A language of "dots" and "dashes" used to send messages, either sound using radio waves, or light using a searchlight or Aldis lamp.

A hitch used to join two ropes. It can be used between lines of different diameters.

Said of a vessel when forced to heave to or lie at anchor due to fog.

A preparatory order (wait

The truck unit into which freight is loaded as in tractor trailer combination. See Container.

Closing small leaks in a vessel's underwater body by drawing a sail, filled with oakum, underneath her.

Standard Carrier Abbreviation Code identifying an individual common carrier. A three letter carrier code followed by a suffix identifies the carrier's equipment. A suffix of "U" is a container and "C" is a chassis.

To stop the running out of a line by taking a turn around a cleat, piling, etc.; to suddenly stop or secure a line. A ship with too much way can be snubbed by letting an anchor go.

Small line used for whipping other light duties.

A container fitted with a rear door and a minimum of one side door.

ACRONYM - British thermal unit. The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit under set conditions of temperature and pressure.

Cargo shipped in loose condition and of a homogeneous nature.Cargoes that are shipped unpackaged either dry, such as grain and ore, or liquid, such as petroleum products. Bulk service generally is not provided on a regularly scheduled basis, but rather as ...

An extension to the tiller allowing the helmsman to steer while hiking. This may be desired for improved visibility or stability.

Pull the sail in by pulling on the sheet.

Person who decoys a seaman from his ship and gains money by robbing and, or, forcing him on board another vessel in want of men.

Nautical Flag meanings can be found here.

That geographical belt located approximately in 40 degrees south latitude in which are encountered the prevailing or stormy westerlies.

Sailor's term for being about to get married, a splice being used to join two ropes together.

Used to describe a light that blinks on and off, where the period of light is shorter than the period of darkness separating the flashes.

General term used to denote all activities connected with the catching of fish by any means.