Maritime Signal Flags

HARBOR MASTER
A person usually having the experience of a certificated master mariner and having a good knowledge of the characteristics of the port and its whole area. He administers the entire shipping movements that take place in and within reach of the port he is responsible for.

HARD AGROUND
A vessel which has gone aground and is incapable of refloating under her own power.

HARD CURRENCY
A currency which is sound enough to be accepted internationally and which is usually fully convertible.

HARTER ACT
(1893). This U.S. statute refers to merchandise or property transported from or between ports of the United States and foreign ports. Now partially superseded by the US Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1936.

HATCH
An opening, generally rectangular, in a ship's deck affording access into the compartment below.

HAWSER
Large strong rope used for towing purposes and for securing or mooring ships. Hawsers are now mostly made of steel.

HELM
A tiller or a wheel generally installed on the bridge or wheelhouse of a ship to turn the rudder during manoeuvering and navigation. It is in fact the steering wheel of the ship.

HOISTING ROPE
Special flexible wire rope for lifting purposes, generally being of six strands with 19 wires in each strand and in most cases having a hemp rope at the center.

HOLD
A general name for the spaces below the main deck designated for stowage of general cargo. A hold on a tanker is usually just forward of #1 cargo tank. Some newer tankers have no hold.

HOVERCRAFT
A vessel used for the transportation of passengers and cargo riding on a cushion of air formed under it. It is very maneuverable and is also amphibious.

HULL
Shell or body of a ship.

HYDROFOIL
A craft more or less similar to the Hovercraft insofar as it flies over water and thus eliminates friction between the water and the hull. Under acceleration it rises above water but remains in contact with the surface through supporting legs.