Abbreviation

AA
AAAA
AAOSA
AARA
ABAFT
ABOARD
ABOVE DECK
ABT
ADCOM
ADDENDUM
AFSPS
AFFREIGHTMENT
AFT
AGROUND
AGW
AHL
AIDS TO NAVIGATION
ALOFT
AMIDSHIPS
A/N
ANCHORAGE
ANTHAM
APS
ARAG
ARBITRATION
A/S
ASBA
ASN
ASPW
ASTERN
ATA
ATD
ATDNSHINC
ATFI
ATHWARTSHIPS
ATUTC
AWB
BACKLETTER
BAF
BALE CAP.
BALLAST
BALLAST BONUS
BAREBOAT CHTR.
BBB
BDI
BEAM
BELOW
BENDS
BI
BIMCO
BL
B/L
BM
BN
BOB
BOFFER
BOW
BROB
BROKERAGE
BSS
BSS 1/1
BT
BULKHEAD
BUNDLING
BUNKERS
BUOY
BWAD
CAF
CBM
CBFT (or CFT)
CFR (or C&F)
CHART
CHOPT
CHTRS
CIF
CKD
COA
CIP
C.O.
COACP
COB
COBLDN
COD
COGSA
CONGESTION
CONS
CNEE
COP
CP (or C/P)
CPD
CPT
CQD
CR
CROB
CRN
CRT
CST
CTR
DA
DAF
DAPS
DAMFORDET
DDU
DDP
DECK
DEM
DEQ
DES
DESP
DET
DEV
DFRT
DHDATSBE
DHDWTSBE
DISCH
DK
DLOSP
DO
DOLSP
DOP
DOT
DNRCAOSLONL
DRAUGHT (or DRAFT)
DRK
DUNNAGE
DWAT (or DWT)
EBB
EC
EIU
ELVENT
ETA
ETC
ETD
ETS
EXW
FAC
FAS
FCA
FCL
FD (FDIS)
FDD
FDESP
FDEDANRSAOCLONL
FENDER
FEU
FHEX
FHINC
FILO
FIO
FIOS
FIOST
FIOT
FIT
FIW
FIXING
FIXTURE
FLATPACKING
FLT
FMC
FME
FMS
FO
FO (IFO)
FO
FOB
FOFFER
FOG
FOQ
FOR
FORCE MAJEURE
FORE-AND-AFT
FORWARD
FOT
FOW
FOW
FP
FR
FREEBOARD
FRT
FREE DESPATCH
FREE EXINS
FREE OUT
FRUSTRATION
FWAD
FWDD
FYG
FYI
GA
GEAR
GLS (GLESS)
GNCN
GN (or GR)
GO
GP
GR
GRD
GRI
GRT
GSB
GSP
GTEE
GUNWALE
2H
HA
HAGUE RULES
HATCH
HBF
HDLTSBENDS
HDWTS
HHDW
HIRE
HMS
HO
HOLD
HULL
HW
ICW
IMDG
IMO
IN &/OR OVER
INCOTERMS
IND
INTERMODAL
ITF
ISPS
ITINERARY
IU
IUHTAUTC
IWL
KEEL
KNOT
LANE METER
LASH
LAT
LAYCAN
LAYTIME
L/C
LCL
LCR
LEE
LEEWARD
LEEWAY
LF
LIEN
LNG
LOA
LOAD LINE
LOF
LOG
LOI
LONGITUDE
LOW
LS (or LUMPS)
LSD
LT
LT
LTHH
LW
LYCN
MANIFEST
MB
MDO (DO)
MIDSHIP
MIN/MAX
MOA
MOLCHOPT
MOLOO
MOORING
MT
M/V
NAABSA
NM
NAVIGATION
NCB
NESTING
NON-REVERSIBLE
NOR
NRT
NYPE
OO
OBO
OSH
OVERBOARD
OWS
P&I
PASTUS
PC
PCGO
PCT
PDPR
PERDIEM
PER SE
PHPD
PLIMSOLL MARK
alt.
PLIMSOLL LINE
alt.
