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naval tradition with this simple ‘sailor’s
glossary’.

Signals are sent as letters and/or numbers,
which have meanings by themselves
sometimes or in certain combinations. A
single table in ATP VOL 1 is called the
'Governing Groups,' which the entire signal
that follows the governing group is to be Cabin – In naval terminology, a room is called
performed according to the 'Governor.'
a cabin.
Coxswain – The coxswain is the most
experienced sailor on the ship.
Free Gangway – An order given to lower the
gangplank of a ship, allowing the ship’s crew
to board/disembark.
Galley – The Kitchen of a ship.
Handsomely – When we say handsomely in
the Navy, we’re not praising a sailor’s good
looks. Rather, it is an instruction to do

something slowly and carefully.
Heads – Back in the day, toilets were placed in
The letter 'B' indicates this table, and the the head (or bow) of the ship. Which is why a
second letter (A through Z) gives more ship’s toilet is known as the head till this very
specific information. For example, 'BA' might day.
mean 'You have permission to . . .' (do Jacob’s Ladder – A portable rope or metal
whatever the rest of the flashing light, flag ladder that can be lowered down the side of a
hoist or radio transmission says). 'BZ' happens ship.
to be the last item of the governing groups Learn the Ropes – In Sailing, ropework, such
table and it means 'well done'." as knots, bends and hitches, are very important
basic skills that every sailor must master. The

phrase learn the ropes’ can also be used in
SAILOR SPEAK everyday speech to mean ‘learn the basics’.
Piping – To call or signal using a pipe (a type
Over the centuries, naval terms have been a of whistle). Piping is used in ceremonies such
part and parcel of life in the open sea. as Colours and Sunset.
Although some of these words may be as old Port and Starboard – Port and starboard are
as sailing itself, sailors today still use them in shipboard terms for left and right respectively.
honour of the rich tradition of seafaring. In Seven Seas – The Seven Seas refer to the
fact, some of these terms have even permeated North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific,
our everyday speech. Be part of this colourful South Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Antarctic
Oceans.