Fabrication
Source page ref: 229
The cutting, forming, and welding of steel and other materials into the parts and units that make up a ship's structure.
Fabrication shop
Source page ref: 229
The workshop in a shipyard where steel is cut, shaped, and assembled into structural units before erection.
Fabrication tolerance
Source page ref: 229
The permitted deviation from nominal dimensions in fabricated parts, within which the work is acceptable.
Face plate
Source page ref: 229
The flat plate forming the free edge (flange) of a built-up girder or stiffener, carrying much of the bending load.
Factory Delivery
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The delivery of goods by a factory whereby the goods are put at the disposal of another (internal) party such as a commercial department.
Fail-safe
Source page ref: 229
Designed so that a failure leaves the system in a safe state, for example a valve that closes or an alarm that activates on loss of power or signal.
Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA)
Source page ref: 229
A systematic technique for identifying the ways a system can fail and the effects of each failure, used to assess and improve reliability and safety, for example of dynamic-positioning systems.
FAIR
Source page ref: 117
A grading or rating term used in coating-condition assessment to describe a moderate state between good and poor.
Fairlead
Source page ref: 229
A fitting that guides a mooring or towing line in a controlled direction and reduces chafe as it leads over the ship's side.
Fairway
Source page ref: 229
A navigable channel or route through which vessels pass, often marked and maintained for safe passage.
Fairway speed
Source page ref: 229
The speed appropriate or permitted for a vessel navigating a fairway, having regard to safety and any local limits.
FAK
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
See Freight All Kinds
FAL
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Facilitation Committee of the IMO.
Fall
Source page ref: 229
The rope or wire rove through the blocks of a davit or tackle by which a boat or load is hoisted and lowered.
Fall preventer devices (FPD)
Source page ref: 229
Devices fitted to lifeboat release gear to prevent accidental release and the fall of the boat during drills and maintenance, addressed in IMO measures to prevent lifeboat accidents. IMO-grounded
Fallpipe rockdumping vessel
Source page ref: 230
A vessel that places rock precisely on the seabed through a flexible fallpipe, used to protect pipelines and subsea structures.
Falls
Source page ref: 230
The ropes or wires of a davit or tackle used to raise and lower boats; see fall.
Fan
Source page ref: 230
A machine that moves air for ventilation, combustion, or cooling.
Fantainer
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Identical to a GP but is fitted with an electric extraction fan for carriage of cargoes prone to condensation. 20’ only.
FAS
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free Alongside Ship. Seller delivers goods to appropriate dock or terminal at port of embarkation and buyer covers costs and risks of loading.
Fast ferries
Source page ref: 232
High-speed passenger or vehicle ferries, often of catamaran or other advanced form, which when meeting the criteria are governed by the High-Speed Craft Code under SOLAS. IMO-grounded
Fathom
Source page ref: 230
A unit of water depth equal to six feet (about 1.83 metres).
Fatigue
Source page ref: 230
The progressive weakening and cracking of a material under repeated cyclic loading, a major cause of structural cracking in ships' hulls and details.
Fatigue crack, fatigue fracture
Source page ref: 230
A crack that initiates and grows under repeated loading, eventually leading to failure if not detected and repaired.
Fatigue endurance
Source page ref: 230
The ability of a material or detail to withstand a number of load cycles without fatigue failure.
Fatigue life
Source page ref: 230
The number of load cycles, or the time in service, that a structural detail can sustain before a fatigue crack develops.
Fatigue limit
Source page ref: 230
The stress level below which a material can theoretically endure an unlimited number of load cycles without fatigue failure.
Fatigue strength
Source page ref: 230
The stress a material or detail can withstand for a specified number of load cycles without failing by fatigue.
FCA
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free to Carrier. A modern equivalent of FAS used in intermodal transport where goods are transferred at a nominated forwarders premises, depot or terminal but not actually on board vessel.
FCC
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
See Fully Cellular Containership
FCL
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
See full container load
FDD
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Freight Demurrage Deadfreight
Fdedanrsaoclonl
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Freight Deemed Earned, Discountless And Non-Returnable (Refundable) Ship And Or Cargo Lost Or Not Lost.
Feed Back
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The flow of information back into the control system so that actual perfor- mance can be compared with planned performance.
Feed check valve
Source page ref: 230
A non-return valve through which feed water enters a boiler, preventing reverse flow from the boiler back into the feed line.
Feed heater
Source page ref: 230
A heat exchanger that warms boiler feed water before it enters the boiler, improving cycle efficiency.
Feed water
Source page ref: 230
The water supplied to a boiler to be turned into steam, which must be treated to control scale and corrosion.
Feed water treatment
Source page ref: 230
The chemical conditioning of boiler feed water to remove oxygen and control hardness and pH, protecting the boiler from scale and corrosion.
FEEDER
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A vessel normally used for local or coastal transport (for carriage of cargo and/ or containers) to and from ports not scheduled to be called by the main (ocean) vessel, directly connecting these ports to the main (ocean) vessel.
Feeder service
Source page ref: 230
A short-sea shipping service that carries containers between a hub port and smaller regional ports, connecting with deep-sea services.
