Ships, Boats, etc.

Aircraft: A machine like an airplane, glider, or helicopter that can travel through the air
Aircraft Carrier: A warship with a deck from which aircraft can take off and land
Boat: A small vessel for travel on water
Cruiser: A large fast warship smaller than a battleship but larger than a destroyer
Destroyer: A small fast warship armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles
Fleet:  A number of warships under a single command, in other words, an organization of ships and aircraft under the command of a flag officer
Navy: The complete naval establishment of a nation including yards, stations, ships, and personnel
Sailor: A member of a ship’s crew
Ship: A large vessel for travel on water
Spotter: A person that locates targets located beyond the visible horizon
Submarine: A naval vessel designed to operate underwater
U-Boat: A German submarine
Vessel:  A watercraft that is larger than a boat, especially a ship

Parts of a Ship

Anchor: A device usually of metal that is attached to a boat or ship by a cable and that when thrown overboard digs into the earth and holds the boat or ship in place
Anti-Aircraft: Anything used to defend against an air attack
Armor: A protective outer layer used to defend someone or something from attack usually made from a heavy and tough material like steel
Battery: A grouping of artillery pieces for tactical purposes; the guns of a warship
Boiler: The part of a steam generator in which water is converted into steam and which consists usually of metal shells and tubes
Bow: The forward part of a boat or ship
Bridge: The forward part of a ship’s superstructure from which the ship is navigated
Bunk: A built-in bed on a ship
Caliber: The diameter of a bore of a gun usually expressed in hundredths or thousandths of an inch and typically written as a decimal fraction
Catapult: A device for launching an airplane usually from a ship like on an aircraft carrier
Crane: A machine with a swinging arm for lifting and carrying heavy weights
Crow’s Nest: A partly enclosed platform high on a ship’s mast for use as a lookout
Deck: A platform extending from side to side in a ship and forming a floor
Dog: Any of various devices for holding, gripping, or fastening that consist of a spike, rod, or bar, especially on a ship’s watertight doors
Funnel: A stack or flue for the escape of smoke or ventilation, as on a ship
Head: A toilet on a ship. They used to be located solely at the head, or bow, of a ship
Hull: The frame or body of a ship or boat exclusive of masts, yards, sails, and rigging
Keel: A timber or plate running lengthwise along the center of the bottom of a ship and usually sticking out from the bottom
Line: A length of rope or cord used to secure objects on a ship
Mast: A long pole or spar rising from the keel or deck of a ship and supporting the yards, booms, and rigging
Mess Hall: A hall or building (as on an army post) where food is served
Porthole: An opening in the side of a ship or aircraft
Pontoon: A float used to allow seaplanes to land in water
Propeller: A device consisting of a hub fitted with blades that is made to turn rapidly by an engine and is used especially for propelling airplanes and ships
Rangefinder: An instrument used to determine the distance of a target
Rudder: A flat movable piece of wood or metal attached to the rear of a ship or aircraft for steering
Shell: A projectile for cannon containing an explosive bursting charge
Steam Engine:An engine that uses steam for power
Stern: The rear end of a boat or ship
Superstructure: The parts of a ship, other than masts and rigging, built above its hull and main deck.
Tactics: The science and art of disposing and maneuvering forces in combat
Torpedo: A weapon used to destroy ships by rupturing their hulls below the waterline.
Turret: A revolving armored structure on a warship that protects one or more guns mounted within
Waterline: A line marked on the outside of a ship that matches the surface of the water when the ship floats evenly

Naval Terms

Aft: Near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft
Capsize: When a ship rolls over in the water so that the hull is above water and the deck is under water.
Fire Control: The planning, preparation, and delivery of fire on a target or targets.
Fore: In, toward, or near the front
Leeward: Located away from the wind
List: When a ship tips dangerously to the side. In bad cases, this can result in the ship capsizing.
Port: When looking towards the front of a ship or aircraft, the left side
Righting: The act of reversing a capsized vessel
Starboard: When looking towards the front of a ship or aircraft, the right side
Windward: The side or direction from which the wind is blowing
Horizon: The line where the earth or sea seems to meet the sky
Navigation:The science of getting ships, aircraft, or spacecraft from place to place, especially the method of figuring out position, course, and distance traveled
Helm: The wheel or lever that steers the rudder. The person operating the helm is called a “helmsman.”


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