The ceiling is the layer of planking fastened to the inner face of a vessel's framing timbers. Unlike a ceiling in a house, which is overhead, a ship's ceiling runs along the sides and bottom of the hold. It protects the outer hull from cargo damage, provides additional longitudinal strength, and keeps bulk goods from falling between the frames into the bilge.
Heard on the job
We need to replace a section of the ceiling in the lower hold where the forklift gouged the timber.
Insider tip
Landlubbers look up when they hear 'ceiling', but on a ship, the surface above your head is the overhead; the ceiling is the inner skin of the hull next to your feet.
Also heard as
- ceiling planking