SHIPTALK: A GLOSSARY OF SHIPPING AND MARITIME TERMS

FENDER – A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.
FIGURE EIGHT KNOT – A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end of a line to prevent the line from passing through a grommet or a block.
FLARE – The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow. A distress signal.
FLOOD – A incoming current.
FLOORBOARDS – The surface of the cockpit on which the crew stand.
FLUKE – The palm of an anchor.

FENDER – A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.
FIGURE EIGHT KNOT – A knot in the form of a figure eight, placed in the end of a line to prevent the line from passing through a grommet or a block.
FLARE – The outward curve of a vessel's sides near the bow. A distress signal.
FLOOD – A incoming current.
FLOORBOARDS – The surface of the cockpit on which the crew stand.
FLUKE – The palm of an anchor.
FOLLOWING SEA – An overtaking sea that comes from astern.
FORE-AND-AFT – In a line parallel to the keel.
FOREPEAK – A compartment in the bow of a small boat.
FORWARD – Toward the bow of the boat.
FOULED – Any piece of equipment that is jammed or entangled, or dirtied.
FREEBOARD – The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale.
GALLEY – The kitchen area of a boat.
GANGWAY – The area of a ship's side where people board and disembark.
GEAR – A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment.
GIVE-WAY VESSEL – A term used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.
GRAB RAILS – Hand-hold fittings mounted on cabin tops and sides for personal safety when moving around the boat.
GROUND TACKLE – A collective term for the anchor and its associated gear.
GUNWALE – The upper edge of a boat's sides.