AAOSA- Always afloat or safe aground. The condition for a vessel whilst in port. Also NAABSA Not always afloat but safely aground.

ABLE BODIED SEAMAN - 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.

Accommodation unit - Fitted with cabins and catering facilities for offshore crews. Semisubmersible accommodation units are ofte called "Flotels".

ADDENDUM- Additional terms at the end of a charter party.

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.

AHT (Anchor-handling tug) - Moves anchors and tow drilling vessels, lighters and similar.

AHTS (Anchor-handling Tug/Supply) - Combined supply and anchor-handling ship. Seismic ship: Conducts seismic surveys to map geological structures beneath the sea bed.

AID -Agency for International Development.

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

AID - Agency for International Development

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.

ARBITRATION- Method of settling disputes which is usually binding on parties. A clause usually in a charter party.

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.

ASBA- American Shipbrokers Association

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.