Feeders
Source page ref: 134
Vertical trunks above a grain hold that keep it topped up with grain as the cargo settles, reducing the free surface that could let the cargo shift; their use is addressed in the International Grain Code. IMO-grounded
Feeler gauge
Source page ref: 230
A set of thin metal blades of known thickness used to measure small gaps and clearances.
Fender
Source page ref: 230
A cushioning device hung over the side or fitted to a quay to absorb impact and protect the hull during berthing.
FEU
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Standard 40’ Container
FHEX
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Fridays/Holidays Excluded
FHINC
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Fridays/Holidays Included
Field of vision
Source page ref: 234
The extent of the view available from a position such as the bridge; minimum fields of vision from the navigating bridge are required by SOLAS. IMO-grounded
FIFO
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
See First In First Out i.e. First cargo loaded will be first cargo discharged. The method whereby the goods which have been longest in stock (first in) are used, delivered (sold) and/or consumed first (first out).
Fifth Wheel
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Circular or wheel-shaped bearing mechanism, secured on the rear of the chassis of a truck-tractorm that engages the semi-trailer king pin with a spring lock device and supports the weight of the front end of the semi-trailer.
Filler metal
Source page ref: 234
The metal added from an electrode or wire to fill a welded joint.
Fillet
Source page ref: 234
A weld of roughly triangular cross-section joining two surfaces meeting at an angle, the most common type of weld in shipbuilding.
Film
Source page ref: 234
A thin continuous layer, such as the film of a paint coating or of lubricating oil between bearing surfaces.
Film thickness
Source page ref: 234
The thickness of an applied coating film, measured wet or dry, important for achieving the specified protection.
FILO
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free In/Liner Out. Seafreight with which the shipper pays load costs and the carrier pays for discharge costs.
Filter
Source page ref: 234
A device that removes solid particles or contaminants from a fluid passing through it.
Filter with back flushing
Source page ref: 236
A filter that can be cleaned by reversing the flow to wash accumulated dirt off the element, allowing continued service without dismantling.
Filtration
Source page ref: 236
The removal of suspended solids from a fluid by passing it through a filter medium.
Finite element
Source page ref: 236
A small subdivision of a structure used in numerical stress analysis, the building block of the finite element method.
Finite element method (FEM)
Source page ref: 236
A numerical technique that divides a structure into many small elements to compute stresses and deflections under load, widely used in ship structural design.
FIO
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free In/Out. Freight booked FIO includes the seafreight, but no loading/ discharging costs, i.e. the charterer pays for cost of loading/discharging cargo.
FIOS
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free In/Out Stowed. As per FIO, but excludes stowage costs.
FIOST
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free In/Out and Trimmed. Charterer pays for cost of loading/discharging cargo, including stowage and trimming.
FIOT
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free In/Out and Trimmed. As per FIOS but includes trimming, e.g. the eveling of bulk cargoes. FIOS includes seafreight, but excludes loading/discharging and stowage costs.
Fire
Source page ref: 236
Uncontrolled combustion, one of the most serious hazards aboard ship, against which extensive prevention, detection, and extinguishing measures are required under SOLAS chapter II-2. IMO-grounded
Fire Control Plan
Source page ref: 236
A plan, required by SOLAS, permanently displayed and stored for shore responders, showing the fire-control stations, fire-resisting divisions, alarms, detection and extinguishing systems, and means of escape. IMO-grounded
Fire detector
Source page ref: 236
A device that senses the presence of fire, by heat, smoke, or flame, and triggers an alarm, forming part of the fixed fire-detection system required under SOLAS and the FSS Code. IMO-grounded
Fire main
Source page ref: 238
The piping system that supplies seawater under pressure to the fire hydrants and equipment around the ship, fed by the fire pumps and required under SOLAS. IMO-grounded
Fire monitor
Source page ref: 238
A high-capacity directional nozzle, fixed or trainable, that projects a powerful jet of water or foam onto a fire, used for example on fire-fighting vessels and for protecting cargo areas.
Fire patrol
Source page ref: 238
A regular patrol of the ship to detect any outbreak of fire early, required on passenger ships under SOLAS in areas not covered by fixed detection. IMO-grounded
Fire pumps
Source page ref: 238
The pumps that supply pressurised water to the fire main; their number, capacity, and arrangement, including an emergency fire pump, are required under SOLAS. IMO-grounded
Fire Safety Systems Code
Source page ref: 238
The IMO FSS Code, mandatory under SOLAS, giving the detailed technical requirements for the fire-safety systems referred to in SOLAS chapter II-2. IMO-grounded
Fire suit
Source page ref: 238
Protective clothing forming part of a fireman's outfit, providing protection against heat and flame for fire-fighting, as required under SOLAS. IMO-grounded
Fire Test Procedures Code
Source page ref: 239
The IMO FTP Code, mandatory under SOLAS, prescribing the test methods used to approve materials and divisions for fire safety, such as non-combustibility and fire-resistance tests. IMO-grounded
Fire wall
Source page ref: 239
A fire-resisting division that limits the spread of fire from one area to another.
