Naval Terms and Phraseologies Quiz

Study Notes

Naval Terms and Phraseologies

Definitions of Nautical Terms

Abaft: Refers to a location behind or further toward the stern of a ship.
Abeam: Indicates a position at a right angle to the ship's centerline.
Aft: Signifies a position near or toward the stern of the vessel.
Alongside: Means positioned next to a pier or berth.
Amidship: Designates the middle portion of the ship.
Astern: Refers to something located towards the stern, behind another vessel or object.
Bridge: A raised platform used for navigating a ship.
Bow: The forward section of the ship.
Broadside: Describes a position at a right angle to the ship’s fore and aft line.
Centerline: An imaginary line from the bow to the stern, dividing the ship vertically lengthwise.
Dead Ahead: Directly in front of the ship's bow along the centerline.
Dead Astern: Directly behind the ship along the centerline.
Draft: The measurement from the waterline to the ship's keel.
Fantail: The section of the main deck located at the stern of the ship.
Freeboard: The height from the waterline to the ship's main deck.
Leeward: The direction away from the wind.
Port Bow: A relative bearing of 315 degrees from the ship's bow.
Portside: The left side of the ship when facing the bow.
Starboard Bow: A relative bearing of 45 degrees from the ship's bow.
Starboardside: The right side of the ship when facing forward.
Waterline: The line marking where the hull meets the surface of the water.
Windward: The direction from which the wind is coming.

Nomenclature of Ship Fittings

Bitts: Strong iron posts on the deck used for fastening lines, generally in pairs.
Bulkhead: Vertical structures enclosing compartments within the ship.
Brig: The prison area on a ship or at a shore base.
Bollard: Post on a pier for securing mooring lines, made of wood or iron.
Cleat: A small fitting used for securing lines, featuring horns.
Deck: Equivalent to a floor in a building, found on a ship.
Compartment: Comparable to a room in a building.
Overhead: Represents the ceiling on a ship.
Head: Compartment on a ship with toilet facilities.
Superstructure: Equipment and fittings above the hull, excluding armament.
Mast: Vertical spar supporting signals, halyards, and antennas.
Wardroom: Officers' mess and lounge area on board.
Yardarm: A spar attached to a mast, extending laterally.
Rudder: Movable structure attached to the stern, used for steering.
Lazarette: Storage compartment located at the stern below deck.
Galley: The kitchen on a ship.
Cabin: Captain's personal living quarters.

Additional Naval Terms

Adrift: Refers to being loose from mooring or out of place.
Aye-Aye: Acknowledgment of an order indicating understanding and intent to comply.
Billet: Allotted sleeping space or a person’s role within the ship's organization.
Avast: A command to cease current actions.
Black Gang: Slang for the engineering crew aboard.
Bear Hand: Indicates cooperation amongst crew members.
All Hands: Refers to the entire ship's company.
Binnacle List: A sick list documenting crew members excused from duty.
Boot: Slang for a new recruit.
Coxswain: An enlisted person responsible for the operation of a boat.
Crossing the Line: Refers to crossing the equator.
Dolphin: A cluster of pilings at a pier's edge.
Dead in the Water: Describes a ship that is stationary with no movement or steerage.
Fathom: A length unit equivalent to six feet.
Field Day: A designated day for cleaning the ship, typically before inspections.
Flag Officer: An officer of the rank of Commodore or higher.
Gangway: An opening in bulwarks; also a command to clear the area.
General Quarters: Duty station for all personnel during action.
Gig: A ship's boat designated for the Commanding Officer's use.
Java: Slang for coffee.
Jump Ship: Slang for leaving without authorization.
Irish Pennant: A loose or untidy end of line.
Lucky Bag: Stowage for items found adrift.
Landlubbers: Term for individuals unfamiliar with sea life.
Passageway: A corridor within the ship.
Pipe Down: An order for silence.
Pass the Word: Repeat or disseminate information or orders to the crew.
Pollywog: A person who has not crossed the equator yet.
Sea Dog: An experienced sailor.
Sea Lawyer: An enlisted member who argues regulations to their advantage.
Shellback: A sailor who has crossed the equator and undergone initiation.
Skag: Slang for cigarettes.
Ship-shape: Refers to a neat and orderly condition.
Sickbay: Medical area or dispensary on the ship.
Skippy: Slang for an undershirt.
Secure: To fasten or tie down; also indicates completion of drills and duties.