Forward

The section of a vessel that is located towards the bow, or front, of the ship.

Forward refers to the area or direction towards the bow (front) of a vessel. This term is essential for navigation and orientation on board, as it helps crew members and passengers understand the layout of the ship. On a vessel, the opposite of forward is “aft,” which refers to the direction towards the stern (back) of the ship. The forward part of a ship typically includes critical areas such as the forecastle, anchor windlass, and sometimes crew quarters, depending on the vessel’s design. In terms of movement, when a vessel is said to be moving “forward,” it means it is progressing in the direction of the bow. This term is used universally across all types of vessels, from small boats to large ships, and is a fundamental part of maritime vocabulary. Understanding the concept of forward is crucial for effective communication on board, especially during manoeuvres, docking, or emergency situations. For instance, when a crew member is instructed to “go forward,” they are being directed to move towards the bow of the ship.

Commonly pronounced as ‘forr-ard’.