat
Of a vessel which is floating freely (not aground or sunk). More generally of vessels in service (“the company has 10 ships afloat”).
Afore
- In, on, or toward the front of a vessel.
2. In front of a vessel.
Aground
Resting on or touching the ground or bottom (usually involuntarily).
Ahead
Forward of the bow.
Ahoy
A cry to draw attention. Term used to hail a boat or a ship, as “Boat ahoy!”
Ahull
- lying broadside to the sea.
2. to ride out a storm with no sails and helm held to leeward.
Alee
- On the lee side of a ship.
2. To leeward.
All hands
Entire ship’s company, both officers and enlisted personnel.
Aloft
In the rigging of a sailing ship. Above the ship’s uppermost solid structure; overhead or high above.
1. In the rigging of a sailing ship. 2. Above the ship's uppermost solid structure. 3. Overhead or high above.
Alongside
By the side of a ship or pier.
Amidships (or midships)
In the middle portion of ship, along the line of the keel.
Anchor ball
Round black shape hoisted in the forepart of a vessel to show that it is anchored.
Anchor buoy
A small buoy secured by a light line to an anchor to indicate position of anchor on bottom.
Anchor detail
Group of men who handle ground tackle when the ship is anchoring or getting underway.
Anchor home
When the anchor is secured for sea. Typically rests just outside the hawsepipe on the outer side of the hull, at the bow of a vessel.
Anchor light
White light displayed by a ship at anchor. Two such lights are displayed by a ship over 150 feet (46 m) in length.
Anchor rode
The anchor line, rope or cable connecting the anchor chain to the vessel. Also Rode.
Anchor sentinel
A separate weight on a separate line which is loosely attached to the anchor rode so that it can slide down it easily. It is made fast at a distance slightly longer than the draft of the boat. It is used to prevent the anchor rode from becoming fouled on the keel or other underwater structures when the boat is resting at anchor and moving randomly during slack tide. Also called a kellet.
Anchorage
A suitable place for a ship to anchor. Area of a port or harbor.
Anchor’s aweigh
Said of an anchor when just clear of the bottom.
Aport
Over to the port side.
Apparent wind
The combination of the true wind and the headwind caused by the boat’s forward motion. For example, it causes a light side wind to appear to come from well ahead of the beam.
Arc of Visibility
The portion of the horizon over which a lighted aid to navigation is visible from seaward.
Archboard
The plank along the stern where the name of the ship is commonly painted.
Armament
A ship’s weapons.
Ashore
- On the beach, shore, or land (as opposed to aboard or on board).
- Towards the shore.
- “To run ashore”: To collide with the shore (as opposed to “to run aground,” which is to strike a submerged feature such as a reef or sandbar)
Astarboard
Over to the starboard side.
Astern
- Toward the stern (rear) of a vessel.
2. Behind a vessel.
Athwart, athwartships
At right angles to the fore and aft or centerline of a ship.
Avast
Stop, cease or desist from whatever is being done. From the Dutch hou’ vast (“hold fast”), from houd (“hold”) + vast (“fast”) or the Italian word “Basta”[1] Compare ¡Ya basta!
Awash
So low in the water that the water is constantly washing across the surface.
Aweigh
Position of an anchor just clear of the bottom.
Axial fire
Fire oriented towards the ends of the ship; the opposite of broadside fire.
Aye, aye /ˌaɪ ˈaɪ/
Reply to an order or command to indicate that it, firstly, is heard; and, secondly, is understood and will be carried out. (“Aye, aye, sir” to officers). Also the proper reply from a hailed boat, to indicate that an officer is on board.
Aft
- The portion of the vessel behind the middle area of the vessel.
- Towards the stern (of the vessel).
