CATOBS
- snag/stump: a tree, branch or broken pile
embedded in the ocean floor, river or lake bottom and not visible on the surface, forming
thereby a hazard to vessels. (IHO Dictionary, S-32, 5th Edition, 4794)
- wellhead: a submarine structure projecting some
distance above the seabed and capping a temporarily abandoned or suspended oil or gas
well. (IHO Dictionary, S-32, 5th Edition, 5976)
- diffuser: a structure on an outfall through
which liquids are discharged. The structure will usually project above the level of the
outfall and can be an obstruction to navigation.
- crib: a permanent structure set in the water,
framed with wooden beams and filled with rocks or boulders. They are used to anchor log
booms or support other constructions, e.g. submerged outfalls, diffusers etc.. They may
always be dry, submerged or cover and uncover.
- fish haven: areas established by private
interests, usually sport fishermen, to simulate natural reefs and wrecks that attract
fish. The reefs are constructed by dumping assorted junk in areas which may be of very
small extent or may stretch a considerable distance along a depth contour. Also called
fishery reefs.
- foul area: an area of numerous unidentified
dangers to navigation. The area serves as a warning to the mariner that all dangers are
not identified individually and that navigation through the area may be hazardous.
Commonly used to encode areas behind danger lines on navigation charts. (adapted from IHO
Dictionary, S-32, 5th Edition, 1915)
- foul ground: areas over which it is safe to
navigate but which should be avoided for anchoring, taking the ground or ground fishing.
(IHO Chart Specifications, S-4, 442.8)
- ice boom: floating barriers, anchored to the
bottom, used to deflect the path of floating ice in order to prevent the obstruction of
locks, intakes, etc., and to prevent damage to bridge piers and other structures.
(Canadian Hydrographic Service, Chart specifications).
- ground tackle: equipment such as anchors,
concrete blocks, chains and cables, etc., used to position floating structures such as
trot and mooring buoys etc.
- boom: a floating barrier used to protect a river or harbour mouth or to create a sheltered area for storage purpouses. (IHO Dictionary, S-32, 5th Edition, 505)