s_1ss
S track spacing
S.S. Steamship.
S/T Short tons (2,000 lbs.).
S/V sailing vessel
SAC special area of conservation
Safe Working Load The maximum load any lifting appliance may handle.
Safety harness A harness worn by crew and tethered to the boat with a line to prevent the wearer from falling overboard
Safety Stock 1. In general, a quantity of stock planned to be in inventory to protect against fluctuations in demand and/or supply.
SafetyNET Communications service provided via Inmarsat for promulgation of maritime safety information, including shore-to-ship relays of distress alerts and communications for search and rescue co-ordination.
Said to Contain Term in a Bill of Lading signifying that the master and the carrier are unaware of the nature or quantity of the contents of e.g. a carton, crate, container or bundle and are relying on the description furnished by the shipper.
Sail 1) A large piece of fabric designed to be hoisted on the spars of a sailboat in such a manner as to catch the wind and propel the boat.2) The act of using the wind to propel a sailboat.
sail shape The shape of a sail, with regard to its efficiency. In high winds, a sail would probably be flatter, in low winds rounder. Other circumstances can cause a sail to twist. Controls such as the outhaul, halyards, sheets and the bend of the main mast all can affect sail shape.
sail trim The position of the sails relative to the wind and desired point of sail. Sails that are not trimmed properly may not operate efficiently. Visible signs of trim are excessive heeling and the flow of air past telltales.
Sailboat A boat which uses the wind as its primary means of propulsion.
Sailcloth A fabric, usually synthetic, used to make sails.
Sailing The fine art of getting wet and becoming ill, while slowly going nowhere at great expense.
Sailing Ice: Small masses of drift ice with waterways in which a vessel can sail.
Sailor: Man or boy employed in sailing deep-water craft. Word is sometimes loosely used to include men who go to sea. Used officially to denote a seaman serving on deck. At one time was a man with previous sea experience, but who was not rated able seaman.
Sallying: Rolling a vessel, that is slightly ice-bound, so as to break the surface ice around her. May sometimes be done when a vessel is lightly aground, but not ice-bound.
SALVAGE The property which has been recovered from a wrecked vessel, or the recovery of the vessel herself.
salvage Recovery and reclamation of damaged, discarded or abandoned material, ships, craft and floating equipment for reuse, repair, refabrication or scrapping.
Sam surface to air missile
Sampson post A strong vertical post in which lines can be attached
sand bar An area in shallow water where wave or current action has created a small, long hill of sand. Since they are created by water movement, they can move and may not be shown on charts.
SAR search and rescue
SART search and rescue radar transponder
SAS safety at sea
SATELLITE NAVIGATION A form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board automatic equipment.
SC search and rescue co-ordinator
Scale Climb.
Scale Ton Freighting measurement used in certain trades for various commodities.
Scenario A formal specification of a group of business activities that may take place between parties to achieve a particular objective.
Schedule A timetable including arrival/departure times of ocean- and feeder vessels and also inland transportation.
schooner A sailing vessel with two or more masts rigged fore and aft. The foremast is shorter than the other mast(s).
Schooner A boat with two or more masts
schooner-barge A cargo vessel with a reduced schooner-rig, intended to be towed as a barge by a powered vessel but capable of sailing during emergencies.
SCOPE Technically, the ratio of length of anchor rode in use to the vertical distance from the bow of the vessel to the bottom of the water. Usually six to seven to one for calm weather and more scope in storm conditions.
Scope Ratio of anchor rode length compared to the depth of the water
SCOPIC  Special Compensation P&I Clause
SCR  Special Casualty Representative (P&I)
Screw A propeller.
scroll head A scroll-shaped figurehead attached to the bow of a sailing vessel.
Scud To run before the wind in a storm.
Scull A method of moving a boat by using a single oar at the stern.
Scupper An opening through the toe rail or gunwale to allow water to drain back into the sea.
SCUPPERS Drain holes on deck, in the toe rail, or in bulwarks or (with drain pipes) in the deck itself.
Scuttle To sink a boat.
Scuttle Butt: Covered cask, having lid in head, in which fresh water for current use was formerly carried.
Scuttles Openings, for instance, to let air and light into lower decks.
SDW summer dead weight
Sea Condition of the surface resulting from waves and swells.
Sea 1) A body of salt water. A very large body of fresh water.2) Any body of salt water when talking about its condition or describing the water around a boat. Heavy seas for example.
sea anchor A device designed to bring a boat to a near stop in heavy weather. Typically, a sea anchor is set off the bow of a boat so that the bow points into the wind and rough waves.
Sea anchor A drogue or drag device to slow down a boat
Sea Battery: Assault upon a seaman, by Master, while at sea.
Sea Boat: Ship's boat kept ready for immediate lowering while at sea: sometimes called "accident boat". 2. Applied to a ship when assessing her behaviour in a seaway.
sea buoy The last buoy as a boat heads to sea.
Sea Captain: Master of a sea-going vessel. Certificated officer competent and qualified to be master of a sea-going vessel.
SEA COCK A through hull valve, a shut off on a plumbing or drain pipe between the vessel's interior and the sea.
Sea Dog: Old and experienced seaman. 2.Dog fish. 3. Elizabethan privateer.
