Your comprehensive resource for maritime terminology, from traditional seamanship to modern digital technologies.
Browse the alphabetized catalog below
Fresh or saltwater held in tanks and cargo holds of a ship to increase draft, change trim, and regulate stability.
A mandatory STCW training course for all seafarers, covering personal survival, fire prevention, first aid, and social responsibilities.
A merchant ship specially designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo, such as grains, coal, ore, steel coils, and cement, in its cargo holds.
A trainee officer on board a ship, undergoing a structured training program to become a qualified Deck or Engine Officer.
An operational energy efficiency measure by the IMO that rates ships on an A-E scale based on their carbon emissions per transport work (grams of CO2 per DWT-mile).
A formal license issued by a flag state administration authorising a seafarer to serve in a specific capacity on board a commercial vessel.
The senior engineer officer responsible for the satisfactory operation and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical equipment on the ship.
The second-in-command of a merchant vessel, primarily responsible for the supervision of the deck crew, cargo operations, and the safety and security of the ship.
Software that centralizes maintenance information and facilitates the processes of maintenance operations.
A maintenance strategy that monitors the actual condition of an asset to decide what maintenance needs to be done. It dictates that maintenance should only be performed when certain indicators show signs of decreasing performance or upcoming failure.
A cargo ship that carries all of its load in truck-size intermodal containers, in a technique called containerization.
The process of recording data over time from specific sensors or systems; in maritime, it involves the automated collection of machinery parameters, navigation data, and cargo conditions.
A measure of how much weight a ship can carry. It is the sum of the weights of cargo, fuel, fresh water, ballast water, provisions, passengers, and crew.
The use of digital technologies to change a business model and provide new revenue and value-producing opportunities; in shipping, it represents the move from paper-based to digital-based processes.
A technical design standard by the IMO that requires existing ships to maximize their energy efficiency to a level equivalent to newbuilds (EEDI Phase 2 or 3).
A voluntary monitoring tool recommended by the IMO to measure the energy efficiency of a ship in operation, defined as the ratio of mass of CO2 emitted per unit of transport work.
An international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention.
A comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities, developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
A network of physical objects—'things'—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.
A subset of artificial intelligence that provides systems the ability to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed; in maritime, it is used for route optimization and predictive maintenance.
A pressurized vessel used on ships to produce steam for heating fuel, cargo, and accommodation, or for driving steam turbines.
The primary propulsion unit of most merchant vessels, typically a massive internal combustion engine designed to run on heavy fuel oil.
A forced induction device that drives a compressor using the energy from the engine's exhaust gases, significantly increasing engine power and efficiency.
The fourth industrial revolution in the maritime sector, characterized by the integration of automation, IoT, big data, and smart technologies to create intelligent shipping operations.
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
The highest ranking officer on board a merchant vessel, holding ultimate command and responsibility for the ship, its crew, cargo, and safety.
A deck or engine officer who is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship or the safe operation of the machinery space during their period of duty.
A merchant ship designed for the bulk transport of oil or its products. There are two basic types: crude tankers and product tankers.
A paper or software-based system that allows shipowners and operators to carry out maintenance at scheduled intervals according to manufacturer and classification society requirements.
A proactive maintenance strategy that uses data analysis tools and techniques to detect anomalies in machinery operation and potential defects in equipment and processes so that you can fix them before they fail.
The rank below Chief Engineer, responsible for the daily maintenance and operation of the engine room and supervision of the engine ratings.
A mandatory operational mechanism for improving the energy efficiency of a ship in a cost-effective manner. Part III of SEEMP specifically addresses the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) reduction plan.
The continuous process of inspecting, repairing, and preserving a vessel's hull, machinery, and equipment to ensure seaworthiness and compliance with safety regulations.
A fan-like rotating structure that converts the engine's rotational energy into thrust to propel the ship through water.
The practice of operating a ship at a speed significantly lower than its maximum design speed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
A vessel equipped with automation, sensors, and digital technologies that enable data collection, analysis, and remote monitoring to optimize operations, safety, and efficiency.
A software licensing and delivery model in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted.
An international maritime treaty setting minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment, and operation of merchant ships.
The measure of fuel used by an engine to produce a unit of power, typically expressed in grams per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh). Lower SFOC indicates higher engine efficiency.
An international convention that establishes minimum qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships.