jackline: A temporary taut line stretching the length of the deck to which a seaman may attach himself and walk along the deck safely in rough weather
jib: A triangular sail at the front of a vessel (see sails and rigging)
jib sheet: A line leading from the corner of a sail used to control the angle of the sail to the wind
keel: The central longitudinal structural member of a ship (from bow to stern) to which all the frames are attached
ketch: A two-masted fore-and-aft rigged vessel with the mizzen mast mounted in front of the rudder
knot: A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour
hand / deckhand: A seaman. An ordinary seaman who performs routine labour on board ship
Hanukkah: A Jewish December festival marked by the successive kindling of eight lights
hawser: Large rope used for mooring or towing a vessel
hogshead: Wooden cask for shipping liquid, measuring a total of 64 gallons (a barrel measures 32 gallons)
hull: The main body of a vessel
iron: cannon ball
glossary H-K
A - B
C - D
E - G
H - K
L - M
N - Q
R - S
T - Z
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