After Deck

The portion of a vessel’s deck located towards the stern, or rear, of the ship.

The after deck, sometimes referred to as the aft deck, is a crucial area on a vessel, particularly in larger ships and yachts. The section of the deck is located towards the stern, which is the rear part of the vessel. The aft deck can serve multiple purposes depending on the type of vessel. On cargo ships, it may be used for storage or for accessing machinery, while on passenger vessels or yachts, it is often a social or recreational area where passengers can enjoy the view or engage in leisure activities. Depending on the vessel’s design, the aft deck is typically open to the elements, though it may sometimes be partially covered or enclosed. 

The aft deck is significant in terms of navigation and ship handling because it is close to the stern, where the ship’s rudder and propellers are located. This proximity can make it a strategic location for crew members to monitor the ship’s wake or to handle mooring lines when docking. The aft deck can also provide access to the ship’s tender or lifeboats, which are often stored towards the vessel’s rear. In sailing vessels, the after deck may also house important rigging and equipment for controlling the sails.