A direction at right angles (90 degrees) to the fore-and-aft centerline of a vessel. An object is said to be abeam when it is directly to the side of the ship, neither ahead nor astern.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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BeamThe width of a vessel at its widest point, measured at the midship section.BowThe forward-most part of a vessel's hull, designed to reduce the resistance of the hull cutting through water.Chart DatumThe reference level from which depths on a nautical chart are measured, typically the lowest astronomical tide (LAT).Compass RoseA graduated circle printed on nautical charts showing both true and magnetic north, used to determine bearings and courses.CourseThe intended horizontal direction of travel measured as an angle from north.Course Over GroundThe actual direction of a vessel's movement over the earth's surface, as determined by GPS or other positioning systems.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026