Fire wire
Source page ref: 239
A wire rope rigged over the side of a tanker at a berth so that a tug can quickly tow the ship away from the jetty in an emergency.
Fire-fighter's outfit
Source: SOLAS II-2 / FSS Code · MSC.338(91)
A set of personal protective equipment for firefighting on board, comprising protective clothing, boots, gloves, a helmet, a safety lamp, an axe, and a self-contained breathing apparatus. SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the FSS Code specify the composition and number of outfits required. IMO-grounded
Fire-fighting extinguishers
Source page ref: 238
Portable and fixed appliances charged with water, foam, dry powder, or gas for extinguishing fires; their types, numbers, and placement are governed by SOLAS and the FSS Code. IMO-grounded
First Assistant Engineer
Source page ref: 239
In some manning structures, the senior engineer officer under the chief engineer, equivalent to the second engineer.
First Mate, Chief Mate
Source page ref: 239
The deck officer next in rank to the master, head of the deck department; see chief mate.
First-ashore line
Source page ref: 239
The first mooring line passed and secured ashore when berthing, used to begin controlling the ship alongside.
Fischer-Tropsch fuel
Source page ref: 239
A synthetic liquid fuel produced from gas or other feedstock by the Fischer-Tropsch process, of interest as a cleaner-burning marine fuel.
Fishery patrol vessel, also fishery inspection vessel
Source page ref: 245
A government vessel used to enforce fishing regulations, inspect fishing vessels, and protect fishery resources.
Fishing gear, fishing equipment
Source page ref: 245
The nets, lines, traps, winches, and other equipment used aboard a fishing vessel to catch and handle fish.
Fishing methods
Source page ref: 245
The various techniques used to catch fish, such as trawling, purse seining, longlining, and potting, which influence vessel design.
Fishing vessels
Source page ref: 246
Vessels used commercially to catch fish and other living marine resources; their safety is addressed by dedicated IMO instruments such as the Torremolinos regime and STCW-F. IMO-grounded
FIT
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free In Trimmed
Fixed Crane
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A crane of which the principal structure is mounted on permanent or semi permanent foundations
Fixed fittings
Source page ref: 132
Fittings permanently attached to the structure, such as the fixed cargo-securing points provided for containers and other cargo.
FIXED HEIGHT LOAD-CARRYING TRUCK
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Truck carrying its load on a non-elevating platform. Synonym: Fixed platform truck.
Fixed hydrocarbon gas detection system
Source: SOLAS II-2/4 · MSC.291(87)
A permanently installed system that monitors the double-hull and double-bottom ballast spaces of oil tankers for flammable hydrocarbon gas and warns the crew of a leak. SOLAS regulation II-2/4 and FSS Code Chapter 16 require such systems on oil tankers of 20,000 DWT and above. IMO-grounded
Fixed Platform Truck
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
See Fixed Height Load-carrying Truck.
Fixed-chain drive
Source page ref: 246
A drive arrangement using a fixed chain along which a powered unit hauls itself, used in some specialised handling systems.
FIXING
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Chartering a Vessel.
Fixpad
Source page ref: 40
A proprietary fixed pad or seating used in container or cargo securing arrangements.
Fixture
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Conclusion of shipbrokers negotiations to charter a ship - an agreement.
FLAG
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
An indication of the country in which a means of transport is registered through a reference to the ensign of this country.
Flag of convenience
Source page ref: 246
The registration of a ship in a country other than that of its owners, typically to take advantage of that flag's regulations, taxes, or crewing rules.
Flag State
Added — maritime supplement
The State whose flag a ship is entitled to fly and under whose laws it is registered, responsible for surveying and certificating the vessel and enforcing international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and the MLC. Flag State duties may be delegated to recognised organisations such as classification societies. IMO-grounded
Flaking
Source page ref: 246
The detachment of a coating from the surface in flakes, a mode of coating breakdown that exposes the steel to corrosion.
Flame arrester, also flame arresting device
Source page ref: 246
A device fitted in a vent or pipe that allows gas to pass but stops a flame from travelling through it, preventing a fire or explosion from spreading into a tank; required in tanker venting arrangements. IMO-grounded
Flame detector
Source page ref: 246
A fire detector that senses the radiation emitted by flames, giving rapid detection of an open fire.
Flame inhibitors
Source page ref: 246
Substances that suppress or interrupt combustion, used in some fire-extinguishing agents.
Flame screen
Source page ref: 246
A fitted screen of corrosion-resistant wire mesh that prevents the passage of flame into a tank vent or opening while allowing gas to pass. IMO-grounded
Flame speed
Source page ref: 246
The speed at which a flame front travels through a combustible mixture.
Flame trap
Source page ref: 246
A device, similar to a flame arrester, that stops flame propagation through an opening or passage.
Flameproof
Source page ref: 246
Describing electrical equipment enclosed so that it will not ignite a surrounding flammable atmosphere, required for hazardous areas; see explosion-proof. IMO-grounded
Flammability limits
Source page ref: 246
The lower and upper concentrations of a flammable vapour in air between which the mixture will ignite; outside these limits it is too lean or too rich to burn.
