Which term describes the direction across the width of a ship?

The term that describes the direction across the width of a ship is "athwartships." This term is essential in nautical contexts as it provides a clear reference to lateral movement or positioning on a vessel. It pertains to anything that is oriented side to side, perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction, which is the lengthwise direction of the ship.

Understanding "athwartships" is crucial for navigational instruction, safety, and the overall communication aboard a vessel. For instance, when discussing cargo placement, stability issues, or the movement of personnel and equipment, "athwartships" clearly indicates that the topic concerns the width of the ship rather than its length.

The other terms have specific meanings that do not refer to the direction across the width. "Inboard" refers to something that is towards the interior of the ship. "Centerline" indicates an imaginary line that runs lengthwise along the middle of the ship, while "port" refers specifically to the left side of the ship when facing forward. Each of these terms serves important functions, but none describes the width of the ship like "athwartships."