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Glossary

Maritime glossary, terms beginning with B

All maritime glossary terms that begin with the letter B, drawn from every subject section. 2894 entries.

Showing 250 of 2894 terms (page 1 of 12).

B Series (Cummins) X90. Marine Engine Specific Model Enumeration
Cummins family of inline six-cylinder marine diesels widely fitted in small commercial and pleasure craft.
B Street Pier X164. Cruise Industry, Brands, Ship Classes, and Terminals
The San Diego cruise terminal on the downtown waterfront serving Mexico and Pacific Coastal itineraries.
B-15 division X24. Cruise, Passenger Ship and Ferry Operations
SOLAS II-2 non-combustible bulkhead rated to 15 minutes against fire passage.
B-Beam Radar X168. Bridge Electronics: Radar, ECDIS, GMDSS, and IBS
General term for a radar antenna with a fan-shaped beam, typical of slotted waveguide arrays.
B-Class division X170. SOLAS 1974 Convention: Chapter-by-Chapter Glossary
SOLAS II-2 fire boundary of approved non-combustible materials limiting temperature rise to 140 degrees Celsius for 15 or 0 minutes (B-15, B-0).
B-class ship (Polar Code) X27. Polar Code, Ice Navigation and Polar Operations
Category B ship designed for operation in at least thin first-year ice, which may include old ice inclusions.
B.Yond X125. Superyacht Industry, Builders and Brokers
Benetti steel displacement series, including 37M and 47M models.
B/BMSY X87. Fishing Vessels and Fisheries Management
Ratio of current biomass to BMSY used to characterize stock status, with values below one indicating an overfished condition.
B&G X89. ECDIS and Bridge Equipment Makers
Brookes and Gatehouse, a Navico Group brand producing sailing yacht instruments, Zeus chartplotters, and H5000 processors.
B&I Line X85. Ferries, Ro-Pax Operators and Routes
British and Irish Steam Packet Company predecessor of Irish Ferries, nationalized in 1965 and privatized in 1991.
B&W heritage X90. Marine Engine Specific Model Enumeration
Burmeister & Wain Copenhagen origin of the two-stroke designs now carried forward as MAN B&W engines.
B100 X111. Methanol, Ammonia and Alternative Marine Fuels
Marine biofuel grade composed of 100 percent FAME or HVO, used in trials and select coastal services.
B14 Skiff F4. Recreational Boating, Yachting and Sport
International high-performance skiff designed by Julian Bethwaite.
B24 X111. Methanol, Ammonia and Alternative Marine Fuels
Bunker blend of approximately 24 percent biofuel with VLSFO base, commonly sold as VLSFO-B24 in Singapore and Rotterdam.
B24 Blend X115. Marine Bunker and Cargo Surveying
Marine fuel containing up to 24 percent FAME by volume, marketed under Singapore-led trials and ISO 8217 biofuel grades.
B24, B30, B100 X34. Decarbonization, Alternative Fuels and Carbon Pricing
Biodiesel blends containing 24%, 30%, and 100% FAME respectively.
B30 X111. Methanol, Ammonia and Alternative Marine Fuels
Blend of about 30 percent biofuel with conventional MGO or VLSFO used in commercial marine bunkering.
B30 Blend X115. Marine Bunker and Cargo Surveying
Marine fuel containing up to 30 percent FAME by volume, the upper limit of common commercial bunker biofuel blends.
B4-70 X38. Propellers, Stern Gear and Shaft Lines
Wageningen B-series propeller designation indicating four blades and an expanded area ratio of 0.70.
B5-75 X38. Propellers, Stern Gear and Shaft Lines
Five-blade Wageningen B-series propeller with Ae/Ao = 0.75, common for merchant ship preliminary design.
B50 X111. Methanol, Ammonia and Alternative Marine Fuels
50 percent biofuel blend with petroleum bunker fuel, used in select trials and ferry routes.
B7 Blend X115. Marine Bunker and Cargo Surveying
Marine fuel containing up to 7 percent FAME by volume, the entry-level biofuel grade widely accepted across global bunker hubs.
Baader Fish Processing Equipment X120. Marine Catering, Provisions and Ship Chandlers
Specialist galley and factory-vessel equipment maker headquartered in Lubeck, Germany.
Bab-el-Mandeb X22. Piracy, Maritime Security and Armed Protection
18 nautical mile wide strait between Yemen and Djibouti linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Bab-el-Mandeb Strait E1. Maritime security, geopolitics and risk
Chokepoint between Yemen and Djibouti linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Babbitt X19. Engine Room Watchkeeping and UMS Operations
Tin or lead based white metal lining used in main bearings and crosshead bearings.
Babbitt White Metal X174. Marine Engine Maintenance, Overhaul, and Condition Monitoring
Tin-based bearing lining alloy used in main bearings, crosshead bearings, and crankpin bearings, examined under magnification during crankcase inspections.
