Hull plating. The outer surfaces of the hull is built of steel plates that are welded together and to the main internal structural members of the hull. The plates are welded end to end to form a panel of plating which runs forward and aft and is known as a…
Water-borne vessels are constructed of various materials, ie steel, aluminium, wood, glass reinforced plastics (GRP). Steel is used for large vessels. Aluminium is used for very small craft and for on-board structures, ie minor bulkheads, deck houses, guardrail and awning stanchions, non-watertight doors and furniture. Wood is used for pleasure…
Dry dock (graving dock). This is an excavation faced with solid masonry which is connected with a harbour, river or basin. The entrance is closed with a sliding caisson, a floating caisson or dock gates. Water is admitted through special valves until the level of the water in the dock…
Miscellaneous ship terms. The following are nautical terms used for various ship’s fittings and structures: Deck head. This is a ceiling in a ship. Bulkhead. This is a wall in a ship. Hatch. This is an opening in a deck to allow vertical access between decks. These can be small…
The Hull. This is the main part of the ship. It is divided into three sections, namely the fore part, the midships part and the after part. The fore part ends in the stem, which is the leading edge of the hull. The after part ends in the stern, which…
Although there are many natural hazards that confront man on land, being a land-based creature, his natural instincts allow him to cope with them most of the time. At sea the situation is different. It is not man’s natural habitat or environment and he has to learn new skills in…
