Pooped

Struck or swept by a sea breaking over the vessel’s stern.

A vessel is pooped when a following wave overtakes it and breaks onto the poop deck, afterdeck or cockpit. Water may flood open spaces, damage equipment or enter the accommodation, but the word does not necessarily mean that the vessel has been completely swamped.

The risk increases in steep following seas, particularly if speed and steering allow the stern to be caught by a breaking crest. Closures, drainage, securing arrangements and the vessel’s handling all affect the consequences.