| Aft |
The back of a vessel |
| Astern |
When a vessel is travelling in a backward direction (reversing) |
| Bow |
The front of a vessel |
| Buoy |
A stationary floating object used as an aid for navigation |
| Cabin |
Any indoor covered areas of a vessel |
| Capsize |
A ship is said to capsize when it loses transverse stability and rolls over and sinks |
| Capstan |
Steel warping drum rotating on a vertical axis for the handling of mooring lines and optionally anchor cable |
| Chain locker |
The compartment for storing the anchor chains, located near the hawse pipes in the bow of the ship |
| Crew |
A member of staff who is specifically trained and operates on a vessel |
| Crotch strap |
On a lifejacket, this strap and buckle passes between the legs to secure the life jacket |
| Deck |
Any outdoor area on a vessel |
| Fender |
This term is applied to various devices fastened to or hung over the sides of a vessel for the purpose of preventing rubbing or chafing. On small craft, such as tugboats, it consists of a timber or steel structure running fore and aft along the outside of the vessel above the water line. On the wearing surface. a strip of iron bark or a piece of flat bar iron is attached |
| Fore peak |
The narrow extremity of a vessel’s bow. Also, the hold space within it |
| Forward |
The area towards the front of a vessel |
| Hatch |
Opening in a deck providing access for cargo, personnel, stores, etc. |
| Helm |
The Captain’s/Cox’s driving position. This can be at several locations on a vessel |
| Lifebuoys/rings |
Flotation devices to assist any person in the water |
| Life-saving appliances |
Any equipment used to assist in life saving procedures or emergency situations |
| Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) |
The governing body in charge of boat safety and standards throughout the United Kingdom |
| Midship |
The middle of the vessel |
| Overboard |
The area outside of a vessel’s handrails or sides |
| Port |
When stood on a vessel facing forward, this is the left side |
| Starboard |
When stood on a vessel facing forward, this is the right side |
