Battalions information
ABAFT
Toward the rear (stern) of the boat. Behind.
BATTEN DOWN
Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.
EBB
A receding current.
FOLLOWING SEA
An overtaking sea that comes from astern.
GIVE-WAY VESSEL
A term used to describe the vessel which must yield in meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations.
HEADING
The direction in which a vessel’s bow points at any given time.
KNOT
A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour.
LONGITUDE
The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England.
PORT
The left side of a boat looking forward. A harbor.
RUNNING LIGHTS
Lights required to be shown on boats underway between sundown and sunup.
SECURE
To make fast.
TIDE
The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans.
UNDERWAY
Vessel in motion, i.e., when not moored, at anchor, or aground.
WINDWARD
Toward the direction from which the wind is coming.