Sea Lawyer Nautical name for an argumentative person.
sea level The average level of the oceans, used when finding water depths or land elevations.
SEA ROOM A safe distance from the shore or other hazards.
Sea Smoke Vapour rising like steam or smoke from the sea caused by very cold air blowing over it. Frost-smoke, steam-fog, warm water fog, water smoke.
SEA TRIALS A series of trials conducted by the builders during which the owner's representatives on board act in a consulting and checking capacity to determine if the vessel has met the specifications.
SEA WORTHINESS The sufficiency of a vessel in materials construction, equipment, crew and outfit for the trade in which it is employed. Any sort of disrepair to the vessel by which the cargo may suffer -- overloading, untrained officers, etc., may constitute a vessel un
SEABEE Sea-barge, a barge carrier design similar to "LASH" but which uses rollers to move the barges aboard the ship; the self-propelled loaded barges are themselves loaded on board as cargo and are considerably larger than those loaded on LASH ships.
Seacock A valve fitted to an underwater inlet on a vessal
Seafarer: One who earns his living by service at sea.
Seagoing A vessel designed to be able to cross oceans.
Seal A device used for containers, lockers, trucks or lorries to proof relevant parties that they have remained closed during transport.
Seal Log A document used to record seal numbers.
Seamanlike: In a manner, or fashion, befitting a seaman.
Seamanship The ability of a person to motor or sail a vessel, including all aspects of its operation.
Search An operation, normally co-ordinated by a rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre, using available personnel and facilities to locate persons in distress
Search action plan Message, normally developed by the SMC/ for passing instructions to SAR facilities and agencies participating in a SAR mission
Search and rescue unit A unit composed of trained personnel and (SRU) provided with equipment suitable for the expeditious conduct of search and rescue operations
Seasonal Inventory Inventory built up in anticipation of a seasonal peak of demand in order to smooth production.
Seaworthiness Fitness of a vessel to travel in open sea mostly related to a particular voyage with a particular cargo.
SEAWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE A certificate issued by a classification society surveyor to allow a vessel to proceed after she has met with a mishap that may have affected its seaworthiness. It is frequently issued to enable a vessel to proceed, after temporary repairs have been effec
SEAWORTHY A boat or a boat's gear able to meet the usual sea conditions. Of the intended voyage
SECOND ASSISTANT ENGINEER In charge of twelve to four watch. On steam vessels has responsibility for the boilers, on diesels, the evaporators and the auxiliary equipment.
Second Greaser: Old nickname for a second mate.
SECOND MATE In charge of twelve to four watch. Ships navigation officer. Keeps charts (maps) up to date and monitors navigation equipment on bridge.
Sectional Rate The rate established by scheduled air carrier(s) for a section of a through route (air cargo).
Secure To make fast. To stow an object or tie it in place.
Securite A message transmitted by radio to warn of impending storms, navigational hazards and other potential problems that are not an immediate threat to life or property. Less serious than mayday and pan pan messages.
Segregation Distance required by the rules of IMDG or BC codes between the various commodities of dangerous and or bulk cargoes.
Seiche: Short period oscillation in level of enclosed, or partly enclosed, area of water when not due to the action of tide-raising forces.
Seizing Tying two lines, or a spar and a line, together by using a small line.
SELF-SUSTAINING SHIP A containership which has her own crane for loading and discharging shipping containers enabling the ship to serve ports which do not have suitable lifting equipment.
SELF-TRIMMING SHIP A ship whose holds re shaped in such a way that the cargo levels itself.
SELF-UNLOADER A bulk carrier which is equipped with gear for unloading cargo.
Seller Party selling merchandise to a buyer.
Seller's Market A 'seller's market' is considered to exist when goods cannot easily be secured and when the economic forces of business tend to be priced at the vendor's estimate of value. In other words, a state of trade favourable to the seller, with relatively great d
Semi Trailer A vehicle without motive power and with one or more axles designed to be drawn by a truck tractor and constructed in such way that a portion of its weight and that of its load rest upon e.g. the fifth wheel of the towing vehicle.
SENC System Electronic Navigational Chart
Sequenced Delivery The synchronised delivery of trucks to co-ordinate with production schedules or local delivery vehicles.
Service Based Pricing Pricing structured to service packages provided, related to activity based costing including bought in costs.
Service Bill A service Bill (of Lading) is a contract of carriage issued by one carrier to another for documentary and internal control purposes (e.g. in case P&O Nedlloyd cargo is carried on a non P&O Nedlloyd vessel.)
Service Level A measure for the extent to which the customer orders can be executed at delivery conditions normally accepted in the market.
Service Level Agreement An arrangement between a service provider and an organisation specifying details about the services to be provided.
SES satellite earth station,Seafarers' Education Service
SET Direction toward which the current is flowing.
Set 1) To put an object in place.2) The manner in which an object is in place.3) The direction that a current is moving.
Set a lock: To get a lock ready for a boat to lock up or down. (See also Lock Wheelers)
Settlement Office The institution to issue billing to and receive remittances from agents and to distribute the monies to CASS airlines, Billing Participants and Part Participants (air cargo).
severe tropical cyclone An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots or higher in the Southwest Pacific Ocean (west of 160° east longitude) or in the Southeast Indian Ocean (east of 90° east longitude). In other parts of the world, they are known as hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones.
