Master the language of the high seas. From ancient maritime traditions to pirate lore, these terms will help you navigate the world of treasure hunting like a true buccaneer.
Toward the stern or rear section of the vessel
The rearmost section of the ship
Traditional maritime greeting or call to attract attention
Expression of acknowledgment or agreement
Command to cease activity immediately
Affirmative response
Acknowledgment that an order will be carried out
Marine crustacean that attaches to ship hulls
Derogatory term for the lowest crew member
Mark signifying a death sentence or curse
Expression of surprise or astonishment
Officer in charge of deck crew and equipment
Plundered treasure or valuable cargo
Reward offered for capturing a wanted individual
Forward-most section of the vessel
Ship's prison or detention area
Caribbean sea raider or privateer
Fellow crew member or companion
Ship's commanding officer
Rotating device used to raise heavy anchors
Tilting a ship to clean or repair the hull
Multi-stranded whip used for punishment
Merchant who supplies ship provisions
Nautical map showing waters and coastlines
Elevated lookout platform on the main mast
Short curved blade favored by sailors
The ocean floor; final resting place for the drowned
Horizontal platform forming the ship's floors
Spanish gold coin of considerable value
Personal belongings and possessions
Wish for favorable sailing conditions
Unit of depth measurement equal to six feet
Legendary paradise for deceased sailors
To punish with repeated strikes of a whip
Toward the front or bow of the ship
Forward upper deck where crew quarters are located
Rigging connecting lower and upper mast sections
Ship's kitchen and food preparation area
Clear a path; also a boarding ramp
Euphemism for pirates and privateers
Diluted rum ration given to crew
Food or meals
Upper edge of the ship's side
The ship's crew members
Sheltered anchorage or safe port
Ship's toilet facilities
Coordinated pulling command
Ship's steering mechanism
Below-deck storage area for cargo
To deceive or cheat someone
Rope ladder used for boarding
Pirate flag featuring skull and crossbones
Severe punishment involving dragging beneath the ship
Unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour
Young male crew member
Announcement that land has been sighted
Inexperienced sailor or non-seafaring person
Young female
Distance measurement equal to three nautical miles
Side of the ship sheltered from wind
Shackles used to restrain prisoners
Government authorization to attack enemy vessels
Cowardly or lacking courage
Extremely intoxicated
Stolen goods or plundered treasure
Reference mark on a compass
Abandoned on a deserted island
Vertical pole supporting sails and rigging
Officer ranking below the captain; also a companion
Rebellion against ship's officers
Negative response
Wooden prosthetic limb
Spanish silver coins worth eight reales
To rob or plunder violently
Sea robber operating without legal authority
Wooden board; also method of execution
To steal goods by force
Elevated deck at the ship's stern
Left side of the ship when facing forward
Young crew member who carries gunpowder
Authorized pirate operating under government commission
Captured enemy vessel or cargo
Raised deck near the stern reserved for officers
Second-in-command responsible for discipline and supplies
To reduce sail area; also underwater rock formation
System of ropes, chains, and tackle supporting masts and sails
Device holding an oar in place
Distilled spirit favored by sailors
To become stuck on shallow bottom
Experienced veteran sailor
Mischievous or untrustworthy person
Fast sailing vessel with fore-and-aft rigging
Disease caused by vitamin C deficiency
Insulting term for a contemptible person
To deliberately sink a ship by breaching the hull
Ability to maintain balance on a moving ship
Work song sung by sailors
Well-organized and properly maintained
Expression of shock or disbelief
Standing rigging supporting the mast
Single-masted sailing vessel
Order to distribute extra rum rations
Right side of the ship when facing forward
Rear section of the vessel
To lower the flag in surrender
To clean the deck; also a derogatory term
Daring swordsman or adventurer
To change direction by turning into the wind
Heavily intoxicated
Sail set above the lowest sail on a mast
Forced to walk off a board into the sea
To raise the anchor and depart
Young woman (archaic)
Direction from which the wind blows
Horizontal spar supporting a square sail
Expression of merriment or celebration
Many treasure hunt clues use maritime terminology
Understand hidden messages in historical treasure maps
Speak the language of legendary treasure hunters