LOAD LINE
PORT
PRATIQUE
PREAMBLE
PROFORMA
PUS
PWWD
RCVR
RECAP
REVERSIBLE
ROB
RT
SATPM
SB
SD (or SID)
SEAFREIGHT
SEAWORTHINESS
SELFD
SEMI-TRAILERS
SF
SHINC
SHEX
SHPR
SKIDS
SN
SOC
SOF
SP
SPIDERING
SRBL
SSHEX
SSHINC (or SATSHINC)
STABILITY
STARBOARD
STEM
STERN
SUB
SUPERCARGO
SWAD
SWDD
THWARTSHIPS
TIDE
TIME BAR
TBN
TC
TCP
TEU
TOPSIDES
T/S
TRIM
TTL
TW
USC
UU
UUIWCTAUTC
VPD
WATERLINE
WAY
WCCON
WIBON
WIFPON
WINDWARD
WIPON
WLTOHC
WOG
WP
WPD
WWD
WRIC
WWR
WWWW
YAR
YAW
Z
Meaning
Always Afloat
Always Accessible Always Afloat
Always Afloat or Safe Aground. Condition for a vessel whilst in port
Amsterdam-Antwerp-Rotterdam Area
Toward the rear (stern) of the ship. Behind.
On or within the ship
On the deck (not over it - see ALOFT)
About
Address Commission
Additional chartering terms at the end of a charter party
Arrival First Sea Pilot Station (Norway)
The hiring of a ship in whole or part
At or towards the stern or rear of a ship
Touching or fast to the bottom
All Going Well
Australian Hold Ladders
Artificial objects to supplement natural landmarks indicating safe and unsafe waters
Above the deck of the ship
In or toward the centre of the ship
Arrival Notice - an import document send to the notify party and/or importer's broker containing all necessary arrival info
A place suitable for anchorage in relation to the wind, seas and bottom
Antwerp-Hamburg Range
Arrival Pilot Station
Amsterdam-Rotterdam--Antwerp-Gent Range
Method of settling disputes which is usually binding on parties. A clause usually in a charter party
Alongside
American Shipbrokers Association
Advance Shipment Notice
Any Safe Port in the World
In the back of the ship, opposite of ahead
Actual time of arrival
Actual time of departure
Any Time Day/Night Sundays and Holidays Included
ATFI
At right angles to the centreline of the ship
Actual Times Used to Count
Air waybill
Where a seller/shipper issues a 'letter of indemnity' in favour of the carrier in exchange for a clean bill of lading
Bunker Adjustment Factor. A Fuel Surcharge expressed as a percentage added or subtracted from the freight amount, refle
Cubic capacity of a vessels holds to carry packaged dry cargo such as bales/pallets
Heavy weight, often sea water, necessary for the stability and safety of a ship which is not carrying cargo
Compensation for relatively long ballast voyage
Bareboat Charter - Owners lease a specific ship and control its technical management and commercial operations only. Ch
Before Breaking Bulk. Refers to freight payments that must be received before discharge of a vessel commences
Both Dates Inclusive
The maximum breadth or the greatest width of a ship
Beneath the deck
Both Ends (Load & Discharge Ports)
Both Inclusive
The Baltic and International Maritime Council
Bale
(Bill of Lading) A document signed by the carrier which acts as a Contract of Affreightment, a receipt and evidence of title t
Beam
Booking Note
Bunker on Board
Best Offer
The forward part of a ship
Bunkers Remaining on Board
Percentage of freight payable to broker (by owners in c/p's) or applicable to sale or purchase
Basis
Basis 1 Port to 1 Port
Berth Terms
A vertical partition separating compartments
This is the assembly of pieces of cargo, secured into one manageable unit. This is relevant to items such as Structural Steel
Name given for vessels Fuel and Diesel Oil supplies (Originates from coal bunkers)
An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring
Brackish Water Arrival Draft
Currency Adjustment Factor. A fee applied to the shipping costs to compensate for exchange rate fluctuations.
Cubic Metres
Cubic Feet
Cost and Freight
A map used by navigators
Charterers Option
Charterers
Cost, Insurance & Freight. Seller pays all these costs to a nominated port or place of discharge.
