Aviation Standard Test Battery-E (ASTB E) Practice Test

In nautical terms, what does 'Gangway' signify?

1. A passageway on a ship

2. An opening for access or attention

3. An area to secure cargo

4. An order to get out of the way

The correct answer is: An order to get out of the way

The term 'Gangway' in nautical terminology typically refers to a passageway on a ship that provides access to and from the vessel. It is often used to describe the area where passengers embark or disembark and can also refer to the structure or gangplank used to facilitate this process. In many contexts, the call for 'gangway!' or a similar phrase serves as an alert to those on board or nearby that people need to move aside to allow safe passage. The choice that suggests 'gangway' is an order to get out of the way highlights an important practical use in naval settings, especially in busy or crowded situations. While 'gangway' does imply a need for individuals to make way for safe transit, it is inherently tied to the notion of access. In contrast, the other options refer to different meanings: the first talks about the physical structure, the second about open access or availability for attention, and the third relates to the securing of cargo, all of which are valid nautical terms but do not encapsulate the primary and immediate significance of 'gangway' as it is commonly used in maritime contexts. Thus, while the order to get out of the way is a practical implication of the term 'gangway', the