Flammable
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Capable to be set on fire under given circumstances. (Amendment 25 IMO DGS)
Flammable fluid
Source page ref: 246
A liquid or gas that can readily ignite and burn, requiring control of ignition sources and, on tankers, of the tank atmosphere. IMO-grounded
Flammable, also combustible
Source page ref: 246
Capable of catching fire and burning readily.
Flash Point
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The lowest temperature at which a good produces enough vapour to form a flammable mixture with air.
Flashing light
Source page ref: 409
A light that shows regular flashes, used as a navigation light characteristic or for signalling.
Flashpoint
Source page ref: 247
The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to form an ignitable mixture with air; it is the key measure of a liquid's fire hazard and is used in classifying cargoes and fuels under SOLAS and the cargo codes. IMO-grounded
Flat
Source page ref: 247
A partial deck or platform within a space; also the flat position of welding.
Flat Bed Trailer
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A wheeled trailer or a semi-trailer with a flat cargo carrying surface or deck and without any superstructure.
Flat Rack
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A flat bed with fixed ends suitable for the carriage of cargo of excessive width and plated for carriage of heavy loads. 20’ and 40’.
Flat welding position
Source page ref: 247
The downhand welding position, in which welding is done from above on a horizontal surface, the easiest and most productive position.
Flatpacking
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Cargo to be presented stacked and secured as an integral unit.
FLEET
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Any group of means of transport acting together or under one control.
Fleet angle
Source page ref: 247
The angle at which a wire leads onto a winch drum or sheave; keeping it within limits ensures the wire spools correctly without damage.
Flettner rotor
Source page ref: 247
A rotating vertical cylinder that generates thrust from the wind by the Magnus effect, fitted to some ships as a wind-assisted propulsion device to save fuel.
Flexibility
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The extent to which and the rate at which adjustments to changed circum- stances are possible.
Flexible coupling
Source page ref: 247
A coupling that connects two shafts while accommodating slight misalignment and damping torsional vibration.
Flexipad
Source page ref: 40
A proprietary flexible pad used in cargo or equipment securing arrangements.
Flexitanks
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A large polythene liner which can be fitted inside a 20’GP for the transportati- on of non-hazardous liquids.
FlexSeal
Source page ref: 284
A proprietary flexible sealing product, for example for shaft or hatch sealing.
Flight Member
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A licensed crew member charged with duties essential to the operation of an aircraft during flight time.
Flight Number
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A combination of two letters, indicating the airline, and three or four digits indicating the number of the voyage. Synonym: Line Number.
Float-free launching
Source page ref: 248
A method by which a survival craft or appliance floats free and deploys automatically as the ship sinks, without manual launching; required for certain equipment under SOLAS and the LSA Code. IMO-grounded
Floatability
Source page ref: 248
The ability of a body to float, depending on its weight relative to the buoyancy it can develop.
Floating
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Freely suspending in water of an object
Floating booms
Source page ref: 249
Floating barriers deployed on the water to contain or deflect an oil spill, part of pollution-response equipment.
Floating Crane
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A crane mounted on a barge or pontoon, which can be towed or is self propelled.
Floating cranes
Source page ref: 145
Crane-equipped vessels or pontoons used for heavy lifts in harbours and offshore.
Floating Dock
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A floating structure that can be partially submerged to enable vessels to enter and to leave and which can be raised for use as a dry dock.
Floating Installation
Source page ref: 249
A floating structure, such as a production or storage unit, kept on station to perform offshore functions rather than to navigate.
Floating Installation Vessel
Source page ref: 249
A vessel used to install floating offshore structures and equipment.
Floating oil storage
Source page ref: 249
The use of a floating vessel or unit to store crude oil or products offshore, such as an FSO.
Floating production system (FPS)
Source page ref: 250
A floating offshore facility that processes oil and gas from subsea wells, often combined with storage and offloading.
Floating Production Vessel
Source page ref: 250
A vessel-shaped floating facility used to produce and process hydrocarbons offshore.
Floating production, storage and offloading units (FPSOs)
Source page ref: 249
Floating offshore units that receive, process, store, and offload oil and gas from subsea wells, widely used in offshore fields.
Floating storage and offloading unit (FSO)
Source page ref: 250
A floating offshore unit used to store and offload crude oil or products, without significant processing.
Flocculation
Source page ref: 250
The gathering of fine suspended particles into larger clusters so they can be separated more easily, used in water and fuel treatment.
Flood control doors, also flood prevention doors
Source page ref: 250
Doors that can be closed to limit the spread of flooding within the ship, contributing to damage survivability. IMO-grounded
Floodable length
Source page ref: 251
The maximum length of a compartment that can be flooded without the ship sinking below its margin line, a basis of subdivision under SOLAS. IMO-grounded
Flooding
Source page ref: 251
The entry of water into the hull, whether accidental after damage or deliberate (cross-flooding), the control of which is central to damage stability. IMO-grounded
Flooding detection system
Source: SOLAS II-1/22-1 · MSC.216(82)
A system of detectors that warns the bridge of water ingress into the watertight spaces of a passenger ship, so the crew can respond promptly to flooding. SOLAS regulation II-1/22-1 requires such systems on passenger ships. IMO-grounded
Floor
Source page ref: 251
A transverse vertical plate in the bottom structure, running from the keel to the bilge, that supports the inner bottom and stiffens the bottom.
