Nautical Terms Part 1

Question 1

Abaft

Answer 1

Toward the stern, relative to some object (“abaft the fore hatch”).

Question 2

Abaft the beam

Answer 2

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.”

Question 3

Abeam

Answer 3

On the beam, a relative bearing at right angles to the centerline of the ship’s keel.

Question 4

Aboard

Answer 4

On or in a vessel (see also close aboard).

Question 5

About

Answer 5

“To go about is to change the course of a ship by tacking. Ready about, or boutship, is the order to prepare for tacking.”

Question 6

Above board

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Above-water hull

Answer 7

The hull section of a vessel above the waterline, the visible part of a ship. Also, topsides.

Question 8

Absentee pennant

Answer 8

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).

Question 9

Absolute bearing

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Accommodation ladder

Answer 10

A portable flight of steps down a ship’s side.

Question 11

Accommodation ship (or accommodation hulk)

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Adrift

Answer 12

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”.

Question 13

Afloat

Answer 13

Of a vessel which is floating freely (not aground or sunk). More generally of vessels in service (“the company has 10 ships afloat”).

Question 14

Afore

Answer 14

1. In, on, or toward the front of a vessel.

2. In front of a vessel.

Question 15

Aground

Answer 15

Resting on or touching the ground or bottom (usually involuntarily).

Question 16

Ahead

Answer 16

Forward of the bow.

Question 17

Ahoy

Answer 17

A cry to draw attention. Term used to hail a boat or a ship, as “Boat ahoy!”

Question 18

Ahull

Answer 18

1. lying broadside to the sea.

2. to ride out a storm with no sails and helm held to leeward.

Question 19

Alee

Answer 19

1. On the lee side of a ship.

2. To leeward.

Question 20

All hands

Answer 20

Entire ship’s company, both officers and enlisted personnel.

Question 21

Aloft

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Alongside

Answer 22

By the side of a ship or pier.

Question 23

Amidships (or midships)

Answer 23

In the middle portion of ship, along the line of the keel.

Question 24

Anchor ball

Answer 24

Round black shape hoisted in the forepart of a vessel to show that it is anchored.

Question 25

Anchor buoy

Answer 25

A small buoy secured by a light line to an anchor to indicate position of anchor on bottom.

Question 26

Anchor detail

Answer 26

Group of men who handle ground tackle when the ship is anchoring or getting underway.

Question 27

Anchor home

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Anchor light

Answer 28

White light displayed by a ship at anchor. Two such lights are displayed by a ship over 150 feet (46 m) in length.

Question 29

Anchor rode

Answer 29

The anchor line, rope or cable connecting the anchor chain to the vessel. Also Rode.

Question 30

Anchor sentinel

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

Anchorage

Answer 31

A suitable place for a ship to anchor. Area of a port or harbor.

Question 32

Anchor’s aweigh

Answer 32

Said of an anchor when just clear of the bottom.

Question 33

Aport

Answer 33

Over to the port side.

Question 34

Apparent wind

Answer 34

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.

Question 35

Arc of Visibility

Answer 35

The portion of the horizon over which a lighted aid to navigation is visible from seaward.

Question 36

Archboard

Answer 36

The plank along the stern where the name of the ship is commonly painted.

Question 37

Armament

Answer 37

A ship’s weapons.

Question 38

Ashore

Answer 38

1. On the beach, shore, or land (as opposed to aboard or on board).
   
   2. Towards the shore.
   3. “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)

Question 39

Astarboard

Answer 39

Over to the starboard side.

Question 40

Astern

Answer 40

1. Toward the stern (rear) of a vessel.

2. Behind a vessel.

Question 41

Athwart, athwartships

Answer 41

At right angles to the fore and aft or centerline of a ship.

Question 42

Avast

Answer 42

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!

Question 43

Awash

Answer 43

So low in the water that the water is constantly washing across the surface.

Question 44

Aweigh

Answer 44

Position of an anchor just clear of the bottom.

Question 45

Axial fire

Answer 45

Fire oriented towards the ends of the ship; the opposite of broadside fire.

Question 46

Aye, aye /ˌaɪ ˈaɪ/

Answer 46

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.

Question 47

Aft

Answer 47

1. The portion of the vessel behind the middle area of the vessel.
   
   2. Towards the stern (of the vessel).