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Athwart ship refers to a direction or measurement that is across the width of a ship, perpendicular to the fore-and-aft centerline.

  • Usage:
  • Positioning: Describes positions or directions relative to the ship’s width.
  • Measurements: Measurements taken in the athwart ship direction are made across the ship from side to side.
  • Components: Many ship components, such as bulkheads, are oriented athwart ship to provide structural support and compartmentalization.
  • Examples:
  • Athwart Ship Bulkhead: A bulkhead that runs perpendicular to the ship’s centerline, dividing the ship into compartments across its width.
  • Athwart Ship Trim: Refers to the balance or weight distribution of a ship across its width.

Understanding athwart ship is essential in naval architecture, maritime navigation, and ship construction, as it helps in describing and analyzing the layout and balance of a vessel.

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