Common Shipping Terms

 A member of the deck crew who is able to perform all the duties of an experienced seamen

 American Bureau of Shipping: A U.S.-based private classification,or standards setting society for merchant ships and other marine systems.

Fitted with cabins and catering facilities for offshore crews. Semisubmersible accommodation units are often called 'Flotels'.

 The confirmed or official dimensions of a ship.

In, near, or toward the stern of the vessel.

A fee charged to the ship by the ship's agent, representing payment for services while the ship was in port. Sometimes called attendance fee.

(Anchor-handling tug) - Moves anchors and tow drilling vessels, lighters and similar.

(Anchor-handling Tug/Supply) - Combined supply and anchor-handling ship. Seismic ship: Conducts seismic surveys to map geological structures beneath the sea bed.

American Institute of Merchant Shipping.

The act if striking or collision of a moving vessel against a stationary object.

 American Maritime Congress.

 In or toward the center of the ship.

American Petroleum Institute.

Method of settling disputes which is usually binding on parties. A clause usually in a charter party.

The document containing all particulars relating to the terms of agreement between the Master of the vessel and the crew. Sometimes called ship's articles, shipping articles.

A backward direction in the line of a vessel's fore and aft line; behind. If a vessel moves backwards it is said to move astern; opposite to ahead.

In marine insurance this phrase applies to a ship which is free from its moorings and ready to sail.

 An instrument designed to control automatically a vessel's steering gear so that she follows a pre-determined track through the water.

A merican Waterway Operators. The national trade association for the barge and towing industry and the shipyards employed in the repair and construction of these craft

 Barrels per day (measure of petroleum production).