Sewed: Said of a vessel when water level has fallen from the level at which she would float. Also said of the water that has receded and caused a vessel to take the ground.
Sextant Device used to measure the angle of the sun for navigational position fixing
Shackle A metal U-shaped connector that attaches to other fittings with the use of a pin that is inserted through the arms of the U.
shaft A cylinder used to carry rotating machine parts, such as pulleys and gears, to transmit power or motion.
shaft log A heavy longitudinal timber placed over the keel in a ship's stern through which the propeller shaft passes.
Shake To let it out
shake out To remove a reef from a sail.
Shake out to release a reefed sail and hoist the sail aloft
Shallop: Small boat for one or two rowers. 2. Small fishing vessel with foresail, boom mainsail, and mizen trysail. 3. A sloop.
Shallow Vee: The name given to a hull shape that will plane at high speeds but as the draw back of slamming in waves. It is also known as a Hard Chine. (See also Deep Vee & Round Bilge)
Shank The main shaft of an anchor
She All boats are referred to as female.
shear pin A pin attaching one part to another that is designed to break if excessive loads are applied; for example, to connect the propeller to the propeller shaft so that the pin can break if the propeller strikes something, preventing damage to the propeller and engine.
Sheathing A covering to protect the bottom of a boat.
Sheave The pulley wheel in a block
Shed a storage building
Sheepshank A knot used to temporarily shorten a line.
Sheer 1) The fore and aft curvature of the deck.2) A sudden change of course.
Sheer The straight or curved line of the deck line
Sheet A line used to control a sail's trim. The sheets are named after the sail, as in jib sheet and main sheet.
Shelf Life The specified length of time prior to use for which items which are inherently subject to deterioration are deemed to remain fit for use under prescribed conditions.
Shelf-Ice: Land ice, either afloat or on ground, that is composed of layers of sow that have become firm but have not turned to glacier ice.
Shell The metal casing of a block which holds a pin
Shellback: An old and experienced seaman.
Shelving: The term given to how the bottom slopes as Steep or gentle.
Shift Part of the work-program of a stevedoring company (a working day can have up to 3 shifts (24 hours)).
Shift Colors Navy term meaning to change the arrangement of the colors (the national flag) upon getting under way or coming to moorings.
SHIFTING This refers to movements or changing positions of cargo from one place to another. This can easily endanger the seaworthiness or cargoworthiness of the ship.
Ship 1) A large vessel.2) To take an object aboard, such as cargo or water.3) To put items such as oars on the boat when not in use.
Ship Broker Acts as intermediary between shipowners or carriers by sea on the one hand and cargo interests on the other. The functions are to act as forwarding agent or custom broker, fixing of charters, and acting as chartering agent.
Ship Operator A ship operator is either the shipowner or the (legal) person responsible for the actual management of the vessel and its crew.
Ship: A sea-going vessel. 2. Vessel having a certificate of registry. Technically, a sailing vessel having three or more masts with yards crossed on all of them. In Victorian times, any vessel with yards on three masts was termed a "ship" even if other masts were fore and aft rigged. To ship, is to put on or into a vessel; to put any implement or fitting into its appropriate holder.
Shipmaster : A person in command of a ship. A person certified as competent to command a ship. A master mariner.
Shipment A separately identifiable collection of goods to be carried.
Shipowner The (legal) person officially registered as such in the certificate of registry
Shipper The merchant (person) by whom, in whose name or on whose behalf a contract of carriage of goods has been concluded with a carrier or any party by whom, in whose name or on whose behalf the goods are actually delivered to the carrier in relation to the con
SHIPPERS Individuals or businesses who purchase transportation services or commodities.
SHIPPER'S COUNCIL An organization of shippers formed to collectively and services with the conferences of ship operators.
Shipper's Export Declaration A United States customs form to be completed for all exports to assist the government in compiling export statistics.
Shipper's Letter of Instruction A document containing instructions given by the shipper or the shipper's agent for preparing documents and forwarding (air cargo).
Shipping Documents Documents required for the carriage of goods.
Shipping Instruction Document advising details of cargo and exporter's requirements of its physical movement.
Shipping Label A label attached to a P&O Nedlloyd unit, containing certain data.
Shipping Marks The identification shown on individual packages in order to help in moving it without delay or confusion to its final destination and to enable the checking of cargo against documents.
Shipping Note Document provided by the shipper or his agent to the carrier, multimodal transport operator, terminal or other receiving authority, giving information about export consignments offered for transport, and providing for the necessary receipts and declaratio
SHIP'S AGENT A person or firm who transacts all business in a port on behalf of shipowners or charterers. Also called shipping agent; agent.
SHIP'S ARTICLES A written agreement between the master of a ship and the crew concerning their employment. It includes rates of pay and capacity of each crewman, the date of commencement of the voyage and its duration.
SHIPS CHAIRMAN (SHOP STEWARD) In charge of union business for unlicensed personnel. Handles grievances.
Ship's Protest Statement of the master of a vessel before (in the presence of) competent authorities, concerning exceptional events which occurred during a voyage.
SHIP'S STABILITY The seaworthiness of a ship regarding the centrifugal force which enables her to remain upright.
Shipshape Neat, orderly and ready to use.
