Seafarers (OSS)

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These ships possess sufficient cargo space and stability for long sea voyages. Nevertheless, most seafaring craft remain fairly close to shore, as the unpredictable forces of nature can damage or destroy any vessel.
Seafarers work well when used in inland seas, such as the Black Sea or the Mediterranean Sea, and for shorter open-ocean voyages.
==Caravel==
The caravel is a two or three-masted ship used in the late medieval/early renaissance period. Structurally, this vessel is the precursor to the English galleon and represents the most advanced nautical technology available in most fantasy settings.
The caravel runs 70 feet long and 20 feet wide, boasting multi-level castles in the fore and aft sections of the ship. It can carry a crew of 30 to 40 men and hold up to 200 tons of cargo. Of all seagoing vessels, the caravel proves the safest and most reliable for extended sea voyages.
==Cog==
This vessel is an improved version of the cargo ship. It has a single mast supporting a square sail. The ship ranges between 75 and 90 feet from bow to stern and has a beam of about 20 feet. A crew of about 20 men can fit comfortably in this vessel. A cog also has considerable cargo capacity-about 150 tons. In addition, it has a single deck with amply-sized fore and stern castles- useful for shelter as well as defense.
This ship's stability and cargo space make it one of the most versatile craft in a medieval setting.
==Longship==
This is the standard craft used by the Vikings. The average longship ranges 50 to 75 feet from bow to stern, with a beam of approximately 22 feet. Each side of the vessel contains 20 to 25 oars; a single mast with a square sail stands in the center of the vessel.
Longships can carry a crew of 40 to 50 and an additional 120 to 150 men (usually warriors). Although these ships can carry cargo, their relatively small capacity (only 50 tons) limits their effectiveness in trade.
Because of their sail, oars, and overall design, longships prove fairly seaworthy. In fact, the Vikings often used these ships to cross oceans and invade other nations.
==Outrigger==
These vessels are nothing more than canoes with streamlined floats joined parallel to the hull of the ship for added stability. Some versions of the outrigger possess one float, while others have two. Single-float outriggers lack the seaworthiness of their double-float cousins, but are somewhat faster, as the dual float design adds drag to the craft.
Outriggers average a length of 30 feet and a beam of 16 feet-although larger outriggers, consisting of several canoes connected by a rectangular platform, can be as much as 80 feet wide. Average-sized outriggers can hold a crew of about 6 people, plus 500 pounds of additional cargo. The largest of these craft can easily hold up to 20 crew and almost 5 tons of cargo. All outriggers possess a single mast. In the event of poor weather, however, sailors can use paddles to move the craft.
Outriggers are fairly seaworthy, yet simple to build. The longer versions can easily make a transoceanic voyage.
==Sohar==
The sohar is a middle-eastern merchant ship. The 90- foot ship possesses three masts, a small forecastle, and crew quarters for 20 people. In addition, the sohar can hold up to 100 tons of cargo and supplies-more than enough to cover an extended sea voyage.
The sohar's stability, maneuverability, and movement rate make it an ideal vessel for trade or war. Adventurers will certainly encounter these ships in Arabian cultures and areas of heavy trade.