Standard Terminology

Question 1

Define Aft perpendicular

Answer 1

As imaginary vertical line at the intersection of the after part of the rudder post or centreline of the rudder stock and the Summer Load waterline

Question 2

Define Amidships

Answer 2

The mid-length position between the after and forward perpendiculars.

Question 3

Define Beam

Answer 3

The horizontal distance measured across the vessel. (Width)

Question 4

define camber

Answer 4

The downward curvature of the deck in the transverse plane – it is the difference in the height of the deck at the fore and aft centreline, and the height of the deck port and starboard.

Question 5

define deadweight

Answer 5

The weight of the cargo, fuel, stores, fresh water, passengers, etc that the ship is carrying at any given draft. Deadweight is the difference between the displacement and the lightweight.

Question 6

define displacement

Answer 6

The weight of the ship plus its contents, measures in tonnes, for any specific draft.

Question 7

define entrance

Answer 7

The gradual increase in breadth(width) from stem(Bow) to a mid-length position.

Question 8

define extreme breadth

Answer 8

The maximum beam(Width) of the ship between the extreme points port and starboard.

Question 9

define extreme draft

Answer 9

The vertical distance between the waterline and the deepest point of the keel.

Question 10

define extreme depth

Answer 10

The greatest vertical distance measured from the uppermost continuous deck to the deepest point at the keel.

Question 11

define flare

Answer 11

The outward curvature of the shell plating above the waterline, at the forward end. A measure of the difference in breadth at waterline, and breadth at deck level.

Question 12

define forward perpendicular

Answer 12

An imaginary vertical line at the intersection of the stem and the Summer Load Waterline.

Question 13

define freeboard

Answer 13

The vertical distance measured between the upper edge of the Summer Loadline and the upper edge of the deck line.

Question 14

length between perpendiculars

Answer 14

The distance between the after and forward perpendiculars at the summer draft marks.

Question 15

length overall

Answer 15

The horizontal distance between the forward and after extremities of the ship.

Question 16

lightweight

Answer 16

The weight of the empty ship plus the weight of the water in her boilers, measured in tonnes.

Question 17

lloyds length

Answer 17

The ship’s length as used by Lloyds Register for calculating allowances for freeboard and other scantlings – it is between 96% - 97% of the LOA.

Question 18

moulded dimensions

Answer 18

The measurements taken inside the shell plating, i.e. the dimensions of the ship’s ‘skeleton’ taken from frame to frame and stempost to sternpost.

Question 19

air draft

Answer 19

Air draft of a ship refers to the distance from the waterline to the highest point on the ship that is not permanently attached.

Question 20

trim

Answer 20

In maritime terms refers to the difference in the ship’s draft between the forward (bow) and aft (stern) parts of the vessel. Essentially, it’s about how level the ship is sitting in the water:

-If the bow is lower than the stern, the ship is said to have a “forward trim” or is “down by the head.”

-Conversely, if the stern is lower, it’s known as an “aft trim” or “down by the stern.”

Question 21

even keel

Answer 21

trim is 0

Question 22

full and down

Answer 22

a term used in the shipping industry to describe a condition where a ship’s cargo holds are completely filled (full) and the weight of the cargo is such that the ship is sitting low in the water (down) at or near its maximum draft. This indicates that the vessel is fully loaded and has utilized its maximum allowable cargo capacity.

Question 23

trimmed by the head or down

Answer 23

“Trimmed by the head” is a condition where a ship is sitting lower in the water at the bow than at the stern.

Question 24

trimmed by stern

Answer 24

refers to a ship that is sitting lower in the water at the stern (the rear part of the ship) than at the bow (the front part).

Question 25

Heel

Answer 25

• This refers to the temporary lean of a ship to one side.
• It is usually caused by external forces, such as wind or turning manoeuvres

Question 26

list

Answer 26

• List describes a ship leaning to one side in a more static condition, and it is not intentionally caused by sailing manoeuvres or external forces like wind.
• It’s usually due to uneven distribution of weight on board the ship (e.g., cargo shifting, uneven loading, or water accumulation in the hull).

Question 27

rise of floor

Answer 27

The upward curve of a ship’s bottom from the flat bottom part (keel) toward the bow and stern.

Question 28

sheer

Answer 28

The upward curve of a ship’s deck line from midship towards the bow and stern

Question 29

waterline length

Answer 29

The length of a ship at the level where it sits in the water, essentially the distance from the bow to the stern along the waterline.

Question 30

camber

Answer 30

The slight upward curve of the deck of a ship from side to side, designed to provide better water drainage.