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AVS has led maritime supply, catering, and logistics for 39 years, serving seafarers globally. Our reach spans 1,500+ ports in 126 countries, committed to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. We aim to surpass client expectations, making their challenges our mission.

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Maritime Glossary

A

Abeam The direction at right angles to the centerline of the ship.
Aboard On or onto a ship or boat.
Abandon Ship The command given to leave the ship in an emergency.
Adrift Floating freely without being tied or anchored.
Aft Toward the rear or stern of the ship.
Afterdeck The deck located towards the stern of the ship.
Amidships The middle part of the ship.
Anchor A heavy object used to moor a ship to the sea bottom.
Anchorage A place where ships can anchor safely.
Aft Bulkhead A vertical partition in the aft part of the ship.
Afloat Floating on the water or not touching the bottom.
Apparent Wind The wind experienced on a moving ship, a combination of true wind and the wind created by the ship's motion.
Astern At or toward the rear of the ship.
Auxiliary A supplementary engine or power source.
Abyssal Plain A flat, deep part of the ocean floor.
Aye Aye A nautical term used to acknowledge a command.
Ammunition Projectiles and explosives used for defense.
Accretion The process of sediment build-up at the sea floor.
Albatross A large seabird known for its long wingspan.
Adjust To change the position or setting of something, like sails or equipment.

B

Ballast Heavy material placed in the bottom of a ship to improve stability.
Barge A flat-bottomed boat used for transporting cargo on rivers and canals.
Beam The width of a ship at its widest point.
Bilge The lowest part of a ship's hull where water collects.
Bow The front part of a ship.

C

Catering The provision of food and beverages on board a ship, including the preparation and serving of meals to the crew and passengers.
Capstan A rotating machine used to wind up ropes or cables.
Cockpit The area of a boat where the helmsman or crew controls the vessel.
Compass A navigational instrument for determining direction.
Crows Nest A platform high up on a ship's mast used for lookout purposes.
Cleat A fitting on a boat or dock used to secure lines.
Customs The governmental authority that regulates the flow of goods into and out of a country, including the collection of duties and taxes.

D

Dry Bulk Ships designed to carry bulk cargoes such as coal or grain.
Drilling Vessel A ship equipped for offshore drilling operations.
Dredger A vessel used for dredging waterways.
Deck The floor of a ship, covering the hull and forming the ship's surface.
Deck Stores Supplies and equipment used for the upkeep and maintenance of the deck area of a ship.
Davit A small crane used to lower or raise lifeboats or other equipment.
Draft The depth of water a ship requires to float.
Dry Dock A dock where a ship can be taken out of water for repairs or maintenance.
Displacement The weight of the water displaced by a ship, indicating its weight.

E

Echo Sounder A device used to measure water depth by sending sound waves.
Engine Room The space on a ship where the main engines are located.
Ensign A flag or banner representing a ship's nationality.
Ebb Tide The period when the tide is receding or going out.
EPIRB A device that transmits a distress signal to rescue services in case of an emergency.

F

Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) A floating facility used for processing and storing oil and gas.
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Vessel A floating facility for liquefying and storing natural gas.
Ferry A vessel used to transport people, vehicles, and cargo across bodies of water.
Frigate A type of warship used for escorting and protecting other ships and convoys.
Fathometer An instrument used to measure the depth of water.
Fender A cushion or padding used to protect a boat or ship from damage when moored.
Flare A pyrotechnic signal used to indicate distress or attract attention.
Food Trading The buying and selling of food products, including distribution and supply chain management.
Forecastle The upper deck area of a ship forward of the mast, often used for crew accommodation.
Freeboard The distance from the waterline to the upper deck of a ship.

G

Government Vessel A ship operated by government agencies for various purposes, including law enforcement and research.
Galley The kitchen area on a ship.
Gangway A portable bridge used to board or disembark from a ship.
Gimbal A device that allows an object to remain level despite the motion of its base.
Gudgeon A small metal fitting that supports the pivot of a rudder or other moving part.
Grain Cargo Cargo consisting of grain, often carried in bulk by ships.

H

Hook A device used for lifting or pulling cargo.
Hull The main body of a ship, excluding the superstructure and deck.
Helm The steering mechanism of a ship.
Hatch An opening in the deck of a ship, covered with a lid, allowing access to the holds or compartments below.
Hawser A heavy rope or cable used for towing or mooring a ship.
Heave To lift or haul something with effort, often using a rope or tackle.