Babcock X133. Polar Research Vessels and Polar Code Regimes
Babcock International, UK contractor managing BAS shipping logistics and Rothera wharf upgrade.
Babcock Devonport X62. Naval Warships and Combat Systems
UK shipyard responsible for Royal Navy submarine refits and surface ship maintenance.
Babcock Helicopters X31. Helicopter Operations on Ships
UK-based offshore and emergency services helicopter operator, part of Avincis since 2024.
Babcock MCS X80. Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination
Babcock Mission Critical Services, operator of civil SAR helicopter fleets in several countries.
Babcock Rosyth X62. Naval Warships and Combat Systems
Scottish shipyard where the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers were assembled.
Babcock Type 31 X11. Naval Vessels, Warship Systems and Naval Architecture
Royal Navy Inspiration class general-purpose frigate based on Iver Huitfeldt.
BABS X82. Saturation Diving and Offshore Diving Operations
Built-in emergency Breathing Apparatus System inside saturation chambers.
BAC X21. STCW Certificates, Crewing and Seafarer Welfare
Blood Alcohol Concentration, capped at 0.05 percent for seafarers on duty under STCW VIII/1.
Bacalao X131. Commercial Fisheries, Trawler Fleets and Seafood Processors
Salt-cured cod, principally produced in Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands and consumed in Portugal, Brazil, Spain and Italy.
Back a sail X3. Ship Handling, Seamanship and Deck Vocabulary
Trim a sail so the wind strikes its forward side.
Back bearing X16. Nautical Science, Navigation and COLREGs
Reciprocal of a forward bearing, used to check compass error.
Back Calculation X115. Marine Bunker and Cargo Surveying
Method of recomputing delivered fuel quantity by working backward from the receiving vessel's measured ROB increase when supplier figures are disputed.
Back cavitation X38. Propellers, Stern Gear and Shaft Lines
Vapor cavity on the suction (back) side of the blade caused by low local pressure.
Back Door X83. ISO Container Manufacturing and Leasing
Industry term for the cargo end of a dry container as opposed to the front end wall.
Back EMF X67. Marine Electrical Systems and Shore Power
Voltage induced in a motor winding by its own rotation, opposing the applied voltage and limiting current at speed.
Back Letter X53. Marine Insurance, P&I and Hull Clauses
A side agreement between assured and broker, or assured and underwriter, varying or supplementing the formal policy terms.
Back Leverage X49. Ship Finance, Leasing and Maritime Capital Markets
Debt raised by a lessor against the lease receivables of a vessel sale and leaseback.
Back of blade X38. Propellers, Stern Gear and Shaft Lines
Suction side of the propeller blade, where sheet and tip vortex cavitation usually originate.
Back pressure X19. Engine Room Watchkeeping and UMS Operations
Exhaust system pressure at engine outlet, monitored to detect economizer or silencer fouling.
Back Pressure (Boiler) X63. Marine Auxiliary Machinery and Pumps
Resistance to flue gas flow imposed by economizer, scrubber, and uptake fittings.
Back Pressure Valve X63. Marine Auxiliary Machinery and Pumps
Control valve maintaining minimum pressure in OWS discharge or sludge transfer lines.
Back reach X15. Ports, Terminals and Stevedoring
distance the STS crane trolley travels landward of the waterside rail.
Back splice X3. Ship Handling, Seamanship and Deck Vocabulary
End splice that prevents a rope from unlaying.
Back Up Crane X104. Project Cargo Forwarders and Heavy Transport
Secondary crane positioned on standby during a critical project lift.
Back-end loaded sample X149. Marine Fuels, Bunkering, and Alternative Fuels
Improper sampling that draws fuel only at the end of delivery; ISO 13739 requires continuous drip sampling throughout the bunker transfer.
Back-end loss X47. Marine Fuel Quality and ISO 8217
Heat loss through exhaust gas attributable to incomplete combustion or low fuel quality.
Back-Haul X103. US Inland Waterway Towing and Barge
The return leg of a barge movement, typically northbound on the Mississippi after southbound grain delivery.
Back-Off X68. Maritime Satcom and Telecommunications
Reduction in amplifier operating power below saturation to maintain linearity for multi-carrier transmission.
Back-step welding X58. Shipbuilding Yards and Construction
Sequence in which short weld runs are deposited in the reverse direction of overall progression to control distortion.
Back-to-Back Clause X51. Maritime Arbitration, Law and BIMCO Clauses
A subcharter provision incorporating the head charter terms so that obligations and liabilities pass through unchanged.
Back-to-Back Cover X4. Marine Insurance, P&I and Claims
reinsurance written on identical terms to the original direct insurance.
Back-to-back fixture X71. Shipbrokers and Brokerage Firms
Two charters concluded on matching terms by the same broker, typical of operator desks.
Back-to-Back Sale X28. Ship Recycling and End-of-Life
Cash buyer arrangement reselling the ship to a recycler on matching contractual terms.
