Nautical Term: Bulwark
Definition of Bulwark
The term bulwark refers to a rigid barrier of stiffened plating located at the outboard edge of the main or upper deck. Its primary function is to prevent or inhibit the entry of the sea into the vessel. In addition to its use at the outboard edge of the deck, bulwarks may also be employed at the forward edges of superstructure decks, in lieu of safety railings, as a barrier to wind and spray.
Here’s an example of how bulwarks are used in a single paragraph:
The bulwark at the outboard edge of the upper deck effectively prevented the sea from entering the vessel during the heavy storm. Meanwhile, the bulwarks at the forward edges of the superstructure decks shielded the passengers from the strong winds and the stinging sea spray.
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