USCG Nautical Terms

Helmsman nautical for United States Coast Guard boot camp

adrift

loose from moorings (applied to anything lost, out of hand, or left lying about)

Aft

the rear section of a vessel, typically referring to the area towards the stern.

aloft

above the vessel’s uppermost solid structure (overhead or high above)

Alongside

by the side of the vessel or pier

All Hands/ Muster/ Quarters

assembly of all crew members on a vessel for attendance, training, or emergency procedures.

Avast/ Belay

to stop or cease an action, often used in commands on a ship.

Aye Aye

reply to an order

Barracks

living quarters

Below

beneath the waterline or deck.

Bow

the front part of a ship

Brightwork

Brass or shiny metal kept clean and polished on a vessel.

Brow

a moveable latter used to board or disembark from a vessel.

Bunk or Rack

a place for sleeping or resting on a vessel, typically a fixed or portable bed.

Bulkhead

a vertical partition or wall on a vessel that divides compartments and provides structural support.

Carry On

order to resume work or duties

Cast Off

to throw off; to let go; to unfurl

Colors

Raising or lowering of the national flag; ceremonies held at 0800 and sunset

Compartment

Room

Deck

Floor

Eye in the Boat

Looking straight head while at position of attention

Fast

snugly secured

Fore

toward the bow(front) of the vessel

Galley

The cooking area on a ship, where meals are prepared and served.

Gangway

Opening in a bulwark/ lifeline that provides access to a brow; an order meaning to clear the way

Gear Locker

storage room

Head

Bathroom

Ladder

Steps

Liberty

Permission to leave base

Mast

The vertical structure from a vessel that holds rigging for flags, and pennants, electronics equipment, and the national Ensign while underway; the flagpole at a shore-base unit

Mess Deck

The compartment where enlisted personnel eat

Officer of the Day/ Deck (OOD)

The officer acting directly under the comanding officer who is responsible on an assigned day/ watch for overseeing the unit/ vessel, protecting property, and enforcing regulations to ensure safety and security while underway.

Overhead

Ceiling

Passageway

Hallway

Performance Tracker

recruit progress documentation slip

Port

Referring to the left side on a vessel when seen by someone facing the bow

Quarterdeck

Area between squad bays; location where airport vessels and shore units stand watchand conduct ceremonial duties on a naval ship.

Reveille

Wake up; start a new day

Scullery

Compartment for washing and sterilizing dishes

Scuttlebutt

Drinking fountain; a rumor

Secure

Lock; put away or stop work

Sickbay

Hospital or medical clinic

Starboard

referring to the right side of a vessel when seen by someone facing the bow

Stern

The back of the vessel

Strike

lower or bring down an object or sail, often used in the context of sails during bad weather.

Swab

mop

Taps

time to sleep, end of day

Topside

Upstairs

Turn To

begin work or start a task aboard a ship.

Underway

When a vessel is not tied to a pier or at anchor and is actively navigating.