Nautical Term: Oil bag
Definition of Oil bag
An oil bag is a heavy-duty container, typically made of robust fabric or durable materials, designed to hold a significant amount of oil. The filled oil bag is then secured over the side of a vessel using three ropes or lines, known as trices, thereby creating a slick or an oil film on the surface of the rough sea. This prevents the waves from breaking and keeps the vessel moving smoothly in the harsh marine conditions.
For instance, during a stormy night at sea, the crew of a cargo ship might decide to deploy an oil bag to keep the seas from breaking and to ensure the safe passage of their vessel through the tumultuous marine conditions.
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