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IS 7314 : 1974Glossary of terms relating to port and harbour engineering

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PIANC Maritime Dictionary · BS 6349-1-1 · Technical Standards for Port and Harbour Facilities in Japan
CurrentSpecializedTerminologyBIMTransportation · Ports and Harbours
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IS 7314:1974 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for glossary of terms relating to port and harbour engineering. This standard provides a comprehensive glossary of terms used in the field of port and harbour engineering. It aims to standardize terminology for engineers, planners, and operators involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of coastal and maritime infrastructure. The definitions cover various aspects including structures, natural phenomena, and operational activities.

Glossary of terms relating to port and harbour engineering

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Transportation — Ports and Harbours
Type
Terminology
International equivalents
PIANC Maritime Dictionary · PIANC (The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure), InternationalBS 6349-1-1:2013 · BSI (British Standards Institution), United KingdomTechnical Standards for Port and Harbour Facilities in Japan · OCDI (The Overseas Coastal Area Development Institute of Japan), JapanASCE/COPRI MOP 130 · ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) / COPRI (Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Rivers Institute), USA

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Essential for writing clear and unambiguous technical specifications, contracts, and reports for port/harbour projects.
! Use this document to resolve terminological disputes between different stakeholders (e.g., client, consultant, contractor).
! While the standard is old, the fundamental definitions remain relevant; however, it should be supplemented with modern international terminology (e.g., from PIANC) for new concepts.
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International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
PIANC Maritime DictionaryPIANC (The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure), International
HighCurrent
PIANC Maritime Dictionary
Directly equivalent online glossary covering waterborne transport infrastructure, including ports and harbours.
BS 6349-1-1:2013BSI (British Standards Institution), United Kingdom
MediumCurrent
Maritime works — Part 1-1: General — Code of practice for planning and design
A comprehensive design code whose introductory section provides an extensive, modern glossary of terms.
Technical Standards for Port and Harbour Facilities in JapanOCDI (The Overseas Coastal Area Development Institute of Japan), Japan
MediumCurrent
Technical Standards and Commentaries for Port and Harbour Facilities in Japan
A highly detailed performance-based design standard that includes precise definitions for all relevant terminology.
ASCE/COPRI MOP 130ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) / COPRI (Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Rivers Institute), USA
LowCurrent
Waterfront Facilities Inspection and Assessment
A manual of practice focused on inspection, which contains a glossary of terms specific to that context but widely applicable.
Key Differences
≠IS 7314:1974 is a static document from 1974 and lacks terminology for modern port operations, such as containerization (e.g., 'TEU', 'Post-Panamax'), logistics, and automated systems, which are well-defined in current international standards.
≠International standards like PIANC reports and BS 6349 often include diagrams and illustrations to clarify complex terms (e.g., types of breakwaters, quay wall components), a feature absent in the text-only IS 7314.
≠IS 7314 is purely a glossary. Modern equivalents like BS 6349 are integrated codes of practice where definitions are presented within the broader context of planning, design, and safety, making them more practical.
≠Modern international standards extensively cover environmental and ecological terminology (e.g., 'beneficial use of dredged material', 'ecological enhancement'), which was not a primary focus in 1974 and is therefore missing from IS 7314.
≠International glossaries are harmonized with related bodies like the IHO (International Hydrographic Organization) for datums and navigation, ensuring consistency. IS 7314 reflects the national practice of its time.
Key Similarities
≈The primary purpose of both IS 7314 and its international counterparts is identical: to establish a standard, unambiguous vocabulary for professionals in the port and harbour engineering field.
≈Fundamental and timeless concepts such as 'Breakwater', 'Jetty', 'Wharf', 'Tide', 'Wave Height', and 'Dredging' have conceptually similar definitions across all standards.
≈Both IS 7314 and other standards logically group terms into categories like Natural Phenomena, Works and Structures, and Operations for systematic and easy reference.
≈Definitions for basic structural types like gravity walls, caissons, and pile-supported piers are fundamentally consistent, as the underlying engineering principles have not changed.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
DolphinAn isolated structure in or near a harbour...for mooring or berthing vessels.An isolated marine structure distinguished by function: 'Berthing Dolphin' (to absorb vessel impact) and 'Mooring Dolphin' (to resist mooring line forces).PIANC Dictionary
Chart DatumA plane of reference below which the tide is not expected to fall.The plane to which sounding depths are referenced on a nautical chart, standardized as the Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) by the IHO.BS 6349-1-1:2013
QuayA solid structure alongside or projecting into a harbour, river or canal...where vessels may be moored.A wharf structure, typically parallel to the shoreline, which retains earth on its landward side.PIANC Dictionary
Containerization Terms (