Flow Chart
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A diagram, using symbols and depicting the sequence of events that should take place in a complex set of tasks.
Flow Control
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A term often used to describe a specific production control system.
Flow Line
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The direction of flow in which e.g. pallets have been positioned and stowed.
Flow Of Materials
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The flow of materials and components which goes to and through the factory for the production process.
Flow-through method
Source page ref: 37
A ballast-water exchange method in which clean water is pumped into a full tank so that it overflows, replacing the original water to meet the D-1 standard of the BWM Convention. IMO-grounded
FLT
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Full Liner Terms
Flue gas economizer
Source page ref: 251
A heat exchanger that recovers heat from boiler or engine flue gas to preheat feed water, improving efficiency.
Flue gas system
Source page ref: 251
The system that conveys and may treat the combustion gases from boilers or engines, including any heat recovery and cleaning.
Flue gas system with topping up generator
Source page ref: 251
A flue-gas-based inert-gas arrangement supplemented by a generator that tops up the inert gas supply when boiler flue gas is insufficient.
Fluid
Source page ref: 251
A substance that flows, that is, a liquid or a gas.
Flume
Source page ref: 251
An open or partly filled tank in which liquid can move to damp a ship's roll, a form of anti-roll tank.
Flush deck ship
Source page ref: 252
A ship with a continuous upper deck running unbroken from bow to stern, without a raised forecastle, bridge, or poop.
Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
Source page ref: 252
An arc welding process using a tubular electrode filled with flux, giving high deposition rates and suiting shipyard production.
Flywheel
Source page ref: 252
A heavy rotating wheel that stores rotational energy and smooths out variations in an engine's speed between power strokes.
FMC
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Federal Maritime Commission
FME
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Force Majeure Excepted
FO2 (IFO)
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Fuel Oil/Intermediate FO
Foam concentrate
Source page ref: 252
The concentrated liquid that is mixed with water to make the solution used to generate fire-fighting foam.
Foam extinguishing systems
Source page ref: 252
Fixed or portable systems that generate and apply foam to extinguish flammable-liquid fires by smothering them; required for tankers and certain spaces under SOLAS and the FSS Code. IMO-grounded
Foam filled fender
Source page ref: 231
A fender filled with resilient foam rather than air, which continues to protect even if its outer skin is punctured.
Foam solution
Source page ref: 252
The mixture of water and foam concentrate that is aerated to produce fire-fighting foam.
Foam system
Source page ref: 252
The arrangement of tanks, proportioners, piping, and monitors or applicators that delivers fire-fighting foam, as required for protecting tanker decks and other spaces. IMO-grounded
Foam, also froth
Source page ref: 252
A mass of bubbles used to extinguish fires by forming a blanket that smothers the flames and seals the fuel surface.
FOB
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The seller fulfils his obligation to deliver when the goods have passed over the ship’s rail at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks of loss of or damage to the goods from that point. The FOB term requires the seller to clear the goods for export. This term can only be used for sea or inland waterway transport. When the ship’s rail serves no practical purpose, such as in the case of roll-on/roll-off transport, the FCA term is more appropriate to use.
FOG
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
For Our Guidance
Folding cover
Source page ref: 252
A hatch or other cover made of panels that fold together to open, saving space.
Folding hatch covers
Source page ref: 278
Hatch covers made of hinged panels that fold up to open the hatch, operated hydraulically.
Following sea
Added — maritime supplement
A sea in which the waves travel in broadly the same direction as the ship's course. Following and quartering seas can reduce a vessel's stability and give rise to dangerous phenomena such as surf-riding and broaching, addressed in IMO guidance on avoiding dangerous situations. IMO-grounded
FORAN
Source page ref: 252
A proprietary integrated computer-aided ship design and production software system.
Force
Source page ref: 252
A push or pull that tends to change the motion or shape of a body.
Force Majeure
Source page ref: 252
A contractual clause excusing a party from performance when prevented by extraordinary events beyond its control, such as natural disasters or war.
Forced commutation
Source page ref: 125
In a power converter, the use of additional circuitry to turn off a switching device, as distinct from natural (line) commutation.
Fore And Aft Stowage
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Stowage from the bow to the stern (lengthwise), as opposed to stowage athwartships.
Fore peak
Source page ref: 252
The compartment at the extreme bow, forward of the collision bulkhead, usually used as a ballast tank.
Fore-and-aft
Source page ref: 252
In the direction of the ship's length, from bow to stern, as opposed to athwartship.
Forecastle
Source page ref: 252
The raised structure at the bow of a ship, providing buoyancy and protection forward and housing stores and machinery.
Forecastle deck
Source page ref: 252
The deck of the forecastle, the short raised deck at the bow.
Forefoot
Source page ref: 252
The lower part of the bow where the stem meets the keel.
