Nautical Term: Bilgeway
Definition of Bilgeway
A bilgeway is a small opening or pipe that allows water to drain from the bilge, which is the lowest part of a ship’s hull. Bilgeways are essential for keeping the ship’s hold dry and preventing water damage.
For example, imagine a cargo ship that has been transporting grain across the Atlantic. After several weeks at sea, the ship’s crew notices that the bilge is starting to fill up with water. To prevent the ship from taking on too much water and potentially sinking, the crew quickly inspects the bilgeways to ensure that they are clear and functioning properly. Once the crew is satisfied that the bilgeways are in good working order, they can pump out the water from the bilge and prevent any further water damage to the ship.
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