Maritime Industry Key Terms

These maritime industry key terms will float your boat

By Cathy Salustri

Navigating through the maritime industry requires a working knowledge of the terms used within the industry. People in the industry may talk about admiralty law or a harbor pilot, but if your business contact with the maritime industry doesn't know the language, it may sound like jargon.

Learning the words frequently used in the maritime industry will help your business deal more effectively with any of its maritime needs. Use this guide as a jumping-off point for learning the maritime industry's key terms.

American Association of Port Authorities

The American Association of Port Authorities is a trade organization that represents the needs of port authorities throughout North and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Try: The American Association of Port Authorities explains the purpose of the organization, as well as its structure and history.

Admiralty law or maritime law

Admiralty law, also referred to as maritime law, is the part of international law dealing with maritime commerce.
Try: On its website, Maritime Legal Resources explains maritime law and its jurisdiction. This site also discusses the history of maritime law.

Manning scales

Manning scales refers to staffing requirements while at sea. Manning scales determine how many crew and officers, as well as what type of crew and officers, a vessel must carry.
Try: To learn more, visit The Transportation Institute, which explains the manning scales, as well as the different classifications of crew and officers.

Containership, container ship, container vessel

A ship that transports cargo packaged in separate containers is a container ship.
Try: GlobalSecurity.org explains more about container ships and how they work.

Harbor pilot

As a vessel approaches port, the captain will hand over the helm to a harbor pilot, a local pilot familiar with the local waters. Unlike the captain who has transported the vessel for the majority of the trip, a harbor pilot will board the vessel a few miles out from the port and bring the ship to port.
Try: Popular Mechanics offers an inside look at the job of a harbor pilot in its interview with Jeff McAllister.

International marine signal flags

Mariners use international marine signal flags to convey messages to other ships. The flags can mean anything from "yes" or "no" to "I am on fire and have dangerous cargo; keep clear."
Try: MaineHarbors.com explains the meanings of international marine signal flags.