A ship comprises several important components for every crew member to understand. By familiarizing yourself with these parts, you'll boost your confidence and improve your safety. Check out the image below, identify each section of the ship shown, and learn by heart each one.
Play an interactive game to review the essential components of a ship.
Essential components
COMPARTMENT NUMBERING
Each compartment in a ship is assigned a unique alphanumeric code that denotes its deck level, frame location, position relative to the centerline, and function.
To facilitate this identification, it has been established The Standard Navy Compartment Numbering System (SCNS), which is a systematic method for identifying and locating compartments aboard ships. This system ensures operational efficiency, safety, and ease of navigation through standardized labeling.
Deck Numbering. Ships number the main deck as 1. The first deck below the main deck is 2, the second below is 3, and the numbers continue sequentially for lower division boundaries.
For decks above the main deck, ships assign the first horizontal division the number 01, the second 02, and continue numbering consecutively for upper division boundaries.
Frame Numbering. The frame location number corresponds to the frame at the foremost bulkhead of the enclosing boundary of a compartment. If the forward boundary lies between frames, ships use the number of the foremost frame within the compartment.
Position in Relation to Centerline. Ships assign the number 0 to compartments that the centerline passes through.
Compartments to the starboard of the centerline receive odd numbers, while those to the port receive even numbers.
The first compartment outboard of the centerline to starboard is 1, the second is 3, and so on. Likewise, the first compartment outboard of the centerline to port is 2, the second is 4, and so forth.
In case that, the centerline pass through multiple compartments sharing the same forward bulkhead number, the compartment containing the portion of the forward bulkhead intersected by the centerline receives the number 0, while others carry numbers 01, 02, 03, etc.
Compartment Use. A capital letter identifies the primary use of a compartment. Typically, ships assign only one capital letter; however, dry and liquid cargo ships may use a double-letter system to designate compartments for carrying cargo. Specific guidelines determine the selection of letters.
| Code | Category | Usage |
| A | Dry stowage | Storerooms, issue rooms, refrigerated spaces |
| C | Ship control and fire control operating spaces | Plotting rooms, CIC, radio, radar, sonar operating spaces, pilothouse |
| E | Engineering spaces | Main propulsion spaces; pump, generator, and windlass rooms |
| F | Oil stowage | Fuel oil, diesel oil, and lubricating oil tanks |
| G | Gasoline stowage | Gasoline tank compartments, cofferdams, trunks, and pump rooms |
| J | JP-5 tanks | Aircraft fuel stowage |
| K | Chemicals and dangerous materials | Stowage of chemicals and semi-safe and dangerous materials, except oil and gasoline tanks |
| L | Living spaces | Berthing and messing spaces, medical and dental areas, and passageways |
| M | Ammunition | Stowage and handling |
| Q | Spaces not otherwise covered | Ship’s offices, laundry rooms, galleys, pantries, and wiring trunks |
| T | Vertical access trunks | |
| V | Voids | Cofferdam compartments, other than gasoline; void wing compartments |
| W | Water stowage | Compartments storing water, including bilge, sump, and peak tanks |
| AA, FF, and GG | Spaces used to carry cargo. |
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