Nautical Term: Waterway

Definition of Waterway

A gutter-like feature located on the sheltered deck at the midship section of a ship. This recess, often referred to as a scupper, facilitates the removal of excess water that has accumulated in the gutter. Once the water reaches the scupper, it flows through the scupper and back into the sea.

For example: During a heavy storm at sea, the cargo ship began to take on water through various sources, including the scupper located on the midship deck. The crew, aware of the situation, worked diligently to remove as much water as possible from the ship before it became a danger to the crew and the cargo. They were able to successfully navigate the storm and return to port with minimal damage to the ship.

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