Shoal 1) Shallow water.2) An underwater sand bar or hill that has its top near the surface.
shoal A sandbar or rising bottom that forms a shallow place, which is a danger to navigation.
Shoot Ahead: To move ahead swiftly. To move ahead of another vessel quickly when underway.
Shore The edge of the land near the water.
Shore (1) The land in general, but usually refers to that part adjacent to the water; (2) A timber used in damage control to brace bulkheads and decks.
Shoreline Where the land meets the water.
Short boat: The term for a boat as wide as a barge, but only around 60ft in length instead of the more usual 70ft, they are built for use in the shorter locks of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
Short boat: The term for a boat as wide as a barge, but only around 60ft in length instead of the more usual 70ft, they are built for use in the shorter locks of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
Short Stay: Said of a vessel's anchor, or cable when the amount of cable out is not more than one-and-a-half times the depth of water.
SHORT TON 2,000 pounds.
Shortage The negative difference between actual available or delivered quantity and the required quantity.
shove off To push a boat, as from a dock or from another boat.
Shove Off To leave; to push a boat away from a pier or vessel's side.
Shrink Wrapping Heat treatment that shrinks an envelope of polyethylene or similar substance around several units, thus forming one unit. It is used e.g. to secure packages on a pallet.
Shroud Part of the standing rigging that helps to support the mast by running from the top of the mast to the side of the boat. Sailboats usually have one or more shrouds on each side of the mast.
Shrouds Rigging that prevents masts from moving from side to side.
Shuttle Service The carriage back and forth over an often short route between two points.
Side lights Navigation lights, green is to starboard red to port
Side pond: A small reservoir alongside a lock or flight of locks designed to save water.
Side Slipping When the boat is moving sideways (to leeward) usually because of the centerboard not being fully down.
Side tackle Blocks and ropes on either side of gun to help swivel it from side to side.
Sideslip The tendency of a boat to move sideways in the water instead of along its heading due to the motion of currents or winds.
Siding A short railroad track connected with a main track by a switch to serve a warehouse or an industrial area.
Sighting the Bottom: Drydocking, beaching, or careening a vessel and carefully examining the bottom with a view to ascertaining any damage it may have.
Sighting: Observing with the eye. Applied to document, means examining and signing as evidence of satisfaction as to its authenticity.
signal halyard A halyard used to hoist signal flags.
Signed Under Protest: Words incorporated when signing under duress and not concurring entirely with import of document signed, and after stating grounds of non-concurrence.
Sill: See Cill.
Simplification The limiting of formalities, procedures, documents, information, and operations to the minimum essential requirements, steps, data and tasks acceptable by all parties concerned.
Simplification Toolkit Collection of tools to enable simplified implementations of structured electronic commerce techniques such as, electronic data interchange, electronic funds transfer, automatic data capture, bar-code technology and unique goods/product/service/party ident
Simulation The imitation of the reality for studying the effect of changing parameters in a model as a means of preparing a decision.
Single Administrative Document A set of documents, replacing the various (national) forms for customs declaration within European Community, implemented on January 1st, 1988. The introduction of the SAD constitutes an intermediate stage in the abolition of all administrative documentat
single sideband A type of radio carried on a boat to transmit long distances.
Single up To cast off all but one remaining line
Singling Up: Taking in all ropes not wanted, so that only a minimum number of ropes will require casting off when leaving a berth or buoy.
Sink 1) To go to the bottom of the water.2) To cause an object to go to the bottom of the water.
Sire ship's inspection report:a database system of the OCIMF
SISTER SHIPS Ships built on the same design.
SITPRO National organisation for the Simplification of International Trade Procedures in the United Kingdom (e.g. in The Netherlands SITPRO is called 'Sitproneth', in France 'Simprofrance' and in Japan 'Jastpro').
SITREP situation report
SIU Seafarers International Union.
Sixteen Bells: Eight double strokes on ship's bell; customarily struck at midnight when new year commences. Eight bells are for 24 hours of passing year, eight bells for 00 hours of New Year.
Skeg Any flat protrusion on the outside of the hull that is used to support another object, such as the propeller shaft or rudder.
Skeleton Trailer Road trailer consisting of a frame and wheels specially designed to carry containers.
Skids Battens fitted underneath frames, boxes or packages to raise them off the floor and allow easy access for fork lift trucks, slings or other handling equipment.
Skiff A small boat.
Skin The outside surface of a boat. Usually used when describing a fiberglass or other molded hull.
Slack 1) A line that is loose.2) To ease a line.
Slack tide A short period at the turn of the tide
Slide Also called a lug. Metal or plastic pieces attached to the forward edge of a sail to allow easy hoisting of a sail.
Sliding Tandem An undercarriage with a subframe having provision for convenient fore and aft adjustment of its position on the chassis/semi-trailer. The purpose being to be able to shift part of the load to either the king pin or the suspension to maximise legally permi
Sling Special chain, wire rope, synthetic fibre strap or ropes used for cargo handling purposes.
Sling 1) Lines used to hoist heavy or awkward objects.2) The act of using such lines to hoist heavy or awkward objects.3) Ropes used to secure the center of a yard to the mast.
Slip A space between two docks or piers where a boat can be moored.
Slip To let go purposely
Slip Sheeting Hard plastic sheeting used to stack cartons, optimising container space.
