A bend or hitch used to attach a line to a ring or spar so that by pulling the end of the line, the hitch will come free. This is done by passing a bight of the line under the other part so that when strain is applied the bight is jammed. A pull on the en ...

Scoop like devices used to direct air into and ventilate a boat.

The anti-corrosive paint used on and above the waterline.

Heavy-weather practice of pouring oil on the sea so as to form a film on the surface, thus preventing the seas from breaking. To smooth out some difficulty.

The operation of secretly bringing goods into a country to avoid paying duty on the goods. Also applies to illicit goods.

See "Overland Common Points."

Air or vapor given off or expelled as a byproduct or result of an operation or treatment process.

Flapping (of sails)

Another term for a marine railway.

Any rope or line.

The location from which the boat is steered, usually in the middle or at the stern of the boat.

Froth of sea foam.

A stationary element between stages of a multistage centrifugal compressor. It may include guide vanes for directing the flowing medium to the impeller of the succeeding stage. in conjunction with an adjacent diaphragm, it forms the diffuser surrounding t ...

A free port in a country divorced from Customs authority but under government control. Merchandise, except that which is prohibited, may be stored in the zone without being subject to import duty regulations.

A sudden and violent gust of wind.

The wind direction indicator on the masthead.

A set of radio, sound, and visual signals designed to aid in communications between vessels without language problems. It can be used with Morse Code, with signal pennants, and by spoken code letters.

On a wooden vessel, the outermost deck plank covering the gunwale. also called Covering Board

Small struts or spars extending toward the sides from one or more places along the mast. The shrouds cross the end of the spreaders, enabling the shrouds to better support the mast. Also known as crosstrees in older vessels.

Steel section running along the length of each bottom edge of a shipping container giving its structural strength.