I

Impetus The force or energy with which a body moves or a process begins.
Inboard Towards the center of the ship from the side.
Inlet A narrow body of water between islands or leading inland.
Insurance Protection against financial loss or damage to a ship and cargo.
Inboard Engine An engine installed inside the hull of a boat or ship.

J

Jackups A type of offshore platform that can be raised above the water.
Jib A triangular sail set forward of the mast.
Junction The point where two or more waterways or channels meet.
Jetty A structure extending into a waterway to protect or provide access.
Jackstay A strong rope or chain used for securing or extending sails.
Junction Box An enclosure where electrical connections are made or protected.

K

Keel The central structural component along the bottom of a ship's hull.
Knot A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour.
Kedge Anchor A small anchor used to maneuver a ship by dragging it along the seabed.
Kip A unit of weight or a small load, commonly used in shipping.
King Post A vertical post used to support a ship's mast or rigging.

L

Liners Large ships used for regular passenger or cargo services.
Logistics and Support Services Services related to the logistical and operational support of ships.
Lifeboat A small boat carried on a ship for use in emergencies.
Ladder A device used for climbing between different levels on a ship.
Logistics The detailed organization and implementation of complex operations, particularly the transportation and storage of goods and materials.
Longitude The geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface.
Luff The forward edge of a sail, or to steer a boat closer to the wind.
Line A rope or cord used for various purposes on a ship.

M

Merchant Vessel A commercial ship used for transporting goods and passengers.
Multi-Purpose Supply Vessel A versatile vessel used for a range of offshore support operations, including supply and maintenance tasks.
Mast A tall vertical pole on a ship that supports sails and rigging.
Marina A docking facility for small boats and yachts.
Marine Relating to the sea or ocean, or to the organisms that live there.
Mooring The process of securing a ship or boat to a fixed point.
Main Deck The principal deck of a ship, usually the uppermost deck.

N

Nautical Mile A unit of measurement used in maritime and air navigation, equal to one minute of latitude.
Navigation The process of planning and controlling a ship's course and position.
Nose The front part of the ship.
Nozzle A device used to control the direction and flow of fluids, such as water or fuel.
Netting A mesh material used for various purposes, including securing cargo or fish.

O

Offshore Support Vessel A vessel that provides support for offshore operations.
Offshore Referring to activities, operations, or services that occur at sea, away from the shore.
Oil Tanker A ship designed to carry oil cargo.
Onshore Referring to activities, operations, or services that take place on land, as opposed to offshore.
Oar A long pole with a flat blade at one end, used for rowing a boat.
Overboard Falling or being thrown off a ship or boat into the water.
Outboard Refers to equipment or engines mounted on the outside of a boat.
Osmosis The movement of water through a membrane to balance concentrations.
Ordnance Weapons and ammunition used on a ship.

P

Platform Supply Vessel A vessel used to transport supplies to offshore platforms and rigs.
Pipe Lay Vessel A ship specialized in laying pipes for underwater oil and gas pipelines.
Patrol Vessel A ship used for patrolling and monitoring maritime areas.
Pilot Vessel A ship used to transport maritime pilots to and from large vessels.
Provision Supplies of food, drink, and other essentials for the crew and passengers on a ship.
Provision Supply The act of providing food, beverages, and other essential supplies to a ship or its crew.
Port The left side of a ship when facing forward; also a harbor for ships.
Propeller A device with blades that pushes water backward to move the ship forward.
Pilot A person who navigates and directs the course of a ship.
Porthole A small, circular window in a ship's hull.
Pitch The angle at which a ship's bow or stern tilts up or down.

Q

Quarterdeck The part of a ship's deck reserved for officers and important ceremonies.
Quay A platform or dock where ships are loaded and unloaded.
Quadrant An instrument used for measuring angles or for navigation.
Quickstop A maneuver or device used to rapidly slow down or stop a vessel.
Quintessential Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.

