Nautical Term: Scupper hose

Definition of Scupper hose

A scupper hose is an auxiliary water conduit made of canvas or another flexible material. It is affixed to the exterior of a scupper hole, which is a small opening in the side of a ship that allows water to flow in and out. The scupper hose extends from the scupper hole down to the water level, where it effectively functions as a drainage pipe, channeling water away from the ship’s side. This setup is particularly useful during heavy rain or when the ship is docking or mooring, as it helps to prevent water from accumulating on the ship’s deck or causing damage to the hull. In essence, a scupper hose serves as an essential safety feature on any ship, ensuring that water is effectively drained away from the vessel and keeping it safe and dry.

As an example, let’s imagine a large cargo ship that is transporting goods from one country to another. During a storm at sea, heavy rain beats down on the ship’s deck, causing water to accumulate in the scupper holes. In response, the crew quickly attaches temporary scupper hoses to the exterior of the scupper holes. These hoses effectively drain away the excess water,

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