Operations Vocabulary
Shipping Terms
Complete maritime shipping vocabulary reference with searchable terms used in operations, compliance, and port logistics.
Showing 25 of 392 terms
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| SEAWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE | A certificate issued by a classification society surveyor to allow a vessel to proceed after she has met with a mishap that may have affected its seaworthiness. It is frequently issued to enable a vessel to proceed, after temporary repairs have been effected, to another port where permanent repairs are then carried out. |
| SELF | UNLOADER - A bulk carrier which is equipped with gear for unloading cargo. |
| Semisubmersible | Deck supported by pillars, fastened to pontoons. The pontoons are half submerged during operations. Kept in position by anchors (or by dynamic positioning). Normally equipped with its own propulsion machinery. |
| SHEX | Sundays, holidays excluded |
| SHIFTING | This refers to movements or changing positions of cargo from one place to another. This can easily endanger the seaworthiness or cargoworthiness of the ship. |
| SHINC | Sundays, holidays, included |
| SHIP’S AGENT | A person or firm who transacts all business in a port on behalf of shipowners or charterers. Also called shipping agent; agent. |
| SHIP’S ARTICLES | A written agreement between the master of a ship and the crew concerning their employment. It includes rates of pay and capacity of each crewman, the date of commencement of the voyage and its duration. |
| SHIP’S STABILITY | The seaworthiness of a ship regarding the centrifugal force which enables her to remain upright. |
| SHIPPERS | Individuals or businesses who purchase transportation services or commodities. |
| SHORT TON | 2,000 pounds. |
| SISTER SHIPS | Ships built on the same design. |
| SIU | Seafarers International Union. |
| SLOP TANK | A tank in a tanker into which slops are pumped. These represent a residue of the ship's cargo of oil together with the water used to clean the cargo tanks. They are left to separate out in the slop tank. |
| SOFT CURRENCY | Currency which is not fully convertible to all currencies but only to some other soft currencies. |
| SOLAS | Safety of Life a Sea Convention |
| SP | Safe port |
| SPOT (VOYAGE) | A charter for a particular vessel to move a single cargo between specified loading port(s) and discharge port(s) in the immediate future. Contract rate ('spot' rate) covers total operating expenses, i.e., bunkers, port charges, canal tolls, crew's wages and food, insurance and repairs. Cargo owner absorbs, in addition, any expenses specifically levied against the cargo. |
| SS | Scrubber Spread. The difference in price between 380 HSFO & VLSFO. |
| ST | Short ton |
| Stand | by vessel - Stationed near an offshore in-stallation, responsible for evacuating its crew in emergencies. Also performs continuous guard function, warning other vessels to keep their distance from installations, etc. |
| STARBOARD | The right-hand side of a ship when facing the front or forward end. The starboard side of a ship during darkness is indicated by a green light. |
| STATION BILL | A list which shows the vessel's complement and details their various duties in connection with fire and boat drills. |
| STEM | Subject to enough cargo |
| STERN | The rear or aft-most part of the ship. |