Slipway: A ramp used to launch boats from.
Slob: Loose and broken ice in bays, or along exposed edges of floes.
Sloop Single-masted ship
Sloop A single masted boat
Sloop A style of sailboat characterized by a single mast with one mainsail and one foresail.
Slop Chest : Chest, or compartment, in which is stowed clothing for issue to crew.
Slop Room: Compartment in which clothing for issue to crew is stowed.
SLOP TANK A tank in a tanker into which slops are pumped. These represent a residue of the ship's cargo of oil together with the water used to clean the cargo tanks. They are left to separate out in the slop tank.
Slot The space on board a vessel, required by one TEU, mainly used for administrative purposes.
Slot Charter A voyage charter whereby the shipowner agrees to place a certain number of container slots (TEU and/or FEU) at the charterer's disposal.
Sluice: A sliding gate for controlling the volume or flow of water.
Slush Greasy residue from boiling salt beef or salt pork. Used as lubricant.
Small World New World's dinghy.
SMarT Support for Maritime Training scheme (UK)
SMC search and rescue mission co-ordinator
SMC safety management certificate (as per ISM Code)
Smelling the Ground: Said of a vessel when her keel is close to the bottom and all but touching it.
SMS safety management system
Snake Loading Loading products into a container in the sequence with which the goods will be unloaded and stored in at destination.
snap hook A metal fitting with a arm that uses a spring to close automatically when connected to another object.
Snatch block A block that can be opened on one side, allowing it to be place on a line that is already in use.
Snatch block A block into which a line can be placed without being threaded
snatch block A block that can be opened on one side, allowing it to be placed on a line that is already in use.
Snorter: Alternative name for "Snotter". 2. A very high wind.
Snub: To stop suddenly a rope or cable that is running.
Snubber A stretchable line attached between two long pieces of rode to absorb anchor line strain and soften the impact of waves or tidal pull.
Snubber Line: Rope used for checking a vessel's way when warping her into a dock or basin.
SOFT CURRENCY Currency which is not fully convertible to all currencies but only to some other soft currencies.
Soft Tack: Fresh bread.
SOG Speed Over Ground, speed relative to bottom.
Solas International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea,IMO
SOLE Cabin or saloon floor. Timber extensions on the bottom of the rudder. Also the molded fiberglass deck of a cockpit.
Son of a Gun: Seaman who was born aboard a warship. As this was once considered to be one of the essentials of the perfect seaman it has long been a complimentary term.
Soogee Moogee/Sujee-mujee: Cleansing powder used for cleaning wood and paintwork.
SOP standard operating procedure
SOPEP  Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
SOSREP Secretary of State's Representative for Marine salvage and Intervention
Sound 1) To measure the depth of the water.2) A long wide body of water that connects other large bodies of water.3) A long, wide ocean inlet.
SOUNDING A measurement of the depth of water.
Sounding The depth of the water as marked on a chart.
Sourcing 1. The management on purpose of the various origins of products or materials on behalf of the recipient of these products or materials. In some industries sourcing is seen as the change from push to pull delivery for a number of fast moving items.
Southerly wind Slang term for "empty"
SPA special protection area
Space Charter A voyage charter whereby the shipowner agrees to place part of the vessels capacity at the charterers disposal.
Span: The distance or part between the uprights supporting an arch or bridge from end to end.
Spandrel: The space between the curve of a bridge arch and the surrounding rectangular framework.
Spanker Lowest sail on mizzenmast; rigged somewhat fore and aft (between boom and gaff), rather than the general crossways arrangement of the rest of the sails.
Spanking: Applied to a wind, or movement of a vessel, to denote brisk and lively.
Spar A pole used as part of the sailboat rigging, such as masts and booms.
spar deck The upper deck running a ship's full length. In a sailing vessel, the upper deck from which sails, rigging and spars are controlled.
Spate: A sudden flood or rush of water flowing strongly at an abnormally high level.
Spate: A sudden flood or rush of water flowing strongly at an abnormally high level.
Special Drawing Rights Internationally recognised form of currency transfer an SDR is reclaimable against currencies of the IMF
Special Rate A rate other than a normal rate.
Specific Commodity Rate a set rate of exchange for a commodity
SPI ship-port interface, IMO
Spile Hole: Small hole bored in cask or barrel to allow air to enter when emptying.
Spill To spill the sails is to shake the wind out
Spindrift: F inely-divided water swept from crest of waves by strong winds.
Spinnaker a large, light sail used in downwind sailing
Spinnaker A lightweight three cornered sail
spinnaker halyard A halyard used to raise the spinnaker.
spinnaker pole Sometimes spinnaker boom. A pole used to extend the foot of the spinnaker beyond the edge of the boat and to secure the corner of the sail.
spinnaker pole lift Also spinnaker lift. A line running from the top of the mast, used to hold the spinnaker pole in place.
spiral wood auger A hand drill, similar in appearance to a corkscrew, for boring holes in wood.
Spirit A spar that extends from the mast hear the tack
Spit A small projection of land
Spitfire A storm jib. A small jib made out of heavy cloth for use in heavy weather. Sometimes brightly colored.
Splice The place where two lines are joined together end to end.
Splice Main Brace: To issue an extra ration of rum. The main brace, often a tapered rope, was spliced only in the most exceptional circumstances.
