DICTIONARY OF

Chain Slings 77 Chapclling
Chain Slings. In general, any slings made of chain. Applied to the slings of a yard when
made of chain instead of rope.
Chain Splice. Method of splicing rope to link of chain. One strand is unlaid and two
strands passed through link; one of these two strands is laid up in space of strand taken out,
and is half knotted to that strand. Other strand is tucked as usual.
Chain Stopper. Length of chain, about a fathom, used for holding a wire under stress
while the wire is manipulated.
Chain Top.* Additional sling (of chain) put on lower yards of warships before going into
action.
Chain Towing. Method used, by ferry craft, to pass between the two terminals by hauling
on a chain lying on the bottom and secured at each end.
Chain Well.* Former name for a chain locker.
Chamber of Shipping of U.K. Body formed to promote and protect the interests of British
shipowners. Received Royal Charter, 1922.
Change of Moon. Instant when centres of Sun and Moon are on same celestial meridian,
and a new lunation commences.
Change of Trim. Alteration in the difference between the forward and after draughts of a
floating ship.
Change the Mizzen. To brace the crossjack yard so that the mizzen course is on a tack
different from the remaining sails.
Change Tide. Tide occurring at change of Moon, and, therefore, nearly a spring tide.
Channel. Narrow arm of sea between two land areas. 2. Deepest part of a body of water, and
through which main current flows. 3. Longitudinal hollow or cavity. 4. Flat projection from
side of a ship to give spread to rigging (usually called 'chains'). 5. Standard rolled steel
section in form of three sides of a rectangle.
Channel Bar. Rolled steel section having three sides of a rectangle.
Channel Bolt. Long bolt that passes through chains, or channels and side planking of a
wooden ship; so clamping the chains to the side.
Channel Money. Advance payment of money due to a seaman 48 hours before being paid
off. Is £2, or one-quarter of wages due, whichever is the lesser.
Channel Pilot. Pilot engaged in conducting ships in English Channel, or other specified
channel. 2. A book of sailing directions for navigation of the English Channel.
Channel Plates. 'Chain Plates.'
Channel Wale. That strake of side planking, of wooden ship, that carries a chain plate.
Chanty. Nautical song of merchant seamen. Used to co-ordinate effort when hauling on a
rope, or heaving at capstan or windlass.
Chapelling. Putting a close-hauled vessel's head through the wind without bracing head
yards. May be deliberate, or through negligence of helmsman. Word is sometimes applied to
wearing in same circumstances, but this is a later application of the word.