Nautical Dictionary
Nautical Glossary - Maritime Terminology
q
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
- Q Flag, Quarantine Flag
- The Quebec pennant is flown when first entering a country, indicating that the people on the ship are healthy and that the vessel wants permission to visit the country. The flag means "My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique.
- Quadrant
- (1) A nautical instrument, on the arc of which is a finely graduated scale showing degrees and minutes, with adjustable reflectors, etc.; used to find the altitude of heavenly bodies, angular distances, etc. (2) On a steering gear, the rudder quadrant is a section of a wheel or sheave fastened to the rudder head.
- Quarantine
- A harbor restriction placed on a ship which has an infectious disease on board, or which has arrived from a country where such a disease is prevalent. The crew may not go ashore until the ship is granted pratique.
- Quarter
- (1) That portion of the vessel forward of the stern and abaft of the beam. "On the quarter" applies to a bearing 45º abaft the beam. Every boat has a starboard and a port quarter. (2) Mercy shown to captives or enemies, such as giving quarter to the passengers of a seized vessel.
- 1 Quarter Berth
- A bunk which runs under the cockpit
- Quarter Boat
- Boat carried at davits on quarter of ship, and kept ready for immediate use when at sea.
- Quarter Spring
- Line led forward, from quarter of a vessel, to prevent her from moving astern.
- Quarterdeck
- The part of the upper deck which is abaft the mainmast, or in that general location of a ship without one. The quarterdeck was normally reserved for officers.
- Quartering Sea
- Winds and waves on a boat's quarter
- Quartermaster
- An able-bodied seamen entrusted with the steering of a vessel when entering or leaving a harbor. He is also involved with the use and upkeep of navigational equipment.
- Quarters
- Living space for the crew.
- Quay
- A solid wharf or structure built of stone along the edge of a harbor used for loading and offloading of cargo, and embarkation and disembarkation of passengers.
- Queen Topsail
- Small staysail located between the foremast and mainmast.
- Quick Flashing Light
- A navigational aid with a light that flashes about once per second.