Nautical Term: Sluice
Definition of Sluice
A sluice is an opening in the lower part of a watertight bulkhead. This opening is fitted with a sliding watertight gat or door, which is operated by a rod that extends to the upper deck or decks. Sluices are particularly useful in center line bulkheads, as they allow water to be quickly admitted to the other side of the ship in case of damage to one side.
For example, consider a large container ship that is sailing through rough seas. Suddenly, a rogue wave crashes against the starboard side of the ship, causing significant damage to the hull and flooding several compartments.
In response to this emergency situation, the crew quickly takes action to prevent the ship from capsizing. They close all watertight doors and hatches, except for the sluices in the center line bulkheads.
By leaving the sluices open, the crew allows water to flow through the damaged compartments and be discharged over the side of the ship through the open sluices. This action helps to maintain the stability of the ship and prevent it from capsizing in the stormy seas.
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