SHIPTALK: A GLOSSARY OF SHIPPING AND MARITIME TERMS

 PIER –  A loading platform extending at an angle from the shore.
 PILE –  A wood, metal or concrete pole driven into the bottom. Craft may be made fast to a pile; it may be used to support a pier (see PILING) or a float.

 PIER –  A loading platform extending at an angle from the shore.
 PILE –  A wood, metal or concrete pole driven into the bottom. Craft may be made fast to a pile; it may be used to support a pier (see PILING) or a float.
 PILING –  Support, protection for wharves, piers etc.; constructed of piles (see PILE)
 PILOTING –  Navigation by use of visible references, the depth of the water, etc.
 PLANING –  A boat is said to be planing when it is essentially moving over the top of the water rather than through the water.
 PLANING HULL –  A type of hull shaped to glide easily across the water at high speed.
 PORT –  The left side of a boat looking forward, also called a harbor.
 PRIVELEGED VESSEL –  A vessel which, according to the applicable Navigation Rule, has right-of-way (this term has been superseded by the term "stand-on").
 QUARTER –  The sides of a boat aft of amidships.
 QUARTERING SEA  – Sea coming on  a boat's quarter.
RODE – The anchor line and/or chain.
ROPE – In general, cordage as it is purchased at the store. When it comes aboard a vessel and is put to use it becomes line.
RUDDER – A vertical plate or board for steering a boat.
RUN – To allow a line to feed freely.
RUNNING LIGHTS – Lights required to be shown on boats underway between sundown and sunup.