Nautical Term: Heave the lead
Definition of Heave the lead
Heaving the lead refers to the process of taking a sounding measurement using a hand lead to determine the depth of the water and locate the bottom.
For instance, imagine a sailor on a small boat preparing to navigate through a rocky channel. To ensure the safety of his vessel, the sailor takes a sounding using heaving the lead to determine the depth of the water and the location of any potential hazards, such as rocks or submerged obstacles. By utilizing the process of heaving the lead, the sailor is able to navigate through the channel safely and confidently.
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