1 Whistle Pass In cases where 2 vessels are approaching each other, the vessels agree to pass each other "port-to-port" (akin to normal two-way street traffic on US highways). In the case of a vessel overtaking another, a 1 whistle pass means the overtaking vessel will pass the slower vessel's starboard side (i.e. slower vessel will be passed on its right side).

2 Whistle Pass In cases where 2 vessels are approaching each other, the vessels agree to pass each other "starboard-to-starboard" (akin to two-way street traffic in England!). In the case of a vessel overtaking another, a 2 whistle pass means the overtaking vessel will pass the slower vessel's port side (i.e. slower vessel will be passed on its left side).

Backing Around This is a technique used in windy conditions to move the stern of the boat into the wind. The bow is firmly moored and the paddlewheel is put into reverse. The pilotwheel is turned hard-over, causing the boat to pivot around the bow mooring.

Backing Down The process of switching the paddlewheel into reverse.

Bicycle Boat Early steamboats turned the paddlewheel by moving a connecting rod known as a pitman arm. By the 1890's, some riverboats began using large sprocket gears and chains to turn the paddlewheel. These boats were known as "Bicycle Boats" because their chain-drive resembled that of a bicycle.

Bucket Another name for a paddlewheel board, typically made of white oak.

Cribbing Describes the way timbers are stacked underneath a vessel (or any large object) to support it, as it is slowly raised.

Dog Legging The shallow draft of western riverboats can allow the wind to significantly affect steering. Dog legging describes the way shallow-draft vessels must angle (or tack) into strong winds.

Galvanized Steel A method of rust-proofing steel by coating it with zinc. Steel sternwheel hulls were typically galvanized to resist rust and corrosion.

Hog Chain The hog chain is a solid steel cable or rod which helps support the weight of the paddlewheel and other structures. Hog chains often incorporate double-threaded turnbuckles, which makes them adjustable. Wooden hulled sternwheelers required several sets of hog chains throughout the vessel for structural support.

Hog Truss A hog truss is a solid supporting beam, such as a wooden post or steel angle iron, upon which a hog chain applies leverage to. The BARBARA H's hog trussing is anchored to the transom and keelsons in the stern portion of its hull. They extend out to the fantail to support the weight of the paddlewheel assembly.

Lazy Bench A small bench located in the back of the pilothouse (and also sometimes know as a "Liar's Bench"). It provides a place for the pilot to rest. It is also used as extra seating for crew members and visitors.

m/v Abbreviation for "Motorized Vessel" - one of the terms used by the Coast Guard to categorize vessels of specific types.

Packet Steamboat Refers to the type of steam powered vessels that dominated America's river systems in the 1800's. Packet boats were designed to transport people and commerce on the larger rivers. The first packet boat was built in 1811. The last true packet boats were built during the first decade of the 20th century. By the 1930's the packet steamboat was practically extinct.

Pilot The person who actually steers the ship. A good Pilot is familiar with the waters they are navigating, and can avoid hidden dangers, such as snags and sandbars. A Captain, on the other hand, has the foremost authority and responsibility of a vessel. On smaller vessels the Captain and Pilot may be the same person, or have overlapping job functions.

Port Assuming you are aboard a ship and looking forward, the left side of the ship is the Port side.

Shakedown Cruise A test run of a vessel to "shakeout" any problems that may need to be fixed. Shakedowns may also be done after any major repairs during the season.

Speaking Tube A pipe which is used as a low-tech method for communicating between the decks of a ship.

Spring Line A mooring line used to help secure the boat in high-wind or storm conditions. The regular mooring lines can snap if they are pulled tight too quickly by the wind. In windy conditions, the spring line slows the boat's rate of movement before the regular mooring lines become too tightly bound. A spring line is much longer than the regular mooring lines and has plenty of slack. It is tied from the boat to the shore as high as possible, allowing the weight of the rope to hold the boat firmly to the dock.

Starboard Assuming you are aboard a ship and looking forward, the right side of the ship is the Starboard side.