Back-to-Back Stowage X1. Cargo Science, Commodities and Cargo Care
Two opposing-direction unit loads placed flush to share lateral support.
Backarc Basin D2. Hydrography, tides, waves, bathymetry and marine geology
Basin behind an island arc formed by extension above a subduction zone.
Backbone Curve X54. Naval Architecture Software and IACS Rules
Locus of peak response amplitudes versus frequency used in nonlinear ship motion identification.
Backdoor X25. Maritime Cybersecurity, OT and IT
Hidden method of bypassing normal authentication, commonly planted by APT actors.
Backdown Maneuver X87. Fishing Vessels and Fisheries Management
Procedure used by tuna purse seiners in the Eastern Pacific to release dolphins from the net under IATTC AIDCP measures.
Backfill X42. Offshore Wind Installation and Cable Lay
Granular or rock material placed in a trench above a buried subsea cable to restore the seabed profile.
Backfilling X59. Offshore Wind O&M, CTVs and SOVs
Post lay seabed restoration over a buried export or array cable, often performed by trailing suction hopper or jet sled.
Backflow X41. Cruise Ship Public Health and VSP/USPH
Undesirable reversal of flow into the potable water system from a source of contamination.
Backflow Prevention Assembly X41. Cruise Ship Public Health and VSP/USPH
Mechanical device such as a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) installed to protect potable water from cross-connection contamination.
Backflushing X69. EGCS Scrubbers, SCR and Marine Air Emissions
Periodic reverse flow through demister candles or hydrocyclones to dislodge accumulated solids.
Backflushing (stern tube) X38. Propellers, Stern Gear and Shaft Lines
Operation of reversing or flushing stern-tube oil to clear contamination and water ingress.
Background Check (Inspector) X150. Tanker Vetting: OCIMF SIRE, CDI, RightShip, and TMSA
The OCIMF due diligence performed on prospective SIRE inspectors covering criminal records, professional references, and conflicts of interest.
Background Concentration D3. Marine environmental science, pollution and conservation
Natural baseline level of a substance.
Background Screening E1. Maritime security, geopolitics and risk
Vetting of shore and ship personnel for ISPS access.
Backhaul C1. Commercial shipping, chartering, economics and finance
Return leg of a voyage, usually at lower freight rates than the headhaul.
Backhaul Container X83. ISO Container Manufacturing and Leasing
Empty or laden box repositioned against the dominant trade direction.
Backhoe Dredger E4. Cruise, offshore energy and auxiliary/specialised fleets
Hydraulic-excavator-mounted dredger.
Backing X3. Ship Handling, Seamanship and Deck Vocabulary
Wind shifting counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
Backing (wind) X16. Nautical Science, Navigation and COLREGs
Counterclockwise change in wind direction in the Northern Hemisphere.
Backing and ramming X27. Polar Code, Ice Navigation and Polar Operations
Icebreaking technique involving repeated reversing and forward thrusts to break heavy ice.
Backing Down X30. Tug Operations and Harbour Towage
Reducing speed by reversing propulsion, used by escort tugs to control the assisted ship.
Backing Plate X5. Marine Surveying and Inspection
Reinforcement plate beneath fittings; checked during structural surveys.
Backing strip X58. Shipbuilding Yards and Construction
Steel strip placed behind a butt weld to support root passes during one-sided welding.
Backing strip welding B4. Shipbuilding, Materials, Sea Trials, Retrofits and Recycling
Single-sided weld with backing bar.
Backing thrust ratio X38. Propellers, Stern Gear and Shaft Lines
Astern thrust as a fraction of ahead thrust at equal shaft power, typically 0.6 to 0.8 for FPP merchant ships.
Backing Wire X103. US Inland Waterway Towing and Barge
A face wire arrangement used when the pushboat must control sternward movement of the tow.
Backload X14. Offshore Oil and Gas Marine Operations
Cargo returned from offshore installation to shore on a PSV.
Backloading X2. Marine Bunker Fuels, Lubricants and Bunkering Operations
Return of unused or off-spec bunkers from ship to barge or shore tank.
Backreach C4. Ports, terminals and coastal/marine civil engineering
Quay side reach behind the STS crane backreach.
Backreach stack X15. Ports, Terminals and Stevedoring
container row landward of the STS rail, often used for hatch covers.
Backscatter D5. Coastal processes, sea-level, cryosphere and ocean observation science
Acoustic or radar energy returning toward the source.
Backshell X91. Submarines and Submarine Cable Systems
Mechanical housing component at the termination of a submarine cable.
Backshore D2. Hydrography, tides, waves, bathymetry and marine geology
Beach zone above the normal high tide reach.
Backsiphonage X41. Cruise Ship Public Health and VSP/USPH
Backflow caused by negative pressure in a potable supply line, addressed in VSP Construction Manual Section 5.
