english maritime glossary

A/B or ABLE BODIED SEAMAN - A member of the deck crew who is able to perform all the duties of an experienced seamen; certificated by examination and has three years sea service. Also called Able Seamen and A.B.
ABS -American Bureau of Shipping: A U.S.-based private classification, or standards setting society for merchant ships and other marine systems.
ADDENDUM - Additional terms at the end of a charter party.
AD VALOREM - means 'at value'. A rate or tax on the freight based on the value of goods.
AFT - Near or toward the stern of the vessel.
AGENCY FEE - A fee charged to the ship by the ship's agent, representing payment for services while the ship was in port. Sometimes referred to as the attendance fee.
ANCHOR HANDLING TUG - Tug that moves anchors and tow drilling vessels, lighters and similar. Also ANCHOR HANDLING TUG/SUPPLY used also for supplies
AIMS - American Institute of Merchant Shipping.
AMIDSHIPS - Generally speaking the word amidships means in the middle portion of a vessel.
ARBITRATION - Method of settling disputes usually applied to a charter party.
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT - The document containing all particulars relating to the terms of agreement between the Master of the vessel and the crew. Also known as ship's or shipping articles.
ASABOSA - Association of Ships' Agents & Brokers.
ASL - Association of Shipping Lines
ASTERN - Behind, or a backward direction in the line of a vessel's fore and aft line. When a vessel moves backwards it is said to move astern; opposite to ahead.
AUTOMATIC PILOT - An instrument that controls automatically a vessel's steering gear to enable her to follow a pre-determined track through the water.

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MARITIME glossary

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