Shotline Diving’s Glossary Terms

A

Abandoned

(Maritime): The decommissioning of a vessel, leaving it to deteriorate naturally, either afloat or beached.

Aft Capstan

Aft Capstan:  • Definition: A vertical drum near the stern used for handling heavy ropes, chains,…

Alexandria Bay, New York

Alexandria Bay, New York  • Definition: A village in the 1000 Islands region of the St….

Alpena Storm

The “Alpena Storm” of October 16, 1880 The “Alpena Storm”, named after the ill-fated steamer Alpena,…

Alpena, Michigan

Alpena, Michigan  • Known for its cement production, Alpena is home to one of the largest…

Amherst Island

Amherst Island Overview:  1. Geography:  • Amherst Island is approximately 20 km (12 miles) long and 7…

Anchor Chain

Anchor Chain:  • Definition: A heavy chain used to secure the anchor to the ship, providing…

Apostle Islands

Apostle Islands (Wisconsin, USA)  • Definition: A group of 22 islands off the northern Wisconsin shore.  •…

Archives of Ontario

https://www.archives.gov.on.ca The provincial archive of Ontario, holding collections on government records, private papers, and local business…

Artificial Reef

Artificial Reef An artificial reef is a human-made underwater structure placed on the seabed, designed to…

B

Barge

Barge: A flat-bottomed vessel designed for transporting heavy goods over rivers, canals, and protected waters….

Bark

Bark (or Barque): A sailing vessel with three or more masts, where the foremast and…

Barkentine

Barkentine (or Barquentine): A sailing vessel with three or more masts, where the foremast is…

Barque

Barque (or Bark)  • Definition: A vessel with three or more masts, square-rigged on the forward…

Bascom and Gillham

Bascom and Gillham  Maritime historians or authors recognized for their extensive research and documentation of the…

BCAPT

British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP): A large-scale program initiated during World War II by…

Beaver Island

Beaver Island (Michigan, USA)  • Definition: The largest island in Lake Michigan.  • Significance:  • Known for its…

Belly Dumper

List of belly dumpers found so far Cornwall N 45 01.660 W 74 50.690 Lake Huron N…

Bilge

Bilge: The lowest part of a ship’s interior, where water and other debris can collect….

Bilge Pump

Bilge Pump:  • Definition: A pump designed to remove water from the bilge, the lowest compartment…

C

C. Patrick Labadie Collection

The C. Patrick Labadie Collection is a renowned archive of historical materials documenting the maritime…

Cabin Cruiser

A cabin cruiser is a type of recreational motorboat equipped with a cabin that provides…

Canada Steamship Lines

Canada Steamship Lines (CSL)  A major Canadian shipping company founded in the early 20th century, specializing…

Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association

Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) is an organization dedicated to…

Canadian Ship Registers

https://greatlakesmuseum.ca  A repository of ship registration data maintained by the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes,…

Canadian War Museum

https://www.warmuseum.ca A national museum dedicated to Canada’s military history. Its exhibits and collections include information on…

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM), located in Hamilton, Ontario, is…

Canal Schooner

A canal schooner is a type of sailing vessel specifically designed to navigate narrow and…

Cape Vincent

Cape Vincent, New York  • Definition: A small village located where the St. Lawrence River meets…

Cape Vincent Eagle

Cape Vincent Eagle  • Publication Period: The Cape Vincent Eagle was published from approximately 188? to…

D

David Swayze Shipwreck File

David Swayze Shipwreck File and Mirrored Baillod.com Definition: The David Swayze Shipwreck File is…

Deck

Deck: The horizontal surface covering each level of a ship. Wrecks often show collapsed or…

Deck Winch

Deck Winch:  • Definition: A mechanical device used for hoisting or adjusting cargo, sails, or lines.  •…

Dennis Gerber

Notable Achievements: Wreck Exploration: • Dennis has worked with maritime heritage organizations to promote the preservation…

Dennis R. McCarthy

Dennis R. McCarthy is a prominent figure in the Thousand Islands region, particularly in Cape…

Department of Marine and Fisheries Annual Reports

https://publications.gc.ca/ (Searchable resource) Annual reports issued by the Canadian government’s Department of Marine and Fisheries during…

Detroit

Detroit, Michigan  • Known as the “Motor City,” Detroit’s port has supported auto manufacturing by transporting…

Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Free Press is one of Michigan’s oldest and most widely circulated newspapers, founded…

Detroit Marine Historian

Detroit Marine Historian Newsletter by Year ie(1952)  • A publication dedicated to documenting and sharing the…

Detroit River

Detroit River  • Definition: A 51-km (32-mi) river linking Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, forming…

E

Erik Heyl: Early American Steamers

Erik Heyl’s “Early American Steamers” is a comprehensive multi-volume reference series documenting the history, design,…

Loard More