DICTIONARY OF

Siren 314 Skimming Dish
Siren. Fitting that gives a powerful and penetrating sound that is caused by passage of
steam, or air, through a rotating disc with numerous perforations. Can be trained horizontally
so that maximum volume of sound can be emitted in any required direction. 2. Mermaid. In
Greek mythology these were supposed to lure ships to destruction by resting on a rock and
singing sweetly.
Sirenia. Marine mammals that feed on aquatic vegetation.
Sirius. Star Canis Majoris. S.H.A. 259°; Dec. S17°; Mag. 1-6. Has a small companion,
Sirius B. Sirius A has diameter about 1-8 that of Sun, but candlepower is 26 times greater.
Distant about nine light years; temperature 11,200° A. Is the brightest star in the sky. Name
is Greek for 'Scorcher'.
Sirocco. 'Scirocco.'
Sisal. Fibre obtained from the agave plant of Mexico, Yucatan, and British East Africa. Used
for rope making.
Sister Block. Two sheaves, one above the other, in same shell. Shell is shaped with flat,
circular ends and a short circular shaft between the two sheaves.
Sister Keelson. An internal keelson running along either bilge.
Sister Ship. Ship built to same design and dimensions as another. 2. Ship belonging to same
owner as another.
Sister Ship Clause. An Institute Time Clause that refers collisions between ships of the
same ownership to the judgment of an arbitrator agreed upon by insurers and owner.
Sixern. Shetland Isles fishing boat. Double-ended, about 22 ft. long.
Sixteen Bells. Eight double strokes on ship's bell; customarily struck at midnight when new
year commences. Eight bells are for 24 hours of passing year, eight bells for 00 hours of
New Year.
Sixty-fourth. Minimum legal share in a registered ship. One share constitutes part
ownership: there can thus be up to 64-registered owners of a ship.
Skeg. Angular member, or knee, connecting and bracing keel and stern post of a wooden
vessel.
Skeg Shore. Shore put under skeg of a vessel to steady her at the moment of launching.
Skerry. Reefs or rocky islets.
Skid. Thwartship beam or girder on which a boat is stowed. 2. Timber placed horizontally to
facilitate the sliding of heavy weights. 3. Wooden fender placed vertically on ship's side to
keep cargo clear when loading or discharging.
Skid Beam. One of the beams supporting a light deck on which boats are stowed.
Skiff. Small, lightly-built boat used in sheltered waters. May be propelled by oars or sail.
Skimming Dish. Small sailing craft having broad beam and fairly flat bottom.