Nautical Terms

Question 1

Adrift

Answer 1

Loose from moorings (applied to anything lost, out of hands, or left lying about)

Question 2

AFT

Answer 2

Near or toward the stern of the vessel.

Question 3

Aloft

Answer 3

Above the vessel’s uppermost solid structure (Overhead or high above)

Question 4

Alongside

Answer 4

By the side of the pier or vessel.

Question 5

All hands/ Muster/ Quarters

Answer 5

Assembly of all hands for accountability

Question 6

Avast/ Belay

Answer 6

To cancel an order; To cease

Question 7

Aye-Aye

Answer 7

Reply to an order; (I understand and will comply)

Question 8

Barracks

Answer 8

Buildings where military personnel live

Question 9

Below

Answer 9

Beneath the deck (Downstairs)

Question 10

Bow

Answer 10

The front of the ship

Question 11

Brightwork

Answer 11

Brass or shiny metal that is kept polished rather than painted.

Question 12

Brow

Answer 12

A Moveable ladder used for boarding a vessel from a pier.

Question 13

Bunk or Rack

Answer 13

Bed

Question 14

Bulkhead

Answer 14

A partition or “wall” on a vessel

Question 15

Carry On

Answer 15

An order to resume work or duties.

Question 16

Cast Off

Answer 16

To throw off; to let go; to unfurl

Question 17

Colors

Answer 17

Raising or lowering of a national flag; ceremonies held at 0800 and sunset.

Question 18

Compartment

Answer 18

Room

Question 19

Deck

Answer 19

Floor

Question 20

Eyes in the Boat

Answer 20

Looking straight ahead while at position of attention.

Question 21

Fast

Answer 21

Snugly Secured

Question 22

Fore

Answer 22

Towards the bow of the vessel

Question 23

Galley

Answer 23

The cooking compartment or kitchen on a vessel

Question 24

Gangway

Answer 24

Opening in a bulwark/ lifeline that provides access to a brow; an order meaning to clear the way.

Question 25

Gear Locker

Answer 25

Storage Room

Question 26

Head

Answer 26

Bathroom

Question 27

Ladder

Answer 27

Steps

Question 28

Liberty

Answer 28

Permission to leave the base

Question 29

Mast

Answer 29

The vertical structure from a vessel that holds rigging for flags and pennants, electronic equipment, and the National Ensign while underway; the flag pole at a shore-based unit.

Question 30

Mess Deck

Answer 30

The compartment where enlisted personnel eat.

Question 31

Officer of the Day/Deck (OOD)

Answer 31

The officer who acting directly under the commanding officer is responsible on an assigned day/watch for overseeing the unit/vessel, preserving order, protecting property, and enforcing regulations.

Question 32

Overhead

Answer 32

Ceiling

Question 33

Passageway

Answer 33

Hallway

Question 34

Performance Tracker

Answer 34

Recruit progress documentation slip

Question 35

Port

Answer 35

Referring to the left side of a vessel when seen by someone facing the bow

Question 36

Quarterdeck

Answer 36

Area between squad bays; location where import vessels and shore units stand watch

Question 37

Reveille

Answer 37

Wake up; start a new day

Question 38

Scullery

Answer 38

Compartment for washing and sterilizing dishes

Question 39

Scuttlebutt

Answer 39

Drinking fountain; a rumor

Question 40

Secure

Answer 40

Lock; put away or stop work

Question 41

Starboard

Answer 41

Referring to the right side of a vessel when seen by someone facing the bow

Question 42

Stern

Answer 42

The back of the vessel

Question 43

Strike

Answer 43

Lower or bring down

Question 44

Swab

Answer 44

Mop

Question 45

Taps

Answer 45

Time to sleep; end of day

Question 46

Topside

Answer 46

Upstairs

Question 47

Turn to

Answer 47

An order to begin work

Question 48

Underway

Answer 48

When a vessel is not tied to a pier or at anchor

Question 49

Watch

Answer 49

A period of duty