Backstaff X39. Pre-1900 Maritime History
A navigational instrument invented by John Davis in 1594 for measuring solar altitude without looking at the sun.
Backstay F5. The Reference Layer: Glossary, Units, Signals and Information Sources
Standing rigging supporting a mast from aft.
Backup X25. Maritime Cybersecurity, OT and IT
Copy of data or system state retained for restoration after loss or compromise.
Backup Battery X67. Marine Electrical Systems and Shore Power
Lead-acid or lithium battery bank supplying critical loads when the main and emergency generators are unavailable.
Backup Bellman X82. Saturation Diving and Offshore Diving Operations
Stand-by diver inside the bell prepared to recover an incapacitated diver.
Backup Control Mode X109. Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and MASS Code
A degraded autonomy state in which a remote operator assumes manual control over a redundant link when primary autonomy is unavailable.
Backup Generator X169. Container Terminal Cranes, Yard Equipment, and Lashing
Diesel genset fitted to electric STS or eRTG cranes to enable travel and limited operation during shore power outage.
Backup Generator Control System X148. Maritime Cybersecurity, IACS Cyber Rules, and Incidents
The PLC-driven controller for emergency diesel generators, an OT asset within IACS UR E26 scope.
Backwall Cutting Plot X50. Ship Recycling, Demolition and Hong Kong Convention
A demolition slot positioned against the rear retaining wall of the yard, used at Alang for final cut-down operations.
Backwardation X44. Shipping Indices, FFAs and Freight Markets
Forward curve shape in which prompt FFA prices trade above further-dated contracts, often signaling near-term tightness in freight supply.
Backwash X124. Dredging Industry and Reclamation Contractors
Reverse flow used to clear blocked drag heads during TSHD trailing.
Backwater X103. US Inland Waterway Towing and Barge
Slack water in a river bend or behind a structure where barges may be fleeted.
Backwater Surge X126. Marine Oil Spill Response and OPRC Regimes
Wave reflection inside boom catenaries causing entrainment failure above the 0.7 to 1.0 knot critical current threshold.
Backwind X84. Yacht Racing, Regattas and Sailing Governance
Disturbed air from another sail or another yacht's sails that compromises lift.
Bactericide X61. Marine Lubricants and Cylinder Oils
Biocidal additive sometimes used in water-glycol hydraulic fluids and water-mix coolants to control microbial growth.
Bacton terminal X57. Ocean Energy Beyond Wind
UK gas terminal on the Norfolk coast studied as a potential CO2 import and reuse hub linked to southern North Sea storage.
Baden-Wurttemberg-class X62. Naval Warships and Combat Systems
German Navy F125-class frigate led by FGS Baden-Wurttemberg (F222), optimized for stabilization operations.
Baden-Wurttemberg-class frigate X106. Naval Surface Combatants
German Navy F125 class of four ships, lead ship FGS Baden-Wurttemberg F222 commissioned 2019, displacing about 7,200 tons.
BAE 5-inch Mk 45 X62. Naval Warships and Combat Systems
Naval gun system in 54-caliber and 62-caliber variants fitted on US, UK, Australian, and other navies' combatants.
BAE Systems ASV X109. Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and MASS Code
The autonomous surface vessel business unit formed after BAE Systems' 2018 acquisition of ASV Global.
BAE Systems Glasgow X106. Naval Surface Combatants
Shipyard on the River Clyde building Type 26 City-class frigates for the Royal Navy.
BAE Systems Govan X62. Naval Warships and Combat Systems
Glasgow shipyard producing forward and aft sections of Royal Navy Type 26 frigates.
BAE Systems Henderson X113. Drydock and Ship Repair Yards
Naval and commercial shipyard in Western Australia performing surface combatant sustainment and conversion.
BAE Systems Jacksonville X113. Drydock and Ship Repair Yards
Florida ship repair yard with floating drydocks supporting US Navy surface combatants and commercial tonnage on the East Coast.
BAE Systems Norfolk X113. Drydock and Ship Repair Yards
Virginia ship repair facility in the Norfolk Naval shipbuilding cluster servicing US Navy and Military Sealift Command vessels.
BAE Systems San Diego X113. Drydock and Ship Repair Yards
Pacific Coast ship repair yard with two floating drydocks supporting Pacific Fleet surface combatants and auxiliaries.
BAE Systems Scotstoun X62. Naval Warships and Combat Systems
Glasgow yard performing final assembly of Type 26 City-class frigates for the Royal Navy.
BAE Systems Williamstown X113. Drydock and Ship Repair Yards
Historic Victorian shipyard on Port Phillip Bay, Australia, used for naval combatant construction and repair.
BAF X6. Container, Intermodal and Trade Codes
Bunker Adjustment Factor, fuel surcharge added to ocean freight to recover bunker price moves.
Baffin Bay X10. Marine Biology, Fisheries and Oceanography
Body of water between Greenland and Baffin Island connected to the Labrador Sea.