Forest products
Source page ref: 252
Cargoes such as timber, logs, packaged lumber, and paper, which require particular stowage and securing; the carriage of timber deck cargoes is addressed by an IMO code of practice. IMO-grounded
Forging
Source page ref: 253
The shaping of metal by hammering or pressing, producing strong components with favourable grain flow, used for items such as crankshafts and shafting.
Fork Lift Pockets
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
See Fork Pockets
Fork Lift Truck
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A three or four wheeled mechanical truck with forks at the front designed for lifting, carrying and stowing cargo.
Fork Pockets
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Openings or recesses in a side of a container for the entry of the forks of a fork lift truck. Synonym: Fork Lift Pockets.
Forklift track
Source page ref: 253
The path or deck strengthened for the operation of forklift trucks during cargo handling.
Formal safety assessment (FSA)
Source page ref: 253
A structured, risk-based methodology used by the IMO to evaluate proposed safety regulations by weighing risks and the costs and benefits of options. IMO-grounded
FORTY FOOT EQUIVALENT UNIT (FEU)
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Unit of measurement equivalent to one forty feet shipping container.
Forward
Source page ref: 253
Toward the bow of the ship.
Forward perpendicular
Source page ref: 253
A vertical reference line at the point where the design waterline crosses the stem, defining the forward limit of the length between perpendiculars.
Forward shoulder
Source page ref: 253
The region where the hull's parallel middle body curves outward toward the bow at the waterline.
Forwarder
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The party arranging the carriage of goods including connected services and/or associated formalities on behalf of a shipper or consignee. Synonym: Freight Forwarder.
Forwarding Instruction
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Document issued to a freight forwarder, giving instructions to the forwarder for the forwarding of goods described therein.
Fossil fuel
Source page ref: 253
Fuel derived from ancient organic matter, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, the combustion of which produces the greenhouse gases now being regulated for shipping. IMO-grounded
Foul of anchor
Source page ref: 253
The situation in which the anchor cable becomes entangled, for example around the anchor itself or an obstruction on the seabed.
Foul of propeller
Source page ref: 253
The fouling of a propeller by ropes, nets, or other debris that wrap around it and impede or stop it.
Fouling
Source page ref: 253
The accumulation of marine organisms or deposits on a surface, especially the underwater hull, increasing resistance and fuel consumption; controlled by anti-fouling systems.
Four Way Pallet
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A pallet of which the frame permits the entry of forks of e.g. a fork lift truck at all four sides.
Four-stroke engine
Source page ref: 218
An internal-combustion engine that completes its cycle in four piston strokes (intake, compression, power, exhaust) over two revolutions, common for medium-speed marine engines and generators.
FOW1
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
First Open Water
FP
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free Pratique. Clearance by the Health Authorities
FR
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
First Refusal. First attempt at best offer that can be matched.
Fracture
Source page ref: 253
The breaking of a material into pieces under load, which may be ductile or brittle.
Fragile
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Easily breakable. Term denoting that goods should be handled with care.
Fragmentation
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Market condition when there is no dominant group of buyers or suppliers, but where many buyers are chasing many suppliers, often inefficiently.
Frame
Source page ref: 253
A transverse structural member of the hull, like a rib, that supports the side shell plating and helps maintain the ship's form.
Frame spacing
Source page ref: 253
The distance between adjacent frames, a basic parameter of the structural design.
Framing system
Source page ref: 253
The arrangement of a ship's structural members, which may be transverse, longitudinal, or a combination, chosen to suit the ship type and loads.
Franchise
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Amount which in case of damage will have to be borne by the assured.
Free Carrier
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The seller fulfils his obligation to deliver when he has handed over the goods, cleared for export, into the charge of the carrier named by the buyer at the named place or point. If no precise point is indicated by the buyer, the seller may choose within the place or range stipulated where the carrier shall take the goods into his charge. When, according to commercial practice, the seller’s assistance is required in making the contract with the carrier (such as in rail or air transport) the seller may act at the buyer’s risk and expense. This term may be used for any mode of transport, including multimodal transport. “Carrier” means any person who, in a contract of carriage, undertakes to perform or to procure the performance of carriage by rail, road, sea, air, inland waterway or by a combination of such modes. If the buyer instructs the seller to deliver the cargo to a person, e.g. a freight forwarder who is not a “carrier”, the seller is deemed to have fulfilled his obligation to deliver the goods when they are in the custody of that person.
Free Despatch
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
If loading/discharging achieved sooner than agreed, there will be no freight money returned.
Free Exins
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free of any Extra Insurance (Owners)
Free Lift
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
The maximum elevation of the forks of a fork lift truck.
Free Out
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Free of discharge costs to owners. Includes seafreight only.
Free Port
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
An international port or an area within an international port at which, crew, passengers, baggage, cargo, mail and stores may be disembarked or unloaded, may remain and may be transhipped, without being subjected to any customs charges or duties. (Examination is possible for instance to meet security or narcotics control requirements.) Source: IMO.
Free Pratique
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Permission granted by local medical authorities, denoting that the vessel has a clean Bill of Health so that people may embark and disembark.
