DICTIONARY OF

Bilge Piece 42 Bill of Sight
Bilge Piece. Another name for 'Bilge Keel'; but sometimes used to denote 'Bilge Keelson'.
Bilge Planks. Doubling planks put in way of bilges of wooden ships, either externally or
internally, to stiffen them.
Bilge Pump. Pump for drawing water from bilges. In modern ships this is operated by steam
or electricity. In sailing ships it was worked by hand; in Scandinavian sailing ships it was
compulsory to fit a windmill for working pumps.
Bilges. Spaces, between margin plates and ship's side, into which water drains, and from
which it can be pumped.
Bilge Shore. Wooden shore put under bilge of a vessel when in dry dock, or during building.
Bilge Water Alarm. Old fitting that caused a clockwork bell to ring when there was
excessive water in the bilges. Accumulated water raised a float that released an escapement
on bell.
Bilgeway. Foundation of the cradle that supports a vessel on the sliding ways during
building and launching.
Bill, of Anchor. Extreme and more or less pointed end of arm. Projects beyond fluke and
assists anchor to bite into the ground.
Billage.* Old form of 'Bilge'.
Billboard. Inclined ledge, either of iron or sheathed with iron, that supported flukes of
Admiralty pattern anchors when stowed.
Billet. Piece of steel, in an intermediate state, less than 36 inches sectional area.
Billet Head. Wooden post in bow of whaler, around which the harpoon line runs. 2.
Decorative work on stem of a ship with no figure-head.
Bill of Adventure. Signed document issued by a person who states that the goods shipped
by him belong to another person who stands by the risk or chance of the adventure. Also,
signed document given by master or agent to one who ships goods at his own risk.
Bill of Entry. Document rendered by H.M. Customs by exporters or importers when
shipping or unshipping goods. Gives nature, amount, and value of goods and declares port of
origin, or destination.
Bill of Health. Medical certificate given to master by Health authorities at a port. States
health conditions at that port and health conditions of ship's personnel. Can be 'Foul', 'Clean',
or 'Suspected', according to whether infectious disease exists, does not exist, or may exist.
Bill of Lading. Receipt given by shipmaster, or other representative of owner, to shipper of
cargo when received on board. Is not a contract of carriage but should epitomise the
conditions under which the goods specified are carried.
Bill of Sight. Entry at Customs when, owing to insufficient knowledge of goods, a Bill of
Entry cannot be made out. Goods are then landed, in presence of Customs Officers, and Bill
of Entry prepared.