Baffin Bay/Davis Strait NAFO area X27. Polar Code, Ice Navigation and Polar Operations
Fisheries management area relevant to ice-edge operations.
Bag X75. IMDG Code, Classes, Packing and Segregation
Flexible packaging made of paper, plastic or textile, IMDG packaging codes 5H1 to 5M2 depending on material.
BAG (Bathymetric Attributed Grid) X129. Hydrographic Offices, Survey Vessels and Marine Cartography
Open Navigation Surface format storing gridded depth, uncertainty, and metadata in HDF5 containers, mandated by NOAA OCS for survey deliverables.
Bag Cargo X1. Cargo Science, Commodities and Cargo Care
Goods in jute, woven polypropylene, or paper sacks; e.g., rice, cement, fertilizer.
Bag Filter X63. Marine Auxiliary Machinery and Pumps
Cloth or felt filtration element used for sludge dewatering and bilge water polishing.
Bag Limit D4. Fisheries, aquaculture, blue economy and marine resources
Recreational catch limit per person per day.
Bag Salvage Lift (BSL) X167. Major Salvage Companies, Wreck Removals, and Equipment
Generic term for inflatable buoyancy units used to refloat sunken vessels or lift cargo from the seabed.
Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) X36. Shipboard Medical, Telemedicine and Seafarer Health
Manual resuscitator with reservoir for positive-pressure ventilation; IMGS Annex V item.
Baggage tag X24. Cruise, Passenger Ship and Ferry Operations
Color-coded label assigned per cabin to route luggage to the correct stateroom at embarkation.
Bagged cargo C1. Commercial shipping, chartering, economics and finance
Dry bulk commodities carried in bags rather than loose.
Bagged Cargo Clause X17. Chartering, Shipbroking and Freight Trading
Provision allocating responsibility for spillage and tally on bagged commodities.
Bagged Cargo Survey X115. Marine Bunker and Cargo Surveying
Tally and condition inspection of cargoes shipped in bags such as cement, rice, or fertilizer, with damage recorded by lot and bag count.
Bagged Sugar X1. Cargo Science, Commodities and Cargo Care
Hygroscopic breakbulk; requires kraft separation and dry hold.
Bagger 288 X104. Project Cargo Forwarders and Heavy Transport
Krupp-built bucket-wheel excavator of about 14,200 tonnes, one of the largest mobile land machines ever transported.
Baggerwerken Decloedt X175. Port Engineering, Dredging, Breakwaters, and Quays
Belgian dredging firm, one of the two predecessors that merged in 1991 to form DEME Group.
Bagging plan C3. Logistics, freight forwarding and multimodal trade
Plan for bagging bulk in port.
Baggywrinkle X3. Ship Handling, Seamanship and Deck Vocabulary
Soft covering made of rope yarns to prevent chafe on rigging.
Bagliettino X125. Superyacht Industry, Builders and Brokers
Historical small craft brand within Baglietto, no longer active.
Baglietto X125. Superyacht Industry, Builders and Brokers
La Spezia, Italy yard founded 1854, now part of Gavio Group, building T Line and DOM series motoryachts.
Bahamas X7. Flag State, Port State Control and Detention Vocabulary
Open registry flag administered by the Bahamas Maritime Authority, among the world's top ten flags by tonnage.
Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association X80. Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination
Volunteer SAR organization supporting Bahamian waters since 1969.
Bahamas Maritime Authority X7. Flag State, Port State Control and Detention Vocabulary
BMA, the flag administration headquartered in Nassau with offices in London, Hong Kong and New York.
Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) X35. Yacht and Superyacht Industry
Bahamian flag-state regulator administering the Bahamian register including yachts.
Bahamas Maritime Authority Casualty Investigation X163. Marine Accident Investigation Agencies and Landmark Inquiries
Investigation function of the Bahamas Maritime Authority discharging the flag State investigation duty for Bahamas-registered ships, with reports published by the BMA in Nassau and London.
Bahamas PSC X66. Port State Control and Regional MOUs
Caribbean MOU member; Bahamas Maritime Authority conducts PSC inspections.
Bahamas Ship Registry X49. Ship Finance, Leasing and Maritime Capital Markets
Open registry administered by the Bahamas Maritime Authority recognized by major mortgage lenders.
Bahrain Base X60. Marine Salvage and Wreck Removal
OSRL operational base in the Persian Gulf supporting Middle East spill response.
Bahrain Bunkering X72. Bunkering Hubs and Bunker Suppliers
Bunker supply activity at Mina Salman and Khalifa bin Salman ports served largely by Bapco and Tasweeq.
Bahrain PSC X66. Port State Control and Regional MOUs
Riyadh MOU member State; PSC conducted by Ports and Maritime Affairs.
Bahrain Slipway X113. Drydock and Ship Repair Yards
Smaller Bahraini repair facility complementing ASRY for fishing and coastal vessels.
