Glossary of maritime terminology

An ICCP (Impressed Current Cathodic Protection) system is an electrochemical process that protects and prevents the metal surfaces of ships becoming corroded due to their constant exposure to salt water and salty air. ICCP systems consist of sacrificial anodes which are connected to an external power source to apply a controlled electrical current to the metal.

An icebreaker ship is a vessel that has been designed to break ice. Specifically so that other vessels have a clear path through icy and frozen waters. This enables trade to keep moving and stops the global supply chain grinding to a halt.

An immersion suit, also sometimes referred to as a survival suit, falls under the personal life saving appliances category and is a waterproof all-in-one garment that provides the wearer with protection against hypothermia when they are in cold water or otherwise exposed. Immersion suits are most commonly used after abandoning ship, particularly when in open seas.

IMO stands for the International Maritime Organization. It was established in 1958 through the United Nations to coordinate international maritime safety and related practices.

An impeller speed log is an instrument used to measure the speed of a  boat or yacht through the water. The principle of this type of log is whereby a paddle wheel or impeller is attached to the bottom of a vessel’s hull. This impeller rotates as the boat moves through the water and the log converts the rotation into electrical signals to determine the speed.

An Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system is an electrochemical process that protects and prevents the metal surfaces of ships becoming corroded due to their constant exposure to salt water and salty air. ICCP systems consist of sacrificial anodes which are connected to an external power source to apply a controlled electrical current to the metal.

In shipping terms, the incinerator is a vital piece of machinery as it helps to reduce the cost of disposing of waste for shipping companies. The incinerator is used to burn both the liquid and solid waste that vessel’s produce as part of their day-to-day activities and operations. In accordance to IMO regulations the following waste can be burned  - in an IMO certified ship incinerator:

1. Food scraps and waste
2. Wood, plastic and cardboard
   
3. Paint scrapings
   
4. Sludge oil and waste lubrication oil
   
5. Rubber, cloth, oily rags and lube oil filters
   
6. Diesel engine scavenge scraping
   
7. Contaminated water 
   
8. Medical waste
   

India stands for the letter I in the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, which is most often referred to as the NATO Phonetic Alphabet or simply the Phonetic Alphabet. This is the most commonly used group of code words used to clearly communicate the letters of the Roman alphabet, particularly over the radio and is essential in helping seafarers give and receive messages, orders and instructions clearly and correctly.

 An Inert Gas System is a method used in gas tankers to prevent an explosion in the cargo tanks. This entails replacing the cargo (the gas) as it is pumped out by an inert gas. This is usually the exhaust of the tanker’s engine.

Inland waters refers to water that is inland - such as streams, rivers, canals, lakes and waterways, as well as bays, estuaries and inlets.

INMARSAT stands for International Maritime Satellite System. A communications system to enable those onboard a vessel to communicate with the shore or other vessels.

The intercommunications system, also known as intercommunication device or simply  intercom, is an electronic communications system that allows for dialogue between different areas of the ship, for example between the engine room and the bridge. Intercommunication systems, in maritime terms, are generally meant to facilitate brief or even private conversations such as those making announcements or giving directions or orders. Intercommunication devices can be portable (i.e. walkie talkies) or permanently mounted. 

An intermodal shipment is a shipment of goods that uses different modes of transport to arrive at its destination. For example, goods reach the port via rail, are loaded onto a ship, and then onto trucks once they've reached their destination port.

 An International Load Line Certificate is a certificate which states that a vessel has been inspected and the appropriate load lines (also called the Plimsoll line) have been marked on the sides. The certificate is issued either by a coast guard or other appropriate authority or a classification society.

The International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, most often referred to as the NATO Phonetic Alphabet or simply the Phonetic Alphabet, is the most commonly used group of code words used to clearly communicate the letters of the Roman alphabet, particularly over the radio.

You may also hear the alphabet called the NATO Spelling Alphabet, the ICAO Phonetic Alphabet and the ICAO Spelling Alphabet. (ICAO being the International Civil Aviation Organization.)

The code words used, from a to Z are: Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, Xray, Yankee and  Zulu.

An international waterway is a waterway that flows through two or more nations. In maritime terminology, these can be anything from interocean and inland rivers and canals to international straits. Vessels, including merchant ships and warships, have the right to free passage through these waterways, providing there is no enforced treaty.

Also referred to as coastwise or coastal service, intracoastal is the freight term used for a domestic shipping route that runs along a single coastline.