Completely knocked down
Contract of Affreightment - Owners agree to accept a cost per revenue tonne for cargo carried on a specific number of voy
Carriage and Insurance paid to...
Certificate of Origin - a signed statement from a semiofficial organization certifying the origin of an export item, required b
Contract of Affreightment Charter Party
Closing of Business
Closing of Business London
Cash On Delivery
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act
Port/berth delays
Consumption
CONSIGNEE. Name of agent, company or person receiving consignment
Custom Of Port
Charter Party
Charterers Pay Dues
Carriage Paid To
Customary Quick Despatch
Current Rate
Cargo Remaining on Board
Crane
Cargo Retention Clauses, introduced by charterers based on shortage of delivered cargo because of increased oil prices
Centistoke
Container Fitted
Disbursement Account
Deliver At Frontier
Days all Purposes (Total days for loading & discharging)
Damages for Detention. Penalty if cargo is not ready when ship arrives for working (1st day of Laycan). This is not detentio
Delivered Duty unpaid.
Delivered Duty Paid.
A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part thereof
Demurrage (Quay Rent). Money paid by the shipper for the occupying port space beyond a specified "Free Time" period.
Delivered Ex Quay
Delivered Ex Ship
Despatch. Time saved, reward for quick turnaround- in dry cargo only
Detention (See DAMFORDET)
Deviation. Vessel departure from specified voyage course
Deadfreight. Space booked by shipper or charterer on a vessel but not used
Despatch Half Demurrage on All Time Saved Both Ends
Despatch Half Demurrage on Working Time Saved Both Ends
Discharge
Deck
Dropping Last Outwards Sea Pilot (Norway)
Diesel Oil
Dropping Off Last Sea Pilot (Norway)
Dropping Outward Pilot
Department of Transport
Discountless and Non-Returnable Cargo and/or Ship Lost or Not Lost
Depth to which a ship is immersed in water. The depth varies according to the design of the ship and will be greater or less
Derrick
Materials of various types, often timber or matting, placed among the cargo for separation, and hence protection from dam
Deadweight. Weight of cargo, stores and water, i.e. the difference between lightship and loaded displacement.
A receeding current
East Coast
Even If Used
Electric Ventilation
Estimated Time of Arrival - the projected date and time a shipment is scheduled to arrive at its destination.
Estimated Time of Completion
Estimated Time of Departure - the projected date and time a shipment is scheduled to depart from the port/airport of orig
Estimated Time of Sailing
Ex Works
Fast as can
Free Alongside Ship. Seller delivers goods to appropriate dock or terminal at port of embarkation and buyer covers costs a
Free to Carrier. A modern equivalent of FAS used in intermodal transport where goods are transferred at a nominated forw
Full Container Load - a container that is fully loaded by cargo, occupying all space, or loaded to the maximum permissable
Free Discharge
Freight Demurrage Deadfreight
Free Despatch
Freight Deemed Earned, Discountless And Non-Returnable (Refundable) Ship And Or Cargo Lost Or Not Lost
A cushion, placed between ships, or between a ship and a pier, to prevent damage
Standard 40" Container, forty-foot equivalent unit, a standard size intermodal container.
Fridays/Holidays Excluded
Fridays/Holidays Included
Free In/Liner Out. Seafreight with which the shipper pays load costs and the carrier pays for discharge costs.
Free In/Out. Freight booked FIO includes the seafreight, but no loading/discharging costs, i.e. the charterer pays for cost o
Free In/Out Stowed. As per FIO, but excludes stowage costs.
Free In/Out and Trimmed. Charterer pays for cost of loading/discharging cargo, including stowage and trimming.
Free In/Out and Trimmed. As per FIOS but includes trimming, e.g. the levelling of bulk cargoes. FIOS includes seafreight, bu
Free In Trimmed
Free In Wagon
Chartering a Vessel
Conclusion of shipbrokers negotiations to charter a ship - an agreement
Cargo to be presented stacked and secured as an integral unit.