Bahri X93. IBC Code and Chemical Tanker Operations
Saudi Arabian state-linked operator of one of the world's largest chemical tanker fleets, headquartered in Riyadh.
Bahri Agency Services X86. Port Agency, Husbandry and Disbursement
Port representation handled by Bahri's agency network across the Middle East.
Bahri Chemicals X135. Chemical Tanker Operators and IBC Code Cargoes
Saudi national operator of 36 IMO Type 2 stainless-steel chemical tankers, headquartered in Riyadh and partnered with Odfjell in the former NCC-Odfjell joint venture before going independent in 2016.
Bahri Dry Bulk X86. Port Agency, Husbandry and Disbursement
Bulk carrier division of Bahri whose port calls are coordinated through approved agents.
Bahri Ship Management X86. Port Agency, Husbandry and Disbursement
Ship management arm of Bahri, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, with associated agency arrangements.
Baikal seal X10. Marine Biology, Fisheries and Oceanography
*Pusa sibirica*, the only exclusively freshwater pinniped, endemic to Lake Baikal.
Bail X3. Ship Handling, Seamanship and Deck Vocabulary
Remove water from a boat by hand.
Bail Bond X108. Marine Insurance and P&I Clubs
A security instrument lodged to release an arrested vessel, often provided by a P&I club's letter of undertaking.
Bailee X4. Marine Insurance, P&I and Claims
party in possession of goods of another, whose liability may be covered by liability insurance.
Bailee's Liability X157. Marine Loss Adjusters, GA Practice, and Casualty Firms
Liability of a party in possession of goods belonging to another, often relevant to terminal and warehouse cargo claims.
Bailment A5. Maritime Law, private and commercial
Possessory transfer of goods, applied to carrier liability analysis.
Bailment on Terms X51. Maritime Arbitration, Law and BIMCO Clauses
The relationship by which a carrier holds goods for the cargo interest, subject to the terms of the contract of carriage.
Bailout X82. Saturation Diving and Offshore Diving Operations
Independent emergency breathing supply carried by every working diver.
Bailout Bottle X82. Saturation Diving and Offshore Diving Operations
Cylinder, typically twin 7-liter steel, mounted on the diver's harness.
Bain-marie X41. Cruise Ship Public Health and VSP/USPH
Hot water bath used to hold cooked foods at safe temperatures during buffet service.
Bainbridge Island X85. Ferries, Ro-Pax Operators and Routes
Washington State Ferries terminal across Puget Sound from Seattle's Colman Dock.
Bait Boat (Pole and Line) X131. Commercial Fisheries, Trawler Fleets and Seafood Processors
Tuna vessel using live bait and barbless hooks, dominant in the Maldives, Indonesia, Azores and Bay of Biscay, considered a low-bycatch method.
Baited Hook X87. Fishing Vessels and Fisheries Management
Single hook on a longline gangion, carrying mackerel, squid, or other bait species.
Bakamla X130. National Coast Guards and Cutter Fleets
Badan Keamanan Laut, Indonesian Maritime Security Agency, established 2014, operates 80-meter KN Pulau Nipah-class OPVs.
Baker McKenzie X114. Maritime Arbitration and Shipping Law Firms
International law firm with a shipping practice in London, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Baker's Yeast (Dried) X120. Marine Catering, Provisions and Ship Chandlers
IMPA 550509 instant dry yeast, 500 g vacuum pack, standard provisioning unit.
Bakhuizen, Ludolf F2. Maritime Culture, Heritage, Archaeology, Art and Museums
Dutch Golden Age marine painter, 1630 to 1708.
Bakkafrost X87. Fishing Vessels and Fisheries Management
Faroe Islands salmon farming company operating well boats and service vessels in the North Atlantic.
Bakkafrost P/F X131. Commercial Fisheries, Trawler Fleets and Seafood Processors
Faroese salmon farmer listed in Oslo, the largest salmon producer in the Faroe Islands with around 70,000 tonnes harvested per year and ownership of The Scottish Salmon Company.
Balaenoptera X10. Marine Biology, Fisheries and Oceanography
Genus of rorquals including blue, fin, sei, Bryde's, and minke whales.
Balance Grade G2.5 X174. Marine Engine Maintenance, Overhaul, and Condition Monitoring
ISO 1940 quality grade for turbines, turbocompressors, and high-speed rotors including turbocharger rotors after blade replacement.
Balance Grade G6.3 X174. Marine Engine Maintenance, Overhaul, and Condition Monitoring
ISO 1940 quality grade for rotating machinery applicable to standard marine pumps and fans, expressed as permissible residual unbalance.
Balance of contract C1. Commercial shipping, chartering, economics and finance
Remaining unperformed period of a time charter or contract of affreightment.
Balance of Forces Method X9. Cargo Securing, Lashing and Stability Vocabulary
CSS Annex 13 calculation comparing sum of external forces against sum of securing forces plus friction.