Free surface effect
Added — maritime supplement
The reduction in a ship's effective stability caused by liquid moving freely in a partly filled tank, which shifts the centre of gravity and reduces the metacentric height. It is minimised by subdividing tanks and by avoiding unnecessary slack tanks, and is accounted for in stability calculations.
FREE TRADE ZONE (FTZ)
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A part of the territory of a state where any goods introduced are generally regarded, in so far as import duties and taxes are concerned, as being exemp- ted (Kyoto Convention). Synonym: Free Port, Free Airport.
Free-fall acceleration
Source page ref: 254
The acceleration experienced by occupants of a free-fall lifeboat as it enters the water, which must be kept within safe limits in the design and certification. IMO-grounded
Free-fall certification height
Source page ref: 254
The launch height for which a free-fall lifeboat is certified, demonstrating safe occupant accelerations and water entry. IMO-grounded
Free-fall launching
Source page ref: 254
A launching method in which a lifeboat slides down a ramp and drops into the sea under gravity, achieving rapid clearance of the ship; governed by SOLAS and the LSA Code. IMO-grounded
Free-fall lifeboat
Source page ref: 255
A lifeboat designed to be launched by free fall from a stern ramp, providing fast evacuation; required and tested to standards in SOLAS and the LSA Code. IMO-grounded
Free-fall of liquid
Source page ref: 255
The uncontrolled fall of liquid within a tank or system, which can cause surging loads and static build-up; avoided by proper filling arrangements.
Freeboard
Source page ref: 254
The vertical distance from the waterline to the freeboard deck at the side, representing the reserve buoyancy; minimum freeboard is set by the International Convention on Load Lines. IMO-grounded
Freeboard deck
Source page ref: 167
Generally the uppermost continuous deck exposed to weather and sea, with permanent means of closing all openings below it, from which freeboard is measured under the Load Line Convention. IMO-grounded
Freeboard mark
Source page ref: 254
The load line marking on the ship's side indicating the maximum permitted draughts, assigned under the Load Line Convention; see also Plimsoll mark. IMO-grounded
Freeboard Plan
Source page ref: 254
The plan showing the assigned freeboards, load line marks, and the arrangements on which they depend, prepared for load-line assignment. IMO-grounded
Freeing port
Source page ref: 255
An opening in the bulwark that allows water shipped on deck to drain quickly back to the sea, the area of which is required by the Load Line Convention. IMO-grounded
Freezing point
Source page ref: 255
The temperature at which a liquid turns to solid.
Freight
Source page ref: 255
The charge paid for the carriage of cargo by sea, or the cargo itself.
FREIGHT ALL KINDS (FAK)
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Single freight which is charged irrespective of the commodity.
Freight Collect
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Freight and charges be paid by the consignee.
Freight Costs
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Costs incurred by the merchant in moving goods, by whatever means, from one place to another under the terms of the contract of carriage. In addition to transport costs this may include such elements as packing, documentation, loading, unloading and transport insurance.
Freight Invoice
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
An temized list of goods shipped and services rendered stating fees and charges.
Freight Manifest
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A (cargo) manifest including all freight particulars.
Freight Prepaid
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Freight and charges to be paid by the consignor.
Freight Ton
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A unit for freighting cargo according to weight and/or cubic measurement. Calculated by means of maximum outer dimensions per packing item.
Freighter
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A vessel or an aircraft used for the carriage of cargo.
Freon
Source page ref: 258
A trade name for chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants, now largely phased out under environmental rules because of their ozone-depleting and greenhouse effects. IMO-grounded
Frequency
Source page ref: 258
The number of cycles per unit time of a periodic quantity, such as the frequency of the ship's alternating-current supply.
Frequency converter drive
Source page ref: 395
An electrical drive that varies the frequency supplied to a motor to control its speed, used for example in electric propulsion and large pumps.
Freshwater generator, freshwater distiller
Source page ref: 258
Equipment that produces fresh water from seawater aboard ship, typically by evaporation using waste heat, or by reverse osmosis.
Fretting contact
Source page ref: 259
Contact between surfaces that undergo small repeated relative movement, which can lead to fretting wear and corrosion.
Fretting corrosion
Source page ref: 142
Damage occurring at the contact between surfaces subject to small oscillatory movement, combining wear and corrosion, found at clamped or bolted joints.
Fretting failure
Source page ref: 259
Failure of a component caused by fretting, in which small repeated movements at a contact initiate wear and fatigue cracks.
Friction corrosion
Source page ref: 142
Corrosion accelerated by frictional movement between surfaces; see fretting corrosion.
Froude number (Fn)
Source page ref: 259
A dimensionless number relating a ship's speed to its length, governing the wave-making behaviour and used to scale resistance from model to ship.
FRT (FREIGHT)
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Money payable on delivery of cargo in a mercantile condition.
Frustration
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Charterers when cancelling agreement sometimes quote ‘doctrine of frustrati- on’ i.e. vessel is lost, extensive delays.
FTL
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Full Truck Load, an indication for a truck transporting cargo directly from supplier to receiver.
