Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 October 1901 — NAUTICAL TERMS. [ARTICLE]

NAUTICAL TERMS.

The definitions below will explain much of the testimony given In the Schley court of inquiry: Cable's length—2o3 yards. Cross Sea—Waves that come from divers directions* Larboard—Now obsolete, meaning the left side. “Port" as a distinctive sound was introduced In place of larboard. Quarter Deck—The deck abaft (behind) the mainmast, where members of a crew are never allowed unless their duty culls them there. Side Lights—The red (port) and green (starboard) lights carried by vessels at night. Starboard—The right-hand side; the opposite of port. Draft—The depth of a vessel to the extreme underside of the keel, measured from the load water line. Trough—The hollow between wave crests. Leeward—The side of the ship opposite to that which Is exposed to the wind or storm. Windward —The direction from 'which the wind is blowing. Sheer Oil—To remove to a greater distance. Logbook—A journal in which Is entered the position of the ship, the winds, currents, state of the sea and all matters of importance in relation to the vessel and its movements. Conning Tower—A small, strong steel house raised above the deck and furnished with peepholes, in which the commanding officer can direct the movement of a ship during an engagement. Executive Officer—Officer next in rank to the commander.