Splicing A strong way of joining ropes without the use of knots
Split Shipment In case of indirect delivery through consolidation and if split shipment conditions occur then each split part of the shipment will be delivered in a different consignment but all consignments identified by the same unique original shipment id.
SPM single point mooring
Spoke The stretch between a hub and one of the group of consignees and/or consignors being served by the hub.
Spontaneous Ignition Temperature The lowest temperature at which a substance will start burning spontaneously without an external source of ignition.
Spooning: Running directly before wind and sea.
SPOT (VOYAGE) A charter for a particular vessel to move a single cargo between specified loading port(s) and discharge port(s) in the immediate future. Contract rate ("spot" rate) covers total operating expenses, i.e., bunkers, port charges, canal tolls, crew's wages a
Spray: Water blown, or thrown, into the air in particles.
Spreader 1. Device used for lifting containers and unitised cargo.2. Beam or frame that holds the slings vertical when hoisting a load, to prevent damage to cargo.
Spreaders struts used to hold the shrouds away from the mast
Spring Mooring rope rigged from the forward or aft to a quayside bollard amidships to prevent the ship from surging forward or aft when alongside.
Spring line docking lines that keep the boat from drifting forward and back
spring lines Docking lines that help keep a boat from moving fore and aft while docked.
Spring tides The highest tides
Spring: Rope from after part of a vessel led outside and forward to a point of attachment outside vessel. By heaving on it ship can be moved ahead. Sometimes led to anchor cable, for casting ship's head. 2. Tendency of a vessel's head to come nearer to wind. 3. The opening of a seam. 4. Partial fracture in a mast or spar.
Spritsail yard Yard attached to bowsprit.
Spume: Froth of foam of the sea.
Squall A sudden intense wind storm of short duration, often accompanied by rain. Squalls often accompany an advancing cold front.
SQUARE KNOT A knot used to join two lines of similar size. Also called a reef knot.
square rig A sailing-ship rig with rectangular sails set approximately at right angles to the keel line from horizontal yards.
square rigged A sailboat having square sails hung across the mast.
square sail A square sail hung from a yard on the mast. Best used when sailing downwind.
Squat Reduction in draight caused by the ship movement (this is increased in shallow water and fast speeds)
SRR search and rescue region An area of defined dimensions, associated with a rescue co-ordination centre, within which search and rescue services are provided
SRS search and rescue sub-region
SRU search and rescue unit
SS expanding square search
SSB Single sideband radio. A type of radio used on a boat to transmit for long distances.
SSB single-sideband
Stability Ability of a boat to keep from heeling or rolling excessively, and the ability to quickly return upright after heeling.
Stability The capacity of a vessel to return to its original position after having been displaced by external forces. The stability of a vessel depends on the meta-centric height.
stability sail Also riding sail or steadying sail. Any small sail set to help the boat maintain its direction without necessarily moving, as when at anchor or in heavy weather.
Stack An identifiable amount of containers stowed in a orderly way in one specified place on an (ocean) terminal, container freight station, container yard or depot.
Stacking To pile boxes, bags, containers etc. on top of each other.
Stackweight The total weight of the containers and cargo in a certain row.
Staff A vertical pole on which flags can be raised.
Staircase locks: This is a series of locks situated so close together that the bottom gates of one serve as the top gates of another, there are no pounds of the canal in between.
Staith: Elevated structure from which coal and other cargoes can be loaded into a vessel. Name is also given to a landing-place, or loading-place.
Stall 1) To stop moving.2) Air is said to stall when it becomes detached from the surface it is flowing along. Usually air travels smoothly along both sides of a sail, but if the sail is not properly trimmed, the air can leave one of the sides of the sail and begin to stall. Stalled sails are not operating efficiently.
Stanch: Said of a vessel that is firm, strong, and unlikely to develop leaks.
Stanchion A post used to support guardrails and lifelines
stanchion An upright wooden or metal post on a ship; supports the ship's bulwarks, railing or deck.
STAND ON VESSEL That vessel which has right of way during a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation
Standard Costs A carefully prepared estimate of the cost of performing a given operation under specified conditions.
Standard Industrial Classification A method, used in the United States, to categorise companies into different industrial groupings.
Standard Product Module The building blocks used by business management to define services (shipment products) which can be offered to customers. They describe a more or less isolated set of activities with a standard cost attached to it. For operations management each module de
Standardisation The development of agreements whose purpose is to align formalities, procedures, documents, information, and operations. At a national level, this would be alignment with acceptable commercial norms and practices, at an international level it would alignm
STANDING PART That part of a line which is made fast.The main part of a line as distinguished from the bight and the end.
Standing Part When tying knots, the fixed part of a rope--the long end.
Standing rigging The shroud and stays which support the mast
Standing rigging Rigging which mechanically supports the masts.
starb'd (or as some say: starboard) is the right side of a ship.
starboard The right side of a ship when facing forward
Starboard tack a course with the wind coming from starboard and the boom on the port side
Starboard tack: A course with the wind coming from starboard and the boom on the port side.
State of Origin The state in the territory in which the cargo was first loaded.
STATION BILL A list which shows the vessel's complement and details their various duties in connection with fire and boat drills.
statute mile A mile as measured on land, 5,280 feet or 1.6 kilometers. Distances at sea are measured in nautical miles.
