Nautical Term: Beam
Definition of Beam
1. The beam of a vessel refers to (a) the registered breadth of the ship, measured at the exterior of the hull amidships or at its maximum breadth; or (b) a transverse structural member that supports a deck and/or reinforces the hull.
Example: During a routine inspection, the maritime surveyor measured the beam of a bulk carrier. The outside measurement of the ship’s hull amidships was found to be 48.5 meters (160 feet) – this value represents the beam of the vessel, as defined in (a) above.
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