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 ...

In a dynamic compressor, surge limit is the capacity below which the compressor operation becomes unstable.

Iron or steel straps fastened diagonally across a ship's frames to make a rigid framework.

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 ...

A fishing vessel designed to tow a trawl for catching bottom fish.

A line running from the stern of the boat to a dock or pier when moored.

The top of a wheelhouse, forecastle, etc., having the form of a turtle's back.

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

To put in place of another; i.e., when an insurance company pays a claim it is placed in the same position as the payee with regard to any rights against others.

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

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

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

This is the pressure found on the suction side of a refrigeration system.

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

To fasten a rope securely by taking turns around a cleat or bollard.

Small pump for shower drainage

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.

(1) A ruffle on the water indicating a breath of wind during a calm (2) A twisting hitch made in the bight of a rope to form two eyes, through which the hook of a tackle is passed for hoisting purposes.

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.

The speed and direction of the wind felt or measured when stationary. The motion of a boat will cause the wind to appear to be coming at a different direction and speed, which is known as apparent wind