Stave off: To bear off with a staff, boathook, long spar, etc.
stay A large strong rope used to support a mast.
Stay Lines running fore and aft from the top of the mast to keep the mast upright. Also used to carry some sails. The backstay is aft of the mast, and the forestay is forward of the mast.
Stays The part of the standing rigging which support the mast in fore and aft direction
Stays Standing rigging that prevents fore-and-aft movement of the masts.
Staysail A triangular sail similar to the jib, set on a stay forward of the mast and aft of the headstay.
Staysail A triangular headsail hanked to a forestay
Staysails (Stays'ls) Extra sails fitted to the stays without the addition of a yard.
STCW International Convention on Standards of Training,Certification and Watchkeeping, IMO
steam barge A single-decked steam-propelled bulk cargo carrier ranging from 65 to 200 feet in length, used on the Great Lakes from the 1860s to the 1930s for hauling lumber, stone, coal and other bulk cargoes.
steamer (A steamship.) A ship propelled by a steam engine.
Steerage way In order for the rudder to be able to properly steer the boat, it must be moving through the water. The speed necessary for control is known as steerage way.
Steerage way Sufficient movement through the water to allow the boat to be steered by the rudder
Steerer: The traditional name given to the person steering a canal boat.
Steering of Containers The function, with the aid of specific software for tracking and forecasting, to direct empty containers to demanding areas at minimum costs.
Stem Forward part of hull.
Stem The forward edge of the bow. On a wooden boat the stem is a single timber.
Stemming: Maintaining position over the ground when underway in a river or tidal stream. 2. Reporting a vessel's arrival in dock to the dock authority, or Customs.
stempost The principal vertical timber in a ship's bow.
Step 1) A fitting for the bottom of the mast.2) The act of placing the foot of the mast in its step and raising the mast.
Step the frame that the bottom of the mast ends into
Step To: The bottom gets deep quickly.
Stepped 1) A mast that is in place.2) Where the mast is stepped, as in keel stepped or deck stepped.
Stern the back of the boat
stern light white running light placed at the stern of the boat. The stern light should be visible through an arc of 135°, to the rear of the boat.
stern line A line running from the stern of the boat to a dock when moored.
STERN LINE A docking line leading from the stern.
Stern rail A elevated guard rail at the rear of the boat
Stern Sheets: That space, in a boat, abaft after thwart; or between after thwart and backboard.
STERN-(Noun) The upright post or bar of the bow of a vessel.
sternpost The principal vertical timber in a ship's stern, upon which the rudder is fastened.
STERNWAY The reverse movement of a vessel.
Stevedore A party running a business of which the functions are loading, stowing and discharging vessels.
STEWARD ASSISTANT Clean galley and mess halls, set tables, prepare salads, clean living quarters.
Stiff A boat that resists heeling.
stink pot Sailors' slang for a powerboat.
Stock The materials in a supply chain or in a segment of a supply chain, expressed in quantities, locations and or values. UK.
Stock A crossbeam at the upper part of an anchor.
Stock Control The systematic administration of stock levels with respect to quantity at all times.
Stock Keeping Unit The description of the unit of measurement by which the stock items are recorded on the stock record.
Stock Locator System A system in which all places within a warehouse are named or numbered.
Stock Point A point in the supply chain meant to keep materials available.
Stock Record A record of the quantity of stock of a single item, often containing a history of recent transactions and information for controlling the replenishment of stock.
stockless anchor An anchor that is not secured to the rail at the bow of a ship, as stock anchors are, but is pulled up into the hawsepipes until the flukes meet the hull.
Stop groves: (See Stop planks).
Stop lock: These were situated at the junction of canals that were owned by different canal companies. The purpose was to stop craft until the appropriate toll charges were paid.
Stop lock: These were situated at the junction of canals that were owned by different canal companies. The purpose was to stop craft until the appropriate toll charges were paid.
Stop planks : These are lengths of wood slid down Stop grooves at places such as locks or bridges to make a dam to enable repairs to be carried out. Sometimes inserted quickly to stop leaks on a system before it drains the canal.
Stop planks: These are lengths of wood slid down Stop grooves at places such as locks or bridges to make a dam to enable repairs to be carried out. Sometimes inserted quickly to stop leaks on a system before it drains the canal.
Stoppage: The term given to the closure of a waterway to enable repairs.
Stoppage: The term given to the closure of a waterway to enable repairs.
Stopper A mechanical device or knot used to keep a rope from running.
Stops Small lines used to tie the sails when furled
Storage The activity of placing goods into a store or the state of being in store (e.g. a warehouse).
Storage Charge The fee for keeping goods in a warehouse.
STORE A general term for provisions, materials and supplies used aboard ship for the maintenance of the crew, and for the navigation, propulsion and upkeep of the vessel and its equipment.
Stores Provisions and supplies on board required for running a vessel.
Stores Supplies on a boat.
Storis: Large drift ice, more than two years old, that passes down the south-east coast of Greenland.
Storm Bound: Confined to an anchorage or haven through being unable to proceed because of stormy weather
storm jib Sometimes called a spitfire. A small jib made out of heavy cloth for use in heavy weather. Sometimes brightly colored.
storm sail The storm jib and storm trysail. Small sails built from heavy cloth for use during heavy weather.
storm trysail A very strong sail used in stormy weather. It is loose footed, being attached to the mast but not the boom. This helps prevent boarding waves from damaging the sail or the rigging.
