ABAFT - Toward the rear (stern) of the boat.

ABAFT THE BEAM - A bearing of greater than 90 degrees from the bow.

ABANDON marine vessel -An imperative to leave the vessel immediately, usually in the face of some imminent danger.

ABEAM - At right angles to the keel of the boat, but not on the boat.

ABOARD - On or within a boat.

ABOVE BOARD - On or above the deck, in plain view, not hiding anything.

ABOVE DECK - On the deck.

ABSENTEE PENNANT - Special pennant flown to indicate absence of commanding officer, admiral, his chief of staff, or officer whose flag is flying.

ACCOMMODATION LADDER - A portable flight of steps down a boat/ship's side.

ABREAST - Side by side; by the side of.

ADMIRALTY LAW - Body of law that deals with maritime cases.

ADRIFT - Loose, not on moorings or towline.

AFT - Toward the stern of the marine vessel.

AFTERNOON WATCH - The 1200-1600 watch

AGROUND - Touching or fast to the bottom.

AHEAD - In a forward direction.

AIDS TO NAVIGATION - Artificial objects to supplement natural landmarks indicating safe and unsafe waters.

ALEE - Away from the direction of the wind. Opposite of windward.

ALPHA - Letter A in the Marine Radio Alphabet.

ALL HANDS - Entire ship's company, both officers and enlisted personnel.

ALL NIGHT IN - Having no night watches.

ALOFT - Above the deck of the marine vessel.

ALONGSIDE - By the side of a marine vessel or pier.

AMIDSHIPS - In or toward the center of the boat.

ANCHOR - An object designed to prevent or slow the drift of a marine vessel, attached to the marine vessel by a line or chain; typically a metal, hook like, object designed to grip the bottom under the body of water.

ANCHORAGE - A place suitable for anchoring in relation to the wind, seas and bottom.

ANCHOR'S AWEIGH - Said of an anchor when just clear of the bottom.

ANCHOR BALL - Black shape hoisted in forepart of a marine vessel to show that marine vessel is anchored in a fairway.

ANCHOR BUOY - A small buoy secured by a light line to anchor to indicate position of anchor on bottom.

ANCHOR LIGHT - White light displayed by a marine vessel at anchor.

ASHORE - On the beach, shore or land.

ASTERN - In back of the marine vessel, opposite of ahead.

ATHWARTSHIPS - At right angles to the centerline of the marine vessel; rowmarine vessel seats are generally athwart marine vessels.

AWASH - So low in the water that the water is constantly washing across the surface.

AWEIGH - The position of anchor as it is raised clear of the bottom.

AZIMUTH COMPASS - An instrument employed for ascertaining position of the sun with respect to magnetic north.

AZIMUTH CIRCLE - Instrument used to take bearings of celestial objects.