Titanic-Voices from the Disaster Boat Vocabulary
able seaman
An experienced deckhand (worker) capable of performing routine duties on board a ship. Synonyms: crew, deckhand, sailor
starboard
Pertaining to the right-hand side of a ship when you are on deck and facing the bow synonym: right
RMS
Royal Mail Ship, Royal Mail Steamer - the Titanic served as a mail carrier for letters across the Atlantic Ocean synonyms: post office, mail, communicate, carry
davits
a crane (usually in pairs) used to lower lifeboats synonym: crane
bulkhead
a partition separating areas below deck, like a wall synonyms: retaining wall, holding wall
stoker
a person who shoveled coal into the boilers. synonyms: manual laborer, shoveler
crow's nest
a platform of shelter for a lookout at or near the top of a mast synonym: lookout
tender
a small boat used for transportation between ship and shore synonym: ferry boat, ship's boat
growler
a small piece of an iceberg about the size of a house, up to 15 feet long and 15 feet above the surface. They often have a dark or greenish color synonym: iceburg, ice block
knot
a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour 1 knot = 1.15 miles per hour synonyms: speed, movement, travel
forward
at, toward or near the bow of a vessel synonym: front, bow
collapsible
descriptive word that means something that can break down or fall down from lack of strength synonym: collapse, folding, compact
boiler
device which heats and creates steam synonyms: range, furnace
aft
near or toward the stern of a ship synonyms: back, behind, abaft
forepeak
the compartment under the main deck at the extreme bow, used for stowage of the anchor rode, ballast and other equipment synonym: front of ship, bow
bow
the forward part of a ship synonym: front
bridge
the highest navigation station a vessel, often an open platform above the cabin affording the captain better control and visibility synonym: helm, headquarters
port
the left side of the ship when one is standing on board facing the bow synonyms: left side
keel
the main structural element of the ship, which runs lengthwise along the center of its bottom from bow to stern and to which frames and ribs are attached. synonyms: frame, center, backbone, structure, support
tonnage
the measure of size or carrying capacity of a ship synonyms: load, mass, weight
hold
the part of the belowdecks area of a ship which is used for carrying cargo synonyms: storage
stern
the rear part of the ship synonyms: back, rear, tail