32 terms.
- Safe Working Load
The maximum load that lifting gear, mooring lines, or deck equipment is certified to bear without risk of failure in normal use.
- Safety Management Certificate
A certificate issued to a ship confirming its Safety Management System is operating in accordance with the ISM Code.
- SafetyNET
The Inmarsat-C broadcast service transmitting maritime safety information including navigational warnings and weather forecasts in GMDSS Areas A3/A4.
- Scavenge Air
Pressurised air supplied to the cylinder of a two-stroke diesel engine to expel exhaust gases and supply fresh charge for combustion.
- Sea State
A description of wave conditions at a given location, typically expressed by significant wave height and period.
- Search and Rescue Transponder
A radar transponder that responds to X-band radar pulses to indicate the position of a survival craft to SAR aircraft and vessels.
- Second Engineer
The engineer officer second in command, directly overseeing day-to-day operation and maintenance of the main propulsion plant.
- Second Mate
A certificated deck officer responsible for navigation equipment, charts, publications, and often designated ship's safety officer.
- Segregation
The physical separation of incompatible dangerous goods in stowage to prevent hazardous reactions if packaging fails.
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
A compressed-air breathing set worn by firefighting team members to allow entry into oxygen-deficient or toxic atmospheres.
- Sewage Treatment Plant
A biological or chemical system treating shipboard sewage to standards permitting overboard discharge under MARPOL Annex IV.
- Sextant
A precision optical instrument used to measure the angle between a celestial body and the horizon for position fixing.
- Shaft Alley
The enclosed tunnel running through the stern of the ship enclosing the propeller shaft from the engine room to the stern tube.
- Ship Security Officer
The officer on board responsible for implementing and maintaining the Ship Security Plan and liaising with the CSO and port facility security.
- Ship-to-Ship Transfer
The transfer of cargo between two vessels moored alongside each other at sea or in an anchorage.
- Ship's Cook
A certificated crew member responsible for preparing all meals and maintaining hygiene standards in the ship's galley.
- Sight Reduction
The mathematical process of converting a celestial observation into a position line using tables or a calculator.
- Slop Tank
A dedicated tank on tankers used to collect cargo residues and tank washing water, allowing oil-water separation before discharge.
- SOLAS Chapter III
The chapter of SOLAS covering life-saving appliance requirements including lifeboats, liferafts, immersion suits, and drills.
- SOLAS Chapter IX
The chapter of SOLAS making the ISM Code mandatory for ships, requiring companies to hold a Document of Compliance.
- SOLAS Chapter V
The chapter of SOLAS dealing with safety of navigation, requiring ECDIS, AIS, VDR, pilot ladders, and bridge watchkeeping standards.
- Special Survey
A comprehensive five-yearly classification survey requiring drydocking and full structural inspection to renew class for a further five years.
- Spring Line
A mooring line leading forward or aft at a shallow angle to prevent the ship from moving ahead or astern.
- Squall
A sudden, brief and intense increase in wind speed often accompanied by rain or hail, posing an immediate hazard to vessels.
- Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
International convention setting minimum training, certification, and watchkeeping standards for merchant ship officers and crew.
- Starting Air Receiver
A pressure vessel storing compressed air at 30 bar used to crank and start the main engine and diesel generators.
- Stern Tube
The watertight bearing assembly through which the propeller shaft passes through the hull from the engine room to the propeller.
- Stowage Factor
The volume in cubic metres or cubic feet that one metric tonne of a commodity occupies when stowed in a ship's hold.
- Stowage Plan
A diagram showing the planned or actual position of all cargo units aboard a vessel for a given voyage.
- Summer Draft
The maximum permissible draft when loading in a Summer load line zone, shown on the ship's side as the Summer load line mark.
- Supercargo
A cargo owner's representative sailing aboard a vessel to oversee the handling and care of the cargo throughout the voyage.
- Swell
Long-period regular waves that have travelled out of the generating area, independent of current local wind conditions.