3000 EXPRESS
APPENDIX A:
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Aft: In, near, or toward the stern of a boat.
Aground: A boat stuck on the bottom.
Amidship: In or toward the part of a boat midway between the bow and stern.
Anchor: A specially shaped heavy metal device designed to dig efficiently into the bottom under
a body of water and hold a boat in place.
Anchorage: An area specifically designated by governmental authorities in which boats may
anchor.
Ashore: On shore.
Astern: Behind the boat, to move backwards.
Athwartship: At right angles to the center line of the boat.
Barnacles: Small, hard-shelled marine animals which are found in salt water attached to pilings,
docks and bottoms of boats.
Beam: The breadth of a boat usually measured at its widest part.
Bearing: The direction of an object from the boat, either relative to the boat's direction or to
compass degrees.
Berth: A bunk or a bed on a boat.
Bilge: The bottom of the boat below the flooring.
Bilge Pump: A pump that removes water that collects in the bilge.
Boarding: Entering or climbing into a boat.
Boarding Ladder: Set of steps temporarily fitted over the side of a boat to assist persons coming
aboard.
A-1
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