Balance of plant X59. Offshore Wind O&M, CTVs and SOVs
Wind farm assets other than the turbines themselves, including foundations, inter array cables, offshore substation, and export cable.
Balance Sheet Lender X49. Ship Finance, Leasing and Maritime Capital Markets
Bank that holds shipping loans on its own books rather than distributing them.
Balanced draft X19. Engine Room Watchkeeping and UMS Operations
Combustion air system where forced and induced draft fans maintain furnace near atmospheric pressure.
Balanced rudder X38. Propellers, Stern Gear and Shaft Lines
Rudder with a portion of its area forward of the stock to reduce required steering torque, relevant to propeller-rudder interaction.
Balboa X116. Global Bunker Anchorages, Hubs and Supply Infrastructure
Pacific-side anchorage of the Panama Canal at the Bay of Panama, served by physical bunker suppliers including Trafigura's Puma Energy and Monjasa.
Balboa Bunker Anchorage X72. Bunkering Hubs and Bunker Suppliers
Pacific side anchorage at the Panama Canal where Trafigura and Petromarine deliver bunkers to transiting vessels.
BalClor (Sunrui) X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
Filtration plus side-stream electrochlorination BWMS by Sunrui Marine Environment Engineering.
Balcony cabin X64. Cruise Industry Operators, Brands and Ships
Stateroom category featuring a private outdoor veranda accessible via sliding door.
Balcony cabin block X58. Shipbuilding Yards and Construction
Hotel-area accommodation block on cruise vessels prefitted with balcony cells, plumbing, and ducts.
Bale X75. IMDG Code, Classes, Packing and Segregation
Compressed unit of flexible material, regulated as dangerous goods only when meeting specific UN entries such as cotton wet UN 1365.
Bale capacity B1. Naval Architecture
Cargo volume measured to the inside of frames and below beams.
Bale Cargo X1. Cargo Science, Commodities and Cargo Care
Pressed bales of cotton, wool, pulp, rags, scrap textiles.
Bale ring X76. Stevedoring, Lashing and Cargo Securing
Steel ring used as a lashing attachment on traditional break-bulk and project cargoes.
Balearia X85. Ferries, Ro-Pax Operators and Routes
Spanish ferry company founded 1998 in Denia operating Balearic, Strait of Gibraltar, and Canary Islands services with LNG dual-fuel ro-pax.
Balearic Islands X85. Ferries, Ro-Pax Operators and Routes
Spanish archipelago including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera served by Balearia, Trasmediterranea, and GNV.
Baleen whale X10. Marine Biology, Fisheries and Oceanography
Member of the suborder Mysticeti, filter feeders using keratin baleen plates.
Balfour Beatty X123. Offshore Wind Installation Vessels and Operators
UK infrastructure contractor that built Block Island Wind Farm substation and provides civil works for offshore wind landfall.
Ballan Wrasse (Labrus bergylta) X131. Commercial Fisheries, Trawler Fleets and Seafood Processors
Cleaner fish used in Norwegian and Scottish salmon farms to control sea lice, both wild-caught and farmed by Mowi and Otter Ferry Seafish.
Ballast bonus C1. Commercial shipping, chartering, economics and finance
Lump sum payable to owners to compensate for an unprofitable ballast leg before delivery.
Ballast condition B1. Naval Architecture
Loading condition with no cargo, only ballast water and consumables.
Ballast Control Room X14. Offshore Oil and Gas Marine Operations
Manned space on semi-submersibles managing column flooding.
Ballast Exchange X13. Marine Salvage and Wreck Removal
Pumping or flooding of tanks to control trim and heel during salvage refloat.
Ballast leg C1. Commercial shipping, chartering, economics and finance
Voyage segment performed without revenue cargo.
Ballast on passage X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
Voyage condition where the ship carries ballast rather than cargo, often requiring D-1 exchange or D-2 treatment before discharge.
Ballast Passage X20. LNG Operations and Custody Transfer
Return leg with cargo tanks empty but cooled by a heel of LNG to maintain readiness for next loading.
Ballast pump X19. Engine Room Watchkeeping and UMS Operations
Centrifugal or self priming pump moving ballast water, increasingly replaced by submersible types.
Ballast Stripping Pump X63. Marine Auxiliary Machinery and Pumps
Smaller pump or eductor used to remove residual ballast water from tank bottoms.
Ballast Survey X115. Marine Bunker and Cargo Surveying
Verification of all ballast water volumes on board at the time of the initial and final draft surveys, essential to isolating cargo weight.
Ballast Tank X5. Marine Surveying and Inspection
Tank dedicated to seawater ballast; close-up surveyed under Enhanced Survey Programme.
Ballast Tank Anode X100. Marine Cathodic Protection and Anodes
A sacrificial anode, usually aluminum, fitted inside seawater ballast tanks to control internal corrosion.
Ballast Tank Cleaning X28. Ship Recycling and End-of-Life
Pre-recycling preparation removing sediment, residues, and oily water before hot work.