Stow To put something away.
Stowage The placing and securing of cargo or containers on board a vessel or an aircraft or of cargo in a container.
Stowage Factor Ratio of a cargo's cubic measurement to its weight, expressed in cubic feet to the ton or cubic metres to the tonne, used in order to determine the total quantity of cargo which can be loaded in a certain space.
Stowage Instructions Imperative details about the way certain cargo is to be stowed, given by the shipper or his agent.
Stowage Plan A plan indicating the locations on the vessel of all the consignments for the benefit of stevedores and vessel's officers.
Stowaway An unwanted person who hides on board of a vessel or an aircraft to get free passage, to evade port officials.
Straddle Carrier Wheeled vehicle designed to lift and carry P&O Nedlloyd containers within its own framework. It is used for moving, and sometimes stacking, P&O Nedlloyd containers at a container terminal.
Straddle Crane A crane usually running on rails and spanning an open area such as rail-tracks or roadways.
STRANDING The running of a ship on shore on a beach.
Strap A band of metal, plastic or other flexible material used to hold cargo or cases together.
Stretch Part of the total transport chain (trade route) including overland transport identified by place of receipt, ports of call and place of delivery i.e. it has one location or an address as a starting and or ending point.
Stretch Off the Land: Old sailing ship term for taking "forty winks".
Strike To lower.
Strike the Colors To lower the flag, to surrender. "Nailing the colors to the mast" would prevent this, of course.
stringer A long horizontal member used to support a ship's bottom, a building floor or an airplane fuselage.
Stripping The unloading of cargo out of a container.
Studding Sails (Stuns'ls) Extra sails added at the far end of the yards, on the studdingsail boom.
Studdingsail Boom Extra length of yard attached at the end of a yard.
Stuffing The loading of cargo into a container.
Stuffing box A fitting around the propeller shaft to keep the bearing lubricated and to keep water out of the boat.
SU search unit
SUBC self-unloading bulk carrier
Suboptimizing a solution for a problem that is best from a narrow point of view but not from a higher or overall company point of view.
Substretch Part of a stretch. This term is used if it is necessary to distinguish between a stretch and a part thereof.
Suck the Monkey: Originally, to suck rum from a coconut -- into which it had been (illicitly) inserted, the end of the nut resembling a monkey's face. Later, illicitly to suck spirit from a cask, usually through a straw.
Sujee;Suji-muji (spelling various): Soap or cleaning-powder mixed with fresh water. To wash paint with sujee.
Summit level: This is the highest point of a canal, were the water from a reservoir is fed.
Summit level: This is the highest point of a canal, were the water from a reservoir is fed.
Sun over Foreyard: Nautical equivalent to "Time we had a drink."
Supercargo Experienced person (officer) assigned by the charterer of a vessel to advise the management of the vessel and protect the interests of the charterer.
Supply Chain A sequence of events, which may include conversion, movement or placement, which adds value to goods, products, or services.
Supply Vessel Vessel which carries stock and stores to offshore drilling rigs, platforms.
Surcharge An additional charge added to the usual or customary freight.
Surf The breaking waves and resulting foam near a shore.
surfman A member of the U.S. Life Saving Service who rescued stranded crews from shipwrecks.
Survey An inspection of a certain item or object by a recognised specialist.
Surveyor A specialist who carries out surveys.
Sutton Stop: The canal term for the Hawksbury junction. Named after the canal Company's manager.
Swab 1) A mop made from rope.2) To use such a mop.
Swab: Seaman's mop for drying decks. Made of old rope unlaid and seized on the bight; about four feet in length. Sometimes made smaller and seized to a wooden handle for putting highly-alkaline solutions on deck for cleansing purposes.
Swallow The place between the sheave and housing of a block, through which a line is run.
Swallow the Anchor: To leave the sea and settle ashore.
Swamp To fill with water.
Swamp Green slimey bug infested place with too much water in it
Sway To hoist up or down using ropes and slings.
Sweat To haul up tight
Sweat Up: To haul on a rope to hoist the last possible inch or so.
Sweeps: Long Oars.
Swell Large smooth waves that do not break. Swells are formed by wind action over a long distance.
Swell direction The direction from which a swell is moving. The direction toward which a swell is moving is called the direction swell
Swell face The side of the swell toward the observer. The back side is the side away from the observer. These definitions apply regardless of the direction of swell movement
Swell velocity Velocity with which the swells advance with relation to a fixed point, measured in knots
Swivel A rotating fitting used to keep a line from tangling.
Swivel Gun Small cannon attached to rail via a swivel mounting.
SWL safe working load
Swop Body Separate unit without wheels to carry cargo via road sometimes equipped with legs to be used to carry cargo intermodal within Europe.
Synergy The simultaneous joint action of separate parties, which, together, have greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects.
syphon Variation of siphon. A tube, pipe or hose through which a liquid can be moved from a higher to a lower level by atmospheric pressure forcing it up the shorter leg while the weight of the liquid in the longer leg causes continuous downward flow.
System A whole body of connected elements, which influence each other and have specific relations with the environment.