Abaft Toward the stern.
Abeam Amidships, at a right angle to the keel.
Aboard On, in, or into a boat.
ABYC American Boat and Yacht Council, Inc., the
organization that sets voluntary safety and
construction standards for small craft in the
USA.
Adrift Without motive power and without anchor or
mooring.
Afloat On the water.
Aft Describing the after section of a vessel, or
things to the rear of amidships and near the
stern.
Aground Touching bottom.
Amidships In the center, the center portion of a vessel.
Anchor A forging or casting shaped to grip the sea
bottom and, by means of a cable or rope,
hold a boat in a desired position.
Anchorage A customary, suitable and (usually) desig-
nated harbor area in which vessels may
anchor.
Astern Toward the stern. An object that is aft of a
boat is said to be astern of the boat.
Athwart Across.
Aweigh Off the bottom, said of an anchor.
Aye Yes, while aboard a boat or ship. Means “I
understand.”
Bail To remove water from a boat by pump or
bailer.
Ballast Heavy material such as iron, lead, or stone
placed in the bottom of the vessel.
Beacon A post or buoy placed over a shoal or bank to
warn vessels, also a signal mark on land.
Beam Imaginary line amidships at right angles to
keel of vessel. Also vessel’s maximum width.
Bearing The direction or point of the compass in which
an object is seen.
Belay To make fast to a cleat or belaying pin; to
cancel an order.
Below Beneath, or under, the deck. One goes below
when going down into the cabin.
Bend To fasten by means of a bend or knot.
Berth A position, as a place to sleep or in which a
vessel maybe made fast; a margin of safety,
as “a wide berth.”
Bilge The lower internal part of a boat’s hull.
Bollard A strong post for holding lines fast.
NAUTICAL GLOSSARY 10
10-1
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