Deck (ship) - Common Names For Decks

Common Names For Decks

In vessels having more than one deck there are various naming conventions, numerically, alphabetically, etc. However, there are also a variety of common historical names and types of decks:

• 01 level is the term used in naval services to refer to the deck above the main deck. The next higher decks are referred to in increasing the number to the 02 level, the 03 level, and so on. Although these are formally called decks, they are usually referred to as levels, because they are usually incomplete decks that span from stem to stern and to athwartships.
• Berth deck: (Naval) A deck next below the gun deck, where the hammocks of the crew are slung.
• Boat deck: Especially on ships with sponsons, the deck area where lifeboats or the ship's gig are stored.
• Boiler deck: (River Steamers) The deck on which the boilers are placed.
• Bridge deck: (a) The deck area including the helm and navigation station, and where the Officer of the Deck/Watch will be found, also known as the conn (b) An athwartships structure at the forward end of the cockpit with a deck, often somewhat lower than the primary deck, to prevent a pooping wave from entering through the companionway. May also refer to the deck of a bridge.
• Flight deck: (Naval) A deck from which aircraft take off or land.
• Flush deck: Any continuous, unbroken deck from stem to stern.
• Forecastle deck: The foremost part of the upper deck under which the sailors have their berths, extending from the foremast to the bow.
• Gun deck: (Naval) a deck below the spar deck where the ships' cannon were carried. The term originally referred to a deck aboard a ship that was primarily used for the mounting of cannon to be fired in broadsides. However, on many smaller vessels such as frigates and unrated vessels the upper deck, forecastle and quarterdeck bore all of the cannons but were not referred to as the gun deck. The completely covered level under the upper deck was, however, still called the gun deck although it had no guns at all.

• Half-deck: That portion of the deck next below the spar deck which is between the mainmast and the cabin.
• Helicopter deck (helo deck): Usually located near the stern and always kept clear of obstacles hazardous to a helicopter landing.
• Hurricane deck: (River Steamers, etc.), the upper deck, usually a light deck, erected above the frame of the hull (deriving its name from the wind that always seemed to blow on the deck).
• Lido deck: Open area, typically at or near the stern of a passenger ship, housing the main outdoor swimming pool and sunbathing area.
• Lower deck: (a) the deck immediately over the hold, orig. only of a ship with two decks. (b) synonym for berth deck.
• Main deck: The principal deck of a vessel; in some ships the highest deck of the hull, usually but not always the weather deck; in sailing warships often a deck under the upper deck.
• Middle or Waist deck The upper deck amidships, the working area of the deck.
• Orlop deck: The deck or part of a deck where the cables are stowed, usually below the waterline. It is the lowest deck in a ship.
• Poop deck: The deck forming the roof of a poop or poop cabin, built on the upper deck and extending from the mizzenmast aft.
• Promenade deck: A "wrap-around porch" found on passenger ships and riverboats encircling the superstructure. This can have open railings or be enclosed in glass, or a combination. Often the entire level where this is located is referred to as the Promenade Deck.
• Quarterdeck: (a) The part of the upper deck abaft the mainmast, including the poop deck when there is one. Usually reserved for ship's officers, guests, and passengers. (b) (Naval) The area to which a gangway for officers and diplomatic guests to board the vessel leads. Also any entry point for personnel.
• Side-deck: The upper deck outboard of any structures such as a coachroof or doghouse, also called a breezeway
• Spar deck: (a) Same as the upper deck. (b) Sometimes a light deck fitted over the upper deck.
• Sweep deck: (Naval) The aftmost deck on a minesweeper, set close to the waterline for ease in launch and recovery of equipment.
• Topgallant forecastle deck: Any raised deck occurring above the forecastle deck (see above).
• Tween deck: the storage space between the hold and the main deck, often retractable.
• Upper deck: The highest deck of the hull, extending from stem to stern.
• Weather deck: (a) Any deck exposed to the outside. (b) The windward side decks.
• Well deck: (a) An exposed deck (weather deck) lower than decks fore and aft. In particular it is one enclosed by bulwarks limiting flow of water and thus drainage. (b) (Modern naval) A hangar-like deck located at the waterline in the stern of some amphibious assault ships, also known as a well dock. By taking on water the ship can lower the stern flooding the well deck and allowing boats and landing craft to dock within the ship.