R

Research Vessel A ship equipped for conducting scientific research at sea.
Ro-Ro Ship A type of ship designed to carry vehicles that roll on and off the vessel.
Ro-Ro A ship designed for vehicles and cargo to roll on and off.
Rudder A flat piece of wood or metal used to steer the ship.
Rigging The system of ropes and cables used to support and control sails.
Reef A ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just below the surface of the sea.
Roller A cylindrical device used for various purposes, including aiding in the movement of cargo.
Roadstead An area of water sheltered by land where ships can anchor safely.

S

Submersibles Small underwater vehicles used for exploration.
Seafarer A person who works on a ship or is involved in maritime activities, often referring to sailors or crew members.
Semi Submersibles Floating platforms partially submerged to provide stability.
Salvage Vessel A vessel used for recovering wrecked or damaged ships.
Ship Manager A person or company responsible for managing a ship's operations.
Seismic Research Vessel A vessel used for conducting underwater seismic research.
Ship Supplier A company or individual that provides necessary equipment, provisions, and supplies to ships.
Ship Chandler A professional company that supplies ships with necessary provisions and equipment, often including food, tools, and maintenance supplies.
Ship Manager A person or company responsible for managing a ship's operations.
Ship Supply The provision of necessary equipment, materials, and services to ships to ensure their operational readiness.
Ship Technical Services Specialized services provided for the maintenance, repair, and operation of ship systems and equipment.
Stern The rear part of a ship or boat.
Starboard The right side of a ship when facing forward.
Scuppers Openings in the deck for draining water off the ship.
Sail A piece of fabric used to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship.
Shoreline The line where land meets the sea or a lake.

T

Tankers Large ships designed to carry liquid cargo.
Tugboat A small, powerful boat used to tow or push ships.
Tender A small boat used to transport people or supplies to and from a larger vessel.
Technical Store Spare parts, tools, and equipment used for maintenance and repair.
Technical Stores Spare parts, tools, and equipment used for the maintenance and repair of ship machinery and systems.
Tiller A lever used to control the rudder of a ship.
Tide The periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational effects of the moon and sun.
Turbine A rotary engine that extracts energy from fluid flow, often used for propulsion or power generation.
Transom The horizontal beam at the stern of a ship.
Thwart A seat or row across the width of a boat, used for rowing or as a brace.

U

Underway A term used to indicate that a ship is moving and not at anchor or made fast to a dock.
Upwind The direction from which the wind is blowing.
Ullage The amount by which a container is not full, particularly in tanks on ships.
Underdeck The area of a ship located below the main deck.
Union A connection or joint between different parts of a ship or between ships and their cargo.

V

Vessel A general term for any type of boat or ship.
Vang A rope or tackle used to control the angle of a sail to the wind.
Ventilation The process of supplying fresh air and removing stale air from a ship.
Voyage A long journey by sea.
Vortex A flow pattern of fluid with a whirling motion, often seen in wake turbulence behind ships.

W

Wake The trail of disturbed water left behind a moving ship.
Warehouse A large building or facility where goods and materials are stored before distribution or sale.
Wharf A structure built along the shore where ships can dock and load or unload cargo.
Winch A mechanical device used for hauling in or letting out rope or cable.
Weld A process of joining metal parts together by melting and fusing them.
Windlass A mechanical device used for raising and lowering an anchor or other heavy objects.

X

Xenon A rare gas sometimes used in ship's lighting systems.
Xenolith A fragment of rock from the ocean floor that becomes embedded in the ship's hull.
X-Boat A type of experimental or prototype boat used for testing new designs or technologies.
Xerox A brand name that may refer to copying documents onboard, though not directly related to nautical terms.
X-Hull A specific hull design used for stability and performance, often in racing boats.

Y

Yacht A luxury vessel used for recreation or cruising.
Yaw The movement of a ship's bow from side to side.
Yacht A medium to large-sized vessel used for recreational purposes.
Yoke A bar or frame used to control the steering of a ship or aircraft.
Yard A horizontal spar or beam on a ship's mast from which sails are set.
Yardarm The end of a ship's yard where the sail is attached.

Z

Zephyr A gentle, light breeze.
Zodiac A brand name for inflatable boats used for various maritime activities.
Zoning The process of designating specific areas for certain types of maritime activities.
Zebra Mussel An invasive species of freshwater mollusk known to cause problems for ships and waterways.
Zinc A metal used in anti-corrosion treatments for ships' hulls.
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