Fuel cell power pack
Source page ref: 259
A power unit that generates electricity by the electrochemical reaction of a fuel such as hydrogen with oxygen, offering efficient, low-emission power, being developed for marine use.
Fuel Conditioning Module (FCM)
Source page ref: 261
A packaged unit that prepares fuel, for example liquefied gas, to the temperature, pressure, and condition required by the engine.
Fuel oil
Source page ref: 261
The oil burned in a ship's engines and boilers; its quality and, in particular, its sulphur content are regulated under MARPOL Annex VI. IMO-grounded
Fuel oil sampling point
Source: MARPOL Annex VI · MEPC.324(75)
A designated point fitted in a ship's fuel oil supply system for drawing representative in-use and onboard samples of fuel, so that its sulphur content can be verified against MARPOL limits. Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI in resolution MEPC.324(75) require such sampling points to be provided. IMO-grounded
Fuel oil service system
Source page ref: 262
The system that delivers treated fuel from the service tank to the engines at the required pressure and temperature.
Fuel oil service tank
Source page ref: 261
A tank holding treated fuel ready for immediate use by the engines, kept filled from the settling tanks; required arrangements are set by SOLAS. IMO-grounded
Fuel oil stability
Source page ref: 262
The resistance of a fuel oil to forming sludge or separating when stored or blended, important to avoid filter and system problems.
Fuel oil supply system
Source page ref: 263
The system that supplies fuel from the service tank, through booster and heating units, to the engine's injection equipment.
Fuel oil system
Source page ref: 262
The complete arrangement of tanks, pumps, heaters, filters, and piping for storing, transferring, treating, and supplying fuel oil, with safety arrangements required by SOLAS. IMO-grounded
Fuel oil tank protection
Source page ref: 263
Design measures, required under MARPOL Annex I, to protect fuel oil tanks from damage and reduce the risk of oil spillage after collision or grounding. IMO-grounded
Fuel oil transfer system
Source page ref: 262
The system used to move fuel between storage, settling, and service tanks and to receive bunkers.
Fuel oil treatment
Source page ref: 263
The cleaning of fuel oil before use, by settling, heating, and centrifugal separation, to remove water and solids.
Fuel oil treatment system
Source page ref: 262
The arrangement of settling tanks, heaters, and centrifugal separators (purifiers) that conditions fuel oil for use.
Fuel oil unit
Source page ref: 263
Equipment used to prepare and deliver fuel oil to combustion, including pumps, filters, heaters, and associated fittings; defined and regulated for safety under SOLAS. IMO-grounded
Fuel oil viscosity
Added — maritime supplement
A measure of a marine fuel's resistance to flow, an important property governing how the fuel must be heated and handled before injection so that it atomises correctly in the engine. Fuel is typically heated to achieve the injection viscosity specified by the engine maker.
Fuel viscosity
Source page ref: 265
The resistance of a fuel to flow, which must be controlled by heating so that the fuel atomises correctly at injection.
Fuel-water emulsification (FEW)
Source page ref: 265
The mixing of water into fuel to form an emulsion that, when burned, lowers combustion temperature and reduces nitrogen-oxide emissions.
FuelEU Maritime
Added — maritime supplement
A European Union regulation setting progressively stricter limits on the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy used by ships calling at EU ports, to promote the uptake of renewable and low-carbon fuels. Compliance is assessed on a well-to-wake basis and independently verified.
Full astern stopping test, crash stop
Source page ref: 366
A trial in which the engine is run full astern from full ahead to measure the ship's stopping ability, a standard manoeuvring test.
FULL CONTAINER LOAD (FCL)
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A container stuffed or stripped under risk and for account of the shipper and/ or the consignee. A general reference for identifying container loads of cargo loaded and/or discharged at merchants’ premises.
Full speed
Source page ref: 265
The maximum service speed of the ship under normal operating conditions.
Full Trailer
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A truck trailer constructed in such way that its own weight and that of the cargo rest upon its own wheels, instead of being supported by e.g. a tractor.
Full-flow filter
Source page ref: 234
A filter through which the entire flow passes so that all the fluid is cleaned before reaching the equipment it serves.
FULLY DELLULAR CONTAINER SHIP (FCC)
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
A vessel specially designed to carry containers, with cell-guides under deck and necessary fittings and equipment on deck.
Fumes
Source page ref: 265
Airborne gases, vapours, or fine particles, often hazardous, given off by substances or processes such as welding or cargo.
Fumigation
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Treating of cargoes with gases to exterminate unwanted life forms.
Funnel
Source page ref: 265
The structure carrying the exhaust uptakes of the engines and boilers up and clear of the ship, and housing associated equipment.
Furnace
Source page ref: 265
The combustion chamber of a boiler, in which fuel is burned to heat the water.
Fuse
Source page ref: 265
A protective device that melts and breaks an electrical circuit when the current exceeds a safe value.
Fusion
Source page ref: 265
The melting together of materials, as in the fusion of parent metal and filler in a weld.
FWAD
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Fresh Water Arrival Draft
FWDD
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
Fresh Water Departure Draft
FYG
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
For Your Guidance
FYI
Source: Chartering & Shipping Terms Glossary
For Your Information