=Midships.= Middle part of a ship.

=Mizzen-mast.= Third mast on a vessel with three or more masts.

=Mizzen-sails.= Sails carried on a mizzen-mast.

=Mushroom Ventilator.= Short cast-iron tube with movable iron rod pa.s.sing through the center. A metal cup is fitted to the top of the rod, which may be lifted to permit air to enter, or closed to prevent water from entering. Generally fitted over cabins.

=Navigation Bridge.= Bridge used for taking observations or handling the ship in difficult situations.

=Outboard.= Outside the hull or beyond the gunwale.

=Outlet c.o.c.k.= Any c.o.c.k used to free a receptacle of water.

=Paddle-wheels.= Wheels fitted on each side of a paddle steamer in connection with the paddle-shaft, consisting of a cast-iron boss from which wrought-iron arms radiate, strengthened by rims and stays, and with a float attached to each arm.

=Pawl.= Small catch to prevent moving object from going beyond certain limit.

=Pile.= A piece of lumber or iron, together with others, driven into the bed of a river for the support of a pier, bridge, etc.

=Pilot Bridge.= Narrow thwartships platform, extending from side to side above a steamer's upper or bridge deck. Serves as a station for the pilot or officer of the watch.

=Port.= Opening in ship's side, in bulwark, etc.

=Propeller-screw.= Propeller in which blades are at an angle to the line of axis, similar to the threads of a screw.

=Quarters.= Men's positions when called to their duties, as during fire or boat drill; also living accommodations.

=Quay.= Artificial landing-place.

=Raft.= A collection of boards fastened together by ropes or chains, and capable of floating.

=Ram.= Ma.s.sive projection under water at the bow of a warship. The ship is also called a ram.

=Rat-line.= Three-stranded cord, of which the ladder-like steps in lower rigging, topmast rigging, etc., are formed.

=Rigging.= Entire equipment of a ship's masts, spars, etc., with their standing and running ropes.

=Rudder.= A device for steering vessels. Hinged to the outside of the hull, usually at the stern.

=Sail.= A device of canvas and rope fastened to spars and rigging, and extended to catch the wind and drive the vessel.

=Skiff.= Long, lightly built boat sometimes used in rowing races.

=Sloop.= Vessel with one mast, having a jib-sail.

=Spar.= Any shaped piece of timber used as a mast, bowsprit, yard, etc., or intended for such use.

=Stanchion.= A stationary upright support.

=Superstructure.= Any structure above top full deck.

=Tack.= To change the direction of sailing due to wind.

=Thwart.= Seats are called thwarts when they extend from side to side of a boat, athwart when across.

=Tonnage.= Entire capacity or cubical contents of a vessel. One ton estimated at 100 cubic English feet.

=Trawler.= Fishing-vessel with ground-sweeping net.

=Trim.= Term indicating the state of a ship with regard to ballast; position of a vessel in the water with respect to horizontal.

=Turtle-back.= Top of wheel-house, forecastle, etc., formed like a turtle's back.

=Upper Works.= Same as freeboard when a vessel is loaded.

=Uptake.= Part connecting smokebox to funnel.

Sometimes includes the smokebox.

=Ventilator.= Usually made of sheet iron in tubular forms, and arranged to expel foul air and permit the pa.s.sage of fresh air to any part of a ship.

=Vessel.= Craft requiring a licensed master.

(Boats do not).

=Water ballast.= Sea water let into double bottom or ballast-tank.

=Water-Line.= (Light) Submerging line of vessel without cargo.

=Water-Line.= (Load) Submerging line of vessel with full cargo.

=Water-tight Compartment.= Compartment with water-tight bulkhead at each end.

=Winch.= Machine used for loading or unloading cargo. Some are hand driven and some electrically driven.

=Windla.s.s.= Special form of winch used to hoist anchor.