Published:25th October 202430th August 2026 Last Updated:30th August 2026

General Nautical Terminology | Nautical Topics | Parts of a Boat | Safety

Head

The toilet compartment or toilet installation aboard a vessel.

The word can refer to the marine toilet itself or to the enclosed space containing it. The name is traditionally associated with toilets once located near the bow, or head, of sailing ships, where wind and sea helped carry waste away.

Modern heads may be manual, electric, vacuum or portable and connect to a holding tank or approved discharge arrangement. Users must understand the valves and pumping sequence because incorrect operation can cause blockage, flooding or unlawful discharge. This post is distinct from the separate Head entry for the top of a sail.

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Alternative Meanings:

Head

The uppermost corner or edge of a sail.

On a triangular mainsail or headsail, the head is the reinforced corner from which the sail is hoisted by its halyard. It may carry a headboard, cringle, shackle or another fitting suited to the sail and rig.

On four-sided sails, the upper edge may be a head rather than a single corner. This post covers the sail meaning only; the separate glossary post titled Head covers the nautical name for a toilet.

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