Aft Near the stern, or rear, of a ship. The collision of a moving vessel into a solid land or a stationary object. In the middle section of a ship. Astern To move backwards. Ballast Weight added to a vessel to improve stability.
Water is the most common ships' ballast.
The forward part of a ship. Bridge The navigating section of a ship. Davits Cranes on a ship which raise and lower lifeboats. The amount of a ship beneath the water, measured in vertical feet or metres. An enclosed docking wher a ship sits while subsurface cleaning and repairs are completed.