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STRUCTURE OF THE HULL OF A SHIP

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The hull is the body Reject All withoutAccept
of a vessel, takingAll
into account the rigging
(ropes, chains, and tackle used to support and work masts, sails, etc.). The
structure of the hull is composed of several different parts that will be
discussed next.

Parts of the Hull

A vessel’s hull is its framework or shell and can be constructed of diverse
materials like iron, steel, rubber, wood, aluminum, glass fiber, concrete,
polyester and many others.

If we were to stand facing the front of the vessel, the bow would be the front
of the ship and the stern the rear, port would be the left side and starboard
the right side of the vessel. Now that we have our bearings let’s list and
describe the parts that compose the hull of a vessel, and explain their
functions.

Bow and Quarters

The bow is the area of the hull that curves into the front, the sides to the
front of the vessel are known as port bow and starboard bow.

Same can be said of the quarters, the curved part of the hull located
between the beam and the stern of the ship, there is a port quarter and a
starboard quarter.

Tack is a nautical term for the side of a sailing craft from which the wind is
coming while under way, the starboard or port tack. Also tacking is a sailing
maneuver by which a sailing vessel turns its bow toward and through the
wind so that the direction from which the wind blows changes from one side
of the boat to the other, allowing progress in the desired direction.

The bow is the area of the hull that curves into the front. Pixabay photo.
The Keel and the bottom of the hull
The bottom of the hull is permanently submerged in the water and bears the
maximum load weight. From the keel to the waterline, it is usually painted in
red with an antifouling biocide to prevent marine life from attaching.

The volume is contained by the hull and the waterline of the vessel. It
corresponds to the submerged volume of the vessel.

Topsides
Topsides refers to the part of the hull between the waterline and the deck
and remains above sea level. From the waterline to the main deck. There’s
where the superstructure is built

It also acts as a buoyancy reserve, which is the volume of a ship above the
water plane that can be made watertight for buoyancy purposes.

Waterline
Separating the hull into two parts, topsides and bottom. It is also the name of
a special marking, also known as an international load line, or Plimsoll line,
indicating the draft of the ship. It is also called watermark, a line indicating
the former level or passage of water.

The waterline may change depending on different factors such as the

vessel’s load weight, stowage or the condition of the sea.

Bilge
Located under the engine room, it’s the part of the hull that would rest on
the ground if the vessel were unsupported by water. Bilge pumps are
installed to remove the collected dirty water after it’s filtered.

Oily water and other liquid substances drain into the bilge because of
rough seas, rain, leaks in the hull or stuffing box, or other interior spillage
from the engine room.

The resulting waste after filtering the waters is called bilge slop and must be
stored safely and removed at port for its proper treatment.

Deck
The deck is the permanent covering over the hull or over a compartment.
Vessels often have more than one, horizontally dividing the area to create
floors or decks. They are made out of metal or wood laid over the beams and
they strengthen the hull and serve as the primary working surface.
Decks have different purposes and specific names depending on the
structure, form, function or the type of vessel. Some accommodate the
passenger cabins, the engine control room, etc.

Winches, the binnacle, crew seating, or the helm itself are located on
different parts of the functional and habitable area of the deck.

Decks have different purposes and specific names depending on the

structure, form, function or the type of vessel. Pixabay photo.

Keel
The keel is the bottom-most structural member around which the hull of a
ship is built. The keel runs along the centerline of the ship, from the bow to
the stern. A central beam to which the ribs are attached on each side.

At the prow the keel meets the stem, and the sternpost at the rear. The keel
is where all parts of the vessel that make its frame are attached to.

Hull
The hull is the watertight body of a vessel, it envelopes its structure and
creates the frame. It keeps the vessel afloat and stabilizes it

Hull Shapes
There are many possible shapes for a ship’s hull depending on the purpose
for which it’s being built.
The most common hull shapes can be grouped in four categories: flat-
bottom (more stability and favors planing), rounded (fishing boats, tugs,
trawlers), v-shaped (most popular in recreational vessels) and multihull, like
catamarans or trimarans.

In conclusion, the most important parts of the hull of a vessel have been
described. Would you like to know more? Get in touch with Suisca Group,
and we will gladly offer you all maritime sector related services.

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