Berth

From ArticleWorld

The term Berth is used mainly in two contexts. With reference to ports, a berth is a location in a port or a harbor which is used for the purpose of mooring vessels while they are docked and not at sea. In the other context, it implies a bed on a boat or a ship. A third usage of the term is to describe the playoff positions for the teams who have had no initial competition in sports.

Locations in a port

The kinds of berths that may be found at ports are :

• General Berth – this is used for smaller shipments carrying general cargo. Some vessels have their own lifting equipment while others rely on mobile cranes provided by the ports.

• Container Berth – It is used for containers ranging from 20 – 40 feet (standard sizes). Container cranes are used for loading and unloading.

• Bulk Berth – They are used for bulk cargo. Loading and unloading is done using excavators, conveyor belts or pipelines.

• Product Berth – They are used for oil and gas related products of liquid nature. Loading is done through loading arms with pipelines.

• Marina Berth – This is mainly for use by individuals with their own leisure crafts. They can be accessed by hinged bridges.

Beds

In smaller yachts, bunks are fitted wherever possible due to shortage of space. These are known as berths and the different types have specific names :

• Quarter Berth – It is found in smaller boats where cabin is not possible. It comprises of a single bed under the cockpit.

• Settee Berth – Conventional model for small yachts where seats run along both the sides of the cabin with a table in the middle. At night, these seats function as beds. While at sea, lee – cloths are use to prevent falling of the bed.

• Pilot Berth – This is a narrow berth placed on a high position in the side of the cabin. A side of this berth may be “walled in” right upto the user’s chest. Small lockers or shelves may also be present on the partition so the bunk is “behind the furniture”.

• V-Berth – The extreme forward end of the hull of the yacht contains a separate cabin called the forespeak which has a v-shaped bunk. The bed is triangular because of the shape of the hull.