Ship Anatomy and Structure

Study Notes

The hull provides buoyancy, stability, and protection, forming the primary structural body of a ship.
The bridge (command deck/wheelhouse) is where the captain and officers control ship operations.
Monkey island is the highest accessible deck above the navigating bridge for observation and signaling purposes.
A funnel (smokestack/chimney) ejects boiler steam, smoke, or exhaust from the engine.
Accommodation spaces include crew cabins, dining areas, recreation rooms, and essential facilities.
A mast supports sails, rigging, as well as navigation lights and antennas.

The fo'c'sle (forecastle) is the upper deck located forward of the foremast.
Bulbous bow is a protruding feature at the front of the hull, designed to improve fuel efficiency.
An anchor, typically metal, secures the vessel to the seabed against drifting.
The stem is the foremost part of the ship’s bow, extending from the keel.
Stern refers to the back section of the ship.

Bow thruster assists in low-speed maneuvering.
Cargo cranes (gantry cranes) are vital for loading and unloading cargo containers.
Hatch covers seal openings of cargo holds to prevent water ingress.
Cargo hold spaces are designated for carrying freight.

Port side is the left side when facing forward; starboard side is the right side.
Flare enhances buoyancy with outward hull curvature above the waterline.
Tumblehome indicates inward slope of the hull, contrasting with flare.

Bulkhead serves as a vertical partition within the ship.
Draught measures depth from waterline to the deepest part of the hull.
Freeboard denotes the distance from the waterline to the upper deck.
A rudder is used for steering and is located at the stern, behind the propeller.

Poop deck may be situated centrally or on the starboard side.
Manifold is a central hub for the controlled distribution or collection of liquids.
Foredeck is the forward section of the weather deck, fitting between the superstructure and foc'sle.
Duct keel is a box-type, watertight structure supporting double-hull designs for certain vessels.

Galley serves as the ship's kitchen.
Cabin refers to personal sleeping spaces for crew.
Porthole is a circular window found on board.
Bunker tanks store fuel and lube oils essential for ship operation.
Deck house resembles a house structure located on the upper deck.
Paint room is for storing and handling paint materials.
Ballast tanks are compartments for water to stabilize the vessel during operation.