Naval Architecture II: Fore and After End Arrangements

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering naval architectural terms for fore and after end arrangements, decks, and common fittings.

Capstan

A vertical axled rotating machine used to apply force to ropes, cables, and hawsers.

Windlass

horizontal cylinder rotated by a crank used for handling anchor chains.

Hawsepipe

A steel pipe located at the ship’s bow through which the hawser or cable of the anchor passes.

Chain locker

A compartment usually at the forward end of the ship used to store the anchor chain.

Hatch

An opening in a deck that provides passage for cargo into the hold or access for a worker.

Coaming

A raised vertical surface designed to prevent water from entering a hatch.

Hold

A space dedicated for carrying cargo inside the ship's hull.

Fore peak tank

A tank located at the extreme forward end of the ship.

After peak tank

A tank usually at the extreme after end of the ship used for trim or storage.

Stern frame

The structural frame at the stern of the vessel that supports the rudder and propeller shaft.

Rudder stock

The vertical shaft (mecha) that connects the rudder to the steering gear.

Rudder plate

The flat part of the rudder used to steer the ship.

Steering gear

The servomotor or mechanism responsible for governing the ship's direction by moving the rudder.

Sterntube

tube through which the propeller shaft passes before it reaches the propeller.

Tail shaft

The aftmost section of the propeller shaft which carries the screw.

Screw

Another name for the propeller of the ship.

Main deck

The highest complete deck extending from stem to stern.

Superstructure

A partial deck above the main, upper, forecastle or poop deck that does not always extend to the side of the ship.

Forecastle (focsle)

A partial deck or superstructure located at the bow of the ship.

Poop deck

A partial deck or superstructure located at the stern of the ship.

Upper deck

A partial deck above the main deck located amidships.

Weather deck

Any deck that is exposed to the outside elements (intemperie).

Second deck

A complete deck located below the main deck.

Deck girders

Fore-and-aft structural members used to support the decks in transversely framed ships.

Deck beams

Athwartship members that support the decks and are themselves supported by stanchions or bulkheads.

Stanchion

A vertical post or pillar providing additional support to deck beams or used for safety rails.

Fittings

Various structures and appliances attached to the hull to assist in ship handling, safety, or comfort.

Chocks

Castings or forgings bolted near the side along weather decks used for guiding lines led aboard.

Open chock

A type of chock with an opening on top through which a line is dropped, held by two curved parts called horns.

Closed chock

A chock where the horns meet at the top, requiring the line to be led through the opening.

Bull nose

A heavy closed chock built at the extreme bow of tugboats for guiding a towline.

Bitt

A strong vertical post on the deck used for securing mooring lines.

Cleat

A deck fitting with two arms used for securing ropes.

Deadlight

A heavy metal cover for a porthole used to prevent water from entering during heavy seas.

Panama lead

A specific type of fairlead (gatera) designed for handling towing and mooring lines.