Full Liner Terms
Federal Maritime Commission
Force Majeure Excepted
Fathoms
For Orders
Fuel Oil/Intermediate FO
Free Out
Free on Board. Seller sees the goods "over the ship's rail" on to the ship which is arranged and paid for by the buyer
Firm Offer
For Our Guidance
Free On Quay
Free On Rail
Clause limiting responsibilities of the charterers, shippers and receivers of cargo.
In a line parallel to the keel
Toward the bow of the ship
Free On Truck
First Open Water
Free On Wharf
Free Pratique. Clearance by the Health Authorities
First Refusal. First attempt at best offer that can be matched
The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale
Freight. Money payable on delivery of cargo in a mercantile condition
If loading/discharging achieved sooner than agreed, there will be no freight money returned.
Free of any Extra Insurance (Owners)
Free of discharge costs to owners. Includes seafreight only.
Charterers when cancelling agreement sometimes quote 'doctrine of frustration' i.e. vessel is lost, extensive delays.
Fresh Water Arrival Draft
Fresh Water Departure Draft
For Your Guidance
For Your Information
General Average
A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment
Gearless
Gencon (GENERAL CONDITIONS)
Grain (Capacity)
Gas Oil
Grain Capacity. Cubic capacity in 'grain'
Geographical Rotation. Ports in order of calling
Geared
General Rate Increase. Used to describe an across-the-board tariff rate increase implemented by conference members and
Gross Registered Tonnage
Good, Safe Berth
Good, Safe Port
Guarantee
The upper edge of a ship's sides
Second Half
Hatch
Code of minimum conditions for the carriage of cargo under a Bill of Lading
An opening in a ship's deck fitted with a watertight cover
Harmless Bulk Fertilizer
Half Despatch Lay Time Saved Both Ends
Half Despatch Working (or Weather) Time Saved
Handy Heavy d.w. (Scrap)
T/C Remuneration
Heavy Metal Scraps
Hold
A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo
The main body of a ship
High Water
Intercoastal Waterway : bays, rivers, and canals along the coasts (such as the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts), connecte
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
International Maritime Organisation
Goods carried below and/or on deck
(Refer to comments in covering statement on front page A-F)
Indication
Carriage of a commodity by different modes of transport, i.e. sea, road, rail and air within a single journey
International Transport Workers Federation (Trade Unions). Complies on crewing
International Ships and Port Security System
Route.Schedule
If Used
If Used, Half Time Actually To Count
Institute Warranty Limits
The centreline of a ship running fore and aft; the backbone of a vessel
A measurement of speed equal to one nautical mile (6,076 feet) per hour
A method of measuring the space capacity of Ro/Ro ships whereby each unit of space (Linear Meter) is represented by an
To hold goods in position by use of Ropes, Wires, Chains or Straps etc.
Latitude. The distance north or south of the equator measured and expressed in degrees.
Laycan (Layday Cancelling Date)
Time at Charterers disposal for purpose of loading/discharging
Letter of Credit
Less than Container Load - a shipment that takes up only a portion of a consolidated container. LCL shpts are to be picked
Lowest Current Rate
The side sheltered from the wind
The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward
The sideways movement of the ship caused by either wind or current
Load Factor. Percentage of cargo or passengers carries e.g. 4,000 tons carried on a vessel of 10,000 capacity has a load fac
Retention of property until outstanding debt is paid
Liquefied Natural Gas
Length Overall of the vessel
See PLIMSOLL LINE
Lloyds Open Form
A record of courses or operation. Also, a device to measure speed
Letter of Indemnity
The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England
Last Open Water
Lumpsum Freight. Money paid to Shipper for a charter of a ship (or portion) up to stated limit irrespective of quantity of ca
Lashed Secured Dunnaged
Liner Terms
Long Ton = 1,016.05 kilogram (2,240 lbs)
Liner Terms Hook/Hook
Low Water
Laycan (Layday Cancelling Date)
Inventory of cargo on board
Merchant Broker
Marine Diesel Oil
Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern
Minimum/Maximum (cargo quantity)
Memorandum of Agreement
More or Less Charterers Option
More or Less Owners Option
An arrangement for securing a ship to a mooring buoy or pier
Mertic Tonne (i.e. 1,000 kilos)
Motor Vessel \ Merchant Vessel
Not Always Afloat But Safely Aground
Nautical Mile. One minute of latitude; approximately 6,076 feet - about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5,280 feet
The art and science of conducting a ship safely from one point to another
National Cargo Bureau
Implies that cargo is presented stacked in the contour of similarly shaped cargo, it may be likened to a stack of plates. This
(Detention). If loading completed sooner than expected, then saved days will not be added to discharge time allowed.
