“Athwartship” is a nautical term used to describe a direction or position perpendicular to the centerline of a ship, running from one side to the other. It is also referred to as “athwartships” or “athwart.”
When something is positioned or oriented athwartship, it means it is positioned or oriented from side to side, crossing the width of the vessel. For example, a bulkhead or a beam that runs athwartship is positioned perpendicular to the ship’s length, extending from port (left) to starboard (right).
Athwartship can also be used to describe the direction or movement of a vessel. If a ship moves athwartship, it is moving sideways or laterally, across the width of the ship.
The term “athwartship” is particularly useful in describing the layout, construction, or movement within a ship when referring to elements that are positioned or oriented perpendicular to the ship’s length.
In summary, “athwartship” is a nautical term used to indicate a direction or position that is perpendicular to the centerline of a ship, running from side to side across the width of the vessel.