Aft - Essentially the rear of a ship. In the direction of the stern.
Alongside - Usually referring to a ship moored to a wharf or another vessel.
BCT - Basic Common Training. Initial training for all sailor trades: Training
Boatswain - historical term used to describe a sailor. They are also referred to as a Bosun or Bos'n. See Seaman Combat Specialist or Combat Systems Specialist jobs.
Bow - The front of a boat/ship.
Captain's Table - does not mean you'll be getting an invite to eat with the Captain. It is the term used for a variety of activities, for example to attend a disciplinary hearing, or to receive an award or promotion.
Civvy or civie - slang term used for civilian (non-military) personnel.
Deck - The floor. Can be used in reference within a ship or any building on a navy base (as the base is referred to as a ship).
Deckhead - The ceiling. Can be used in reference within a ship or any building on a navy base.
Ensign - 'Ensign' refers to both a flag and an officers rank. The New Zealand White Ensign is the protected flag of the RNZN which can only be flown on commissioned ships or with the Chief of Navy's permission.
Fleet - refers to a collective of ships.
Flotsam - Any floating cargo, stores, or damaged equipment which have floated off a wrecked or damaged vessel.
Galley - The galley is the ship's kitchen.
Gangway - This term means a space made in the guard rails at a ship's side which the brow is hauled to bridge the gap between ship and jetty or a ladder is rigged.
Gunner's run or Gun Run - A demonstration or race where gunners (Seaman Combat Specialists) disassemble, re-assemble and fire weaponery.
Head(s) - referring to the toilets. Can be used in reference within a ship or any building on a navy base.
Helm - The helm is the position from which the ship is steered.
Helmsman - The the helmsman is the person who steers the ship. A helmsman is likely to be a sailor under direction from an officer.
Irish Pennant - refers to a thread or stray rope ends hanging untidily.
Jack or Jack Tar - Common term used for a sailor (more recently a male sailor).
Jetsam - Stores or equipment deliberately thrown over side to lighten a ship.
Jettison - To cast overboard.
JOCT - Junior Officer Common Training. Initial training for all Officers.
Knot - Speed in nautical miles per hour.
Kit - Collective term for your uniform and job related belongings.
Landfall - First sight of land after a sea passage.
Lay up - To take a ship out of service for an indeterminate length of time.
Make And Mend - Half day during a working week that was originally set aside to repair and replace kit. The RNZN still grants make and mend days over and above standard annual leave.
Mess - refers to the kitchen or dining room. Can be used in reference within a ship or any building on a navy base.
Officer - The leaders and management of the Navy. In the RNZN you join either as a Sailor or an Officer. See Officers and Management.
Oscar - A stuffed dummy used for man overboard drills. The name is derived from the flag, OSCAR, which is hoisted when a real man-overboard occurs.
Port - Port has multiple meanings; a location to tie up to a wharf, the windows or holes in the ships side; the left hand side of a ship as you face forward.
Pusser - nickname given to Supply Officers. See Supply Officer.
Quarter-master - Senior seaman or officer, also the helmsman.
Rack - a bunk or bed.
Rating or Rate - terms used for a sailor.
Rhib (RHIB) - Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat. Pronounced RIB.
Rig of the Day - The uniform to be worn for a specific activity or event. There are usually two uniforms; a dress uniform and a working uniform. These change out for summer and winter.
Sailor - Sailors are the practical hands-on personnel of the Navy. Also referred to as Ratings or Rates.
Selection Board - Process which Officers and Navy Divers have to complete prior to their initial training. Selection board involves additional interviews or tests over and above the standard entry Aptitute testing.
Ship's Company - refers to all members of the ship.
Slides - phrase used to refer to the rank worn on the shoulders.
Snottie - A derogatory term for midshipmen. See Climbing the Ranks for the RNZN structure.
Stand easy - To "stand easy" is a parade command, meaning to assume a relaxed posture. On board a ship, the command "stand easy" refers to a "coffee break".
Starboard; starboard side - The right-hand side of the ship as you face forward.
Stern - The rear end of the ship.
Stoker - a term used for Marine Engineers and Marine Technicians. The term "stoker" derives from the days of coal-fired boilers and steam engines. See Marine Technician or Marine Engineer.
Tiddley - to keep neat, smart, and clean.
Wardroom - the Officers' mess. There are different messes for senior and junior ranks and Sailor and Officer messes are kept separate.
Work Up - To conduct [duties] exercises on board a ship in in order to develop the capability of the ship.
Writer - term used to describe an administrator. See Operational Administrator.
XO - Executive Officer. Second-in-command of a ship.
Yeoman - The senior signalman on board. See Communications Operator.
Zoomie - Air Force personnel.