Notice of Readiness
Net Restricted Tonnage
New York Produce Exchange
Owners Option
Ore/Bulk/Oil Vessel
Open Shelter Deck
Over the side or out of the ship
Owners
Protection and Indemnity Insurance
Past Us
Period of Charter
Part Cargo
Percent
Per Day Pro Rata
By the Day
By Itself
Per Hatch Per Day
An internationally recognised line painted on the side of merchant ships. When a ship is loaded, the water level is not supp

The left side of a ship looking forward. A harbour.

Licence or permission to use a port
Introduction to a charter party
Estimated Account
Plus Us
Per Weather Working Day
Receiver
Recapitulation of the terms and conditions agreed
(Detention). If loading completed sooner than expected at load port, then days saved can be added to discharge operation
Remaining On Board
Revenue Tonne (i.e. 1.0 metric tonne or 1.0 cubic meter, whichever greater). The overall RT is calculated on a line by line b
Saturday P.M.
Safe Berth
Single Decker
Costs charged for transporting goods over the sea. This does not cover haulage or loading/discharging costs but the sea tra
Statement of condition of the vessel (valid certificates, fully equipped and manned etc.)
Self Discharging
Are usually 12.0 meter flat bed road trailers
Stowage Factor. Cubic space (measurement tonne) occupied by one tonne (2,240 lbs/1,000 kgs) of cargo
Sundays/Holidays Included
Sundays/Holidays Excluded
Shipper - the party in whose name a contract of carriage of goods has been concluded with at carrier or any party by whom
Are bearers (timber or steel) positioned under the cargo to enable forklift handling at port, and for ease of rigging and lash
Satellite Navigation - A form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board autom
Shipper Owned Container
Statement of Facts
Safe Port
Is the strengthening of circular tanks for transport, this prevents the tanks from becoming warped. The tanks are strengthe
Signing and Releasing Bill of Lading
Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Excluded
Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Included
It is paramount that a vessel is stable in all aspects at all times. When cargo is loaded/discharged, the stability is monitored
Right side of a ship when facing the front or forward end.
Subject to Enough Merchandise (Availability of cargo). Also, the forward most part of the bow.
The aformost or after part of a ship
Subject (to). Depending upon as a condition
Person employed by a ship owner, shipping company, charterer of a ship or shipper of goods to supervise cargo handling o
Salt Water Arrival Draft
Salt Water Departure Draft
At right angles to the centreline of the ship
The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans
Time after which legal claims will not be entered
To Be Named / To Be Nominated
Time Charter - Owners agree to hire a particular ship for a set length of time and provide technical management, crewing e
Time Charter Party
Standard 20' Container, twenty-foot equivalent unit, a standard size intermodal container.
The sides of a ship between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck
Transhipment - a shipping arrangement in which a shipment is discharged of the vessel at an intermediate port enroute an
Fore and aft balance of a ship
Total
Tween Decker
Unless Sooner Commenced
Unless Used
Unless Used In Which Case Time Actually Used To Count
Vessel Pays Dues
A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a ship sinks when it is properly trimmed
Movement of a ship through water such as headway, sternway or leeway
Whether Customs Cleared Or Not
Whether In Berth Or Not
Whether In Free Pratique Or Not
Toward the direction from which the wind is coming
Whether In Port Or Not
Water Line-To-Hatch Coaming
Without Guarantee
Weather Permitting. That time during which weather prevents working shall not count as laytime
Weather Permitting Day
Weather Working Day
Wire Rods In Collis
When, Where Ready
Wibon, Wccon, Wifpon, Wipon
York Antwerp Rules
To swing or steer off course, as when running with a quartering sea
UTC = GMT