A non-commissioned naval rank. Midshipmen play a part, under supervision, in most of the ship's activities, and are in training for higher command.

A type of knot that tightens under load. It is formed by running the standing line through the loop formed in a regular bowline, or by tying around a bight in the line.

Notations made when the cargo is received at the carrier's terminal or loaded aboard a vessel. They show any irregularities in packaging or actual or suspected damage to the cargo. Exceptions are then noted on the bill of lading.

Abbreviation for Export-Import Bank of the United States. An independent U.S. Government Agency which facilitates exports of U.S. goods by providing loan guarantees and insurance for repayment of bank-provided export credit.

Chest, or compartment, in which is stowed clothing for issue to crew.

A buoy on the race course around which boats must turn.

Condition that exists when the air, gas, or fluid normally passing through an element is being shunted around the element.

In the direction the wind is blowing. A boat sailing downwind, away from the wind source with the sails let out all the way, is running with the wind.

Old legend of a Dutch skipper who, in a strong gale, swore by Donner and Blitzen that he would beat into Table Bay in spite of God's wrath. His ship foundered and he was condemned to go on sailing eternally in his attempt to reach Table Bay. There was a s ...

(1) The action of a line as it passes over the sheave of a block. (2) The act of easing away gently.

An ornamental knot to provide a stopper on the end of a line.

A compressor control mechanism designed to control performance output of the compressor to the demands of the plant process.

Old term for waking a sailor asleep on watch by throwing a bucket of cold water over him.

An auxiliary engine used for furnishing power for a variety of small mechanical chores.

A switching railroad operating within a commercial area.

When the two blocks of a tackle have been drawn as close together as possible.

An extra charge sometimes added to steamship freight rates; justified by higher fuel costs. (Also known as Fuel Adjustment Factor or FAF.)

The practice of obtaining a crew by means of force. Crews were hard to get for long voyages, and when the unwilling shipmate regained consciousness, he found himself bound for some remote port, such as Shanghai. One who is forced to do something against h ...

An order issued by a seller against a purchaser; directs payment, usually through an intermediary bank. Typical bank drafts are negotiable instruments and are similar in many ways to checks on checking accounts in a bank.

Laying up of a vessel, in a dock, for repairs.