MARITIME GLOSSARY I SEMESTER 2026 CHARLIE-DELTA

A comprehensive vocabulary list of 200 maritime terms, roles, and safety procedures based on the I Semester 2026 Charlie-Delta glossary.

Abandon Ship Drill

An exercise ensuring all crew and passengers can evacuate a ship quickly and safely.

Able Seaman (AB)

Unlicensed deck rating responsible for mooring, operating deck gear, and standing watch.

AED (Defibrillator)

Medical device that delivers electrical shocks to restore normal heart rhythm.

After peak bulkhead

The watertight wall at the rear of the ship.

Afternoon Watch

12:00 to 16:00.

Alarm Blast

A signal used to communicate different types of emergency procedures to the ship's complement.

Article Number

A specific identifier for a crew member's duty position on a station bill.

Assistance

Help provided to a ship in distress.

Auxiliary Engine

Engine providing power for non-propulsion systems.

Background Noise

Static or surrounding sound that can interfere with radio clarity.

Bandage

Material used to cover wounds or protect injured body parts.

Berth

A built-in bed or sleeping bunk on a ship.

Blister

Fluid-filled skin raised after a burn; should not be burst to prevent infection.

Break Bulk

Cargo that is not in shipping containers.

Bridge

The room or platform from which the ship is commanded.

Bridge Team

The group of officers and ratings responsible for navigating the ship from the bridge.

Bulkhead

An upright wall within the hull of a ship.

Bunkering

The process of fueling a ship.

Call Sign

A unique identifier for a vessel, used in radio communications.

Cannot be seen

A descriptive state for when a vessel or object is not visible.

Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$) System

A fixed, built-in fire suppression system used in engine and fire rooms.

Cargo

Goods transported by a ship.

Certificate of Competence

An official document verifying a mariner's qualifications for a specific role.

Chest Compressions

Manual pumping of the heart during cardiac arrest as part of CPR.

Chief Cook

Senior unlicensed crew member in the steward's department; manages the galley.

Chief Engineer

Head of the engine department; responsible for all machinery and equipment.

Chief Mate

Head of the deck department; responsible for cargo operations, stability, and deck crew.

Chief Steward

Manages meal preparation, menu planning, and stores inventory.

Class 1 Dangerous Goods

Explosives (pyrotechnics, flares, bombs).

Class 2 Dangerous Goods

Gases (toxic, flammable, asphyxiating).

Class 3 Dangerous Goods

Flammable liquids (paint, petrol, varnish).

Class 4 Dangerous Goods

Flammable solids (easily ignited or release gases with water).

Class 5 Dangerous Goods

Organic oxidisers and peroxides (promote combustion).

Class 6 Dangerous Goods

Toxics and infectious substances.

Class 7 Dangerous Goods

Radioactive materials (uranium, plutonium).

Class 8 Dangerous Goods

Corrosives (react on contact, can destroy skin/tissue).

Class 9 Dangerous Goods

Miscellaneous dangerous articles (batteries, dry ice).

Classification (Fire)

The categorization of fire types (e.g., A, B, C) to determine the correct extinguisher.

Coastguard

A maritime emergency response agency.

Collision bulkhead

The forward-most watertight bulkhead to prevent flooding.

Combustion

The process of burning.

Conspicuous Location

An area where signs or documents are easily visible to everyone.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Life-saving technique for when breathing or pulse stops.

Crescent Moons

Alternative symbol for infectious substances.

Davits

Cranes or mechanisms used to lower lifeboats into the water.

Deck Cadet

An apprentice officer in training to become a deck officer.

Deck Cargo

Cargo carried on the ship's deck, requiring extra protection from weather.

Deck Department

Ship department responsible for navigation, cargo handling, and deck maintenance.

Deck Officer

Licensed mariner responsible for navigation and safe passage of the ship.

Deck Ratings

Unlicensed personnel assisting with physical tasks like mooring and cleaning.

Derrick / Crane

The lifting device used for handling cargo.

Distress Alert

A formal, digital or radio notification of danger.

Distress Call

A radio transmission signaling an emergency.

Distress Cancel

The procedure for revoking a distress alert if the emergency is resolved.

Do not make

Part of a phrase indicating not to make a distress message.

Do you copy?

Non-standard phrase for 'Do you hear me?'.

Dogged

The act of holding the latch bolt or push bar of a door in the open position to allow for unrestricted access.

Double bottom

The watertight protective space between the hull and the tank top.

Drifting

Movement of the ship caused by currents or wind when propulsion is lost.

Dry Dock

A structure where a ship can be taken out of the water for repairs.

Dry Ice

Solid carbon dioxide, classified as miscellaneous dangerous goods.

Dunnage

Material used to protect or secure cargo; must be dry and free of oil.

Electro-technical Officer (ETO)

Responsible for electrical and electronic systems on the ship.

Embarkation Ladder

Rope or chain ladder used to board a survival craft.

Emergency Alert

A notification to crew about an emergency.

Emergency Channel

Radio channel reserved for emergency use (e.g., Channel 16).

Emergency Duty

Specific responsibilities assigned to a crew member in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Escape

Designated exit routes that must be kept clear of obstructions.

Engine Cadet

A trainee in the engine department studying to become an engineering officer.

Engine Control Room (ECR)

The central location for monitoring and controlling ship machinery.

Engineering Department

Responsible for propulsion, machinery, and electrical power supply.

EPIRB

Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon.

ETA

Estimated Time of Arrival.

Extinguisher (Fire)

Portable device used to put out small fires; types include $CO_2$ and dry chemical.

Fill with water

A description used for ships that swamp.

Fire Hose

Equipment used to deliver water or suppression agents to a fire.

First Dog Watch

16:00 to 18:00.

First Watch

20:00 to 00:00.

Fixed $CO_2$ System

Permanent fire suppression installation for engine rooms.

Forecastle (Fo'c'sle)

The upper deck of a ship located forward of the foremast.

Forepeak tank

The water tank at the very front of the ship, used for ballast.

Forenoon Watch

08:00 to 12:00.

Fourth Engineer

Junior engineering officer in the engine department.

Fresh Water Generator

Equipment for producing potable water from seawater.

Fuel System

Machinery and piping used to transfer and use ship fuel.

Funnel

The smokestack used to expel boiler or engine exhaust.

Galley

The kitchen of a ship.

Gear Locker

A storage area for safety and operational equipment.

Gemini Crane

A specific type of heavy-lift crane used on ships.

Go down slowly

A description used for ships that settle.

Go under

A description used for ships that disappear.

Go without power

A description used for ships that drift.

GMDSS

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

Grain

Agricultural cargo that is particularly sensitive to contamination.

Hand Silhouette

Visual marking associated with corrosive substances.

Hatch cover

The structure used to close the cargo hold openings.

Helmsman

Crew member responsible for steering the ship.

Hold

The large lower compartment for storing cargo.

Hull

The main body of a ship.

Hydrostatic Release Unit

Device that automatically releases a life raft when submerged.