ABLE BODIED SEAMEN
A member of the deck crew who is able to perform all the duties of an experienced seamen; certificated by examination; must have three years sea service. Also called Able Seamen and A.B.

ABS
American Bureau of Shipping: A U.S.-based private classification, or standards setting society for merchant ships and other marine systems.

ADMEASUREMENT
The confirmed or official dimensions of a ship.

AFT
In, near, or toward the stern of the vessel.

AGENCY FEE
A fee charged to the ship by the ship's agent, representing payment for services while the ship was in port. Sometimes called attendance fee.

AID
Agency for International Development.

ALLISION
The act if striking or collision of a moving vessel against a stationary object.

AIMS
American Institute of Merchant Shipping.

AMC
American Maritime Congress.

API
American Petroleum Institute.

AWO
American Waterway Operators. The national trade association for the barge and towing industry and the shipyards employed in the repair and construction of these craft.

AMIDSHIPS
Generally speaking the word amidships means in the middle portion of a vessel.

ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT
The document containing all particulars relating to the terms of agreement between the Master of the vessel and the crew. Sometimes called ship's articles, shipping articles.

ASTERN
A backward direction in the line of a vessel's fore and aft line; behind. If a vessel moves backwards it is said to move astern; opposite to ahead.

AT SEA
In marine insurance this phrase applies to a ship which is free from its moorings and ready to sail.

AUTOMATIC PILOT
An instrument designed to control automatically a vessel's steering gear so that she follows a pre-determined track through the water.