Always afloat, always accessible Always afloat In order to prevent a vessel from being ordered to proceed to a berth where she cannot load or discharge without touching the ground or which can only be reached safely after discharging part of the cargo into lighters or which can only be reached with spring tide, the so-called "always safely afloat clause'' is inserted in the charterparty.This clause may read as follows (as in the GENCON voyage charterparty for dry cargo):". .. the vessel shall proceed to . .. or so near thereto as-she may safely get and lie afloat . . . and being so … [Read more...]
Anchor cock-bill
The situation of the anchor when it hangs by the stopper at the cathead. … [Read more...]
At anchor
The situation of a ship riding at her anchor. … [Read more...]
Aweigh
The when applied to the anchor, it means that the anchor is drawn out of the ground, in a perpendicular direction, by the cable or buoy rope. The topsails are said to be atrip when they are hoisted up to the mast-head, to their utmost extent. … [Read more...]
AUSREP
A vessel position-reporting system similar to AMVER, but operated by the Australian Authorities. … [Read more...]
Athwartships
At right angles to the fore-and-aft line of the vessel (sideways-across). … [Read more...]
ATRS
A standard of reference published by a group of American Tanker brokers and expressed in dollars and cents for thousands of possible voyages. Commonly used for U.S. coastwise voyages. … [Read more...]
Awning
A canvas canopy secured over the ship's deck as a protection from the weather (covering). … [Read more...]
Aye, aye, sir
The reply to an officer's order signifying that he is understood and will be obeyed (I understood the Order). … [Read more...]
Astern
The bearing of an object 180 degrees from ahead (behind).Any distance behind a ship, as opposite to AHEAD Direction. … [Read more...]