After hearing my seafarer friend talk about his interview on the different types of bulk carriers, I became confused and even questioned my understanding of those ships. It's not because I'm a tanker guy that I failed to comprehend what they meant. It's just that the...
Maritime Dictionary Articles
What Does a Deck Cadet Do and How Much is His Salary?
If you think that a deck cadet is an indispensable part of the shipboard organization, this will disappoint you. They may be an essential solution for the shortage of competent officers but these apprentices are not "must haves" on board. Sounds ironic? Let's...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts with the Letters “X, Y, Z”
X X - Code flag; Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals. The traditional signature of an illiterate seaman. Morse code; ▬ ● ● ▬. X-band - A radar with 3cm wavelength transmitting at 10,000MHz. Xebec - Small three-masted, lateen-rigged trading...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts with the Letter “W”
W - Code flag; I require medical assistance. Morse code; ● ▬ ▬. Waft - To convoy or escort, a vessel (16th century), 2 Weft. Wager Policy - Policy of marine insurance issued to an insurer who has not declared his interest in matter insured. If he has no interest,...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “V”
V - Code flag; I require assistance. Morse Code; ● ● ● ▬ V Bottom - A hull with the bottom section in the shape of a “V”. V flag + two numerals - Code flags; Speed in K.P.H. Vailing Topsail - Letting go topsail halyards as a salute. Valuation Clause - Inserted in a...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “U”
U - Code flag; You are standing into danger. Morse signal; ● ● ▬. U-boat - First and Second World War German submarine. Ullage -The distance from the top of a tank to its contents top surface. Ulloa's Circle - White 'rainbow' seen in fog, or at night. Ultimate...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts With the Letter “T”
T - Code flag; I am engaged in pair trawling. Sound signal; A power driven vessel making way in restricted visibility. Morse Code; ▬. T flag + Four Numerals - Code flags; Local time. Tab - Name sometimes given to tabling on a sail. Tab Nab - A small cake or biscuit...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts With The Letter “S”
S - Code flag; I am operating astern propulsion. Sound signal; I am operating astern propulsion. Morse code; ● ● ●. S Band - A radar with 10cm wavelength transmitting at 3000MHz. S flag + two numerals - Code flags; Speed in Knots. Sabik - Star η Ophiuchi. S. H. A....
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts With the Letter “R”
R - Code flag; No single letter meaning. Sound signal; Additional warning at any time when anchored. 'R' - The point of definition of mean time. As it is directly opposite to mean Sun, in Equinoctial, its position is that of mean Sun plus or minus 12 hours of R. A....
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts With the Letter “Q”
Q - Code flag; My vessel is healthy and I request free practique. Morse Code; ▬ ▬ ● ▬. Q Ship - Merchant vessel with concealed armament, and manned by naval crew, that decoyed German submarines into gun range during 1914-18 war. Quadrant - Quarter of a circle. 2....
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “P”
P - Code flag; All to report aboard, the vessel is about to sail. By a fishing vessel, my nets are fast on an obstruction. Morse Code; ● ▬ ▬ ●. P Code - High accuracy and restricted access code in GPS positioning. Pacific Rim - The regions bordering the Pacific Ocean....
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “O”
O - Code flag; Man overboard. Morse Code; ▬ ▬ ▬. O.B.O. Ship - A multipurpose ship that can carry Ore, heavy dry Bulk goods or Oil. They can make return journeys with cargo rather than empty as single-purpose ships often must. Related Article: Types of Merchant Ships...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “N”
N - Code flag; No (negative). Morse Code; ▬ ●. Nacodah - Master of an Arab dhow ('Nakhoda'). Nadir - Point in heavens diametrically opposite zenith. Nail Sick - Minor leaks caused by erosion of nails in a wooden hull. Name of Ship - That name appearing in her...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “M”
M - Code flag; My vessel is stopped and making no way. Sound signal; My vessel is stopped and making no way, in restricted visibility. Morse Code; ▬ ▬. M.T. - Motor Tanker. M.V. - Motor Vessel. Mac Ships - Merchant vessels converted into aircraft carriers during...