Ad Valorem – In proportion to the value
Allision – The term used when a vessel hits a fixed object, the vessel is always assumed to be at fault in this case
Bow – The front of a vessel
Capsize – The term used when a vessel is overturned or turned on it’s side
Centennial – The 100th anniversary (or the celebrating of it)
Collision – The term used when two vessels hit
General average – Declared upon vessel damage, whereupon shippers pay a certain percentage of damage incurred: carrier declares percentage of responsibility by all participants.
Gross tonnage – A vessels overall internal volume
HMS – Her Majesty’s Ship
Knot – Unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour (approx 1.151mph)
MV – Motor vessel
Nautical mile – 1852 metres / 6076 feet
Port – The left side of a ship from the perspective of an individual on board facing the bow
Righting – The term used to describe the reversing of a capsized vessel
RMS – Royal Mail ship (or steamer)
RORO – A vessel designed to carry wheeled cargo which can be driven on to the vessel eg car passenger ferry (Roll on roll off)
Salvage -
SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea
Starboard – The right side of a ship from the perspective of an individual on board facing the bow
Tanker – A vessel which carries liquids in bulk (oil, chemicals etc)