CHART ROOM: Navigating room. 
COAMING: The vertical boundary of a hatch or skylight. 
COMPANIONWAY: A staircase at the entrance of a ship's cabin. 
CROW'S NEST: A barrel or box on the ship's foremast where the 
lookout is stationed. 
DAVITS: Heavy vertical pillars, used to support the ends of a boat 
when hoisting or lowering. 
DEADLIGHT: Covering for portholes made of metal or wood and 
used in severe weather. 
DEAD RECKONING: Method of ascertaining the approximate 
position of a vessel from the course steered and the distance 
run; when heavenly bodies or land are obscured. 
v 
DOG: A small, bent metal fitting, used to close doors, hatch 
covers, etc. 
DRAFT OR DRAUGHT: The depth to which a vessel sinks in the 
water; one commonly speaks of a ship's "drawing" so many 
feet of water, which is the equivalent of its draft. 
DRIFT CURRENT: Movement of the surface of the sea. 
EBB TIDE: The falling tide. 
EQUINOX: Equal length of day and night, the vernal equinox 
occurring toward the end of March and the autumnal toward 
the end of September. 
FATHOM: Six feet. 
FLOOD TIDE: Rising tide. 
FO'C'S'LE: "Forecastle"; seamen’s living quarters, usually in the 
bow. 
FORE-AND-AFT: Lengthwise with the ship. 
FORWARD: Toward the bow. 
GALLEY: The ship's kitchen. 
GLORY HOLE: Steward's q uarters. Usually aft, over the propellers. 
HATCH: An opening in a deck. 
HAWSE PIPES: Openings in the bow for the anchor chain. 
HAWSER: A large rope or wire, commonly used for making fast 
to a pier or tender. 