Ballast tank coating X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
Protective coating, typically epoxy, applied to ballast tanks under the IMO Performance Standard for Protective Coatings.
Ballast Tank Coating Condition X40. Tanker Vetting, SIRE and VIQ
An inspection item under VIQ Chapter 8 covering the state of epoxy or other protective coatings inside segregated ballast tanks.
Ballast Tank Coating Renewal X113. Drydock and Ship Repair Yards
Major drydock workscope removing failed epoxy from segregated ballast tanks and applying a new system per PSPC IMO MSC.215(82).
Ballast Tractor X104. Project Cargo Forwarders and Heavy Transport
Heavy prime mover with rear ballast box used to push or pull modular trailers.
Ballast Transfer X132. High-Speed Craft, Hydrofoils and Ferry Operators
Active trim control on large catamarans and SWATHs using pumped water between fore and aft tanks to manage pitch.
Ballast voyage X56. LNG/LPG Carriers and IGC Code
Return voyage of a gas carrier without commercial cargo, typically retaining an LNG heel for tank cooling and fuel.
Ballast Voyage Boil-Off X20. LNG Operations and Custody Transfer
Reduced BOG generation during ballast leg, typically 0.04 to 0.06 percent per day of total tank volume.
Ballast Voyage Call X86. Port Agency, Husbandry and Disbursement
Port call performed in ballast to position the vessel for the next loading port.
Ballast Water A3. Marine environmental legislation: MARPOL and its annexes
Subject of the BWM Convention, separate from MARPOL.
Ballast Water (BW) X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
Water with its suspended matter taken on board to control trim, list, draft, stability, or stresses of a ship.
Ballast Water Convention (Fishing Vessel Application) X87. Fishing Vessels and Fisheries Management
IMO BWM Convention 2004 generally exempts fishing vessels, with the IMO encouraging voluntary best practice.
Ballast Water Deficiency X66. Port State Control and Regional MOUs
14000 series deficiency under BWM Convention.
Ballast Water Density X115. Marine Bunker and Cargo Surveying
Measured specific gravity of ballast water in segregated and non-segregated tanks, used in draft survey deductions.
Ballast Water Exchange D3. Marine environmental science, pollution and conservation
Mid-ocean exchange to reduce introduction of coastal species.
Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
Replacement of coastal ballast with ocean water at least 200 nautical miles from land and in water at least 200 m deep, the D-1 standard.
Ballast water exchange (interaction with SOLAS) X170. SOLAS 1974 Convention: Chapter-by-Chapter Glossary
While governed by the BWM Convention, structural and stability impacts on SOLAS II-1 damage stability calculations are addressed in MSC.1/Circ.1487.
Ballast Water Exchange Area X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
Designated area where exchange may be conducted when geographic constraints prevent meeting the 200 nm and 200 m criteria.
Ballast Water Exchange Record X113. Drydock and Ship Repair Yards
Pre-docking documentation evidencing compliance with the BWM Convention during the voyage to the repair yard.
Ballast water management X42. Offshore Wind Installation and Cable Lay
Regulatory regime under the IMO BWM Convention applicable to offshore wind support vessels.
Ballast Water Management (BWM) X8. IACS, Class Rules and Class Notations
DNV and other class notation for compliance with ballast water treatment requirements.
Ballast Water Management Convention X54. Naval Architecture Software and IACS Rules
IMO convention triggering tank coating, pumping, and treatment requirements often modeled in NAPA Loading Computer.
Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention) X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, adopted 13 February 2004, entered into force 8 September 2017.
Ballast water management plan C2. Ship operations, crewing and technical management
Vessel plan under the BWM Convention.
Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
Ship-specific plan approved by the flag administration describing procedures for BWE or BWMS operation.
Ballast Water Management System Interface X48. Maritime Cybersecurity
Network or serial connection to the BWMS that can expose pump and valve control to a compromised LAN.
Ballast Water Management System Retrofit X113. Drydock and Ship Repair Yards
Drydock installation of treatment skids, piping, sample points, and control panels to satisfy the IMO D-2 standard.
Ballast water reception X15. Ports, Terminals and Stevedoring
shore facility to receive ballast under MARPOL or BWM Convention.
Ballast water record book C2. Ship operations, crewing and technical management
Record of all ballast operations.
Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB) X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
Mandatory log of all ballast water operations, including uptake, discharge, exchange, and treatment.
Ballast Water Reporting X86. Port Agency, Husbandry and Disbursement
Submission of ballast water management forms by the agent on the vessel's behalf.
Ballast Water Reporting Form X18. Ballast Water, Biofouling and Antifouling
Pre-arrival declaration of ballast intentions used by US, Australian, and other port authorities.
Ballast Water Residue Sampling X50. Ship Recycling, Demolition and Hong Kong Convention
The collection of sediment from segregated ballast tanks during pre-recycling survey to identify biocides, sediments, and invasive species under IHM Part II.