What term refers to the rear of a vessel?

The term that refers to the rear of a vessel is "stern." In nautical terminology, understanding the different parts of a boat is essential for safe navigation and communication among boaters. The stern is specifically the back part of the vessel, where operations like docking or navigating from the rear take place.

The bow, which is the opposite of the stern, refers to the front of the boat. Freeboard is the distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, which helps measure how much of the vessel is above the water's surface, but does not pertain to its rear. The beam describes the width of the vessel at its widest point, also not related to the directional terminology used for parts of the boat. Being familiar with these terms can enhance your understanding of boating safety and operation in Tennessee waters.