The Bosun´s Mate Glossary of Terms

The device that enables remote detection of "electromagneticly conspicous" objects through its ability to transmit radio signals and detect their return after being reflected from an object.

To steer the Boat more into the wind, this could have the effect of causing the sails to flap or Luff.

The Compass direction in which a vessel´s Bow points at any given time.

1. A grouping of Block and Tackle to increase the force that may be applied to a Line.

2. Any sort of mechanical power employed in raising or removing heavy bodies.

3. To Purchase the Anchor, is to loosen it out of the ground.

A disease historically common to seaman, caused by lack of Vitamin C the British Navy started to fight it bu adding lime juice to their water - this was the origin of the slan "Limey"

A shortening Knot, which enables a Rope to be shortened through a doubling along the length. The Sheepshank will easily untie if tension is not maintained.

All yellow signal flag meaning "My vessel is healthy and I request free passage.

change from a run to a reach

The theoretical speed that a Boat can travel without planing This speed is 1.34 times the square root of the length of a Boat at its waterline. It is based on the physics of how water is displaced by the vessel:

As speed increases a wave is created near the Bow where water is pushed away (displaced) by the vessel to make room for the Hull, another wave is created near the Stern, as water returns to fill the hole left by the Hull. Physics tells us that as the speed increases, so therefore must...

Specifically the drum of the Windlass (although it is sometimes refers to the entire mechanism) which is a machine used for winding in Rope, cables or chain under great strain.

A nickname for British sailors coined by the Americans. It referrs to the British regulation that all registered ships had to cary a supply of lime juice and issue the same to the crew to prevent Scurvy.

The location from which the vseesl is controled.

On mechanically propelled vessels this usually is an elevated platform running Athwartships or may take the shape of a wheelhouse. Typically it is designed to afford a full view of shipboard activities and permit safe Navigation and lookout.

In earlier vessels the Bridge would have been protected by a canvas dodger, and in hot weather an Awning. The Binnacle or main navigational cumpass is typically situated in the Bridge area.

The term d...

An eye or loop made with wire or Rope.

The small light sails set above the skysails on square-rigged masts in light winds.

A type of Hull shaped to glide easily across the top of the water at high speed.

A Spar usually fixed horizontally to a Mast that supports a Sail.

1. Rope used for various purposes Aboard Ship.

2. The design drawings of a vessel, normally consisting of three diagrams: the sheer plan: showing the longitudnal vertical section of the Ship; the body plan: showing the vertical cross sections; and the half-bredth plan: showing the longitudnal transverse section at the deckline.

3. A collective term referring to the design of the Ship "she has good lines"

Used in meteorology to describe bounderies between hot and cold air masses. This is typically where bad weather is found.