anchor
A heavy device, usually metal, fastened to a rode (long length of chain or line), used to hold a vessel in position.

bilge
The interior of the hull below the floorboards.

bow
The front end of the boat.

cockpit
The location on a vessel where the helmsman steers the vessel .

deck
The permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part of a ship, serving as a floor. 

fathom
A measurement of water depth. One fathom equals six feet. 

fender 
A cushion placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage. 

flood 
A incoming current. 

galley 
The kitchen area of a vessel. 

ground tackle
The collective term for the anchors and ropes aboard a vessel.

head 
A marine toilet; also refers to the bathroom area of a vessel. Also the name for the upper corner of a triangular sail.

heading
The direction in which a vessel's bow points at any given time, or in navigation, the compass direction the boat must sail to progress to a specified location.

helm
The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder.

hull
The main body of a vessel.

nautical mile
One minute of latitude; approximately 6076 feet, or about 1/8 longer than a statute mile of 5280 feet.

outboard
Toward or beyond the vessel's sides. A detachable engine mounted on a vessel's stern.

overboard
Over the side or out of the vessel.

port
The left side of a vessel, when facing the bow.

rode
The chain or line that attaches an anchor to a vessel.

rudder
A flat piece or structure of wood or metal attached upright to the stern of a vessel that can be turned, causing the vessel to turn.

starboard (STBD)
The right hand side of a vessel, when facing the bow.

stern
The back end of a vessel.

VHF radio
A very high frequency electronic communications and direction finding system.

vessel
The generic term for a boat, ship, sailboat, motorboat, etc.

winch
A mechanical device used to increase hauling power when raising or trimming the sails.

windlass
A mechanical device located on the bow of a vessel used to pull in the anchor and rope.

windvane
A mechanical device located on the stern that steers a vessel when under sail in open waters; a mechanical helmsman.