Glossary of Marine Terms
W
water hardening
high carbon grades of tool steel, straight carbon steels and low alloy steels that are hardened by quenching in water during the heat treating operation.
watertight
of such construction or fit as to prevent the passage of water, except when structural discontinuity, physical rupture, or purposeful opening may occur.
wheel
another term for a propeller; also, a boat’s steering wheel.
WHL
West of Harvey Lock; used with mileage designations on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Harvey Lock being mile zero.
work hardening
an increase in hardness and strength caused by plastic deformation at temperatures lower than the recrystallization range.
worst case discharge
as defined by section 311(a)(24) of the CWA means, in the case of a vessel, a discharge in adverse weather conditions of its entire cargo, and in the case of an offshore facility or onshore facility, the largest foreseeable discharge in adverse weather conditions.
WQIS
Water Quality Insurance Syndicate; an underwriting agency formed by various insurance companies for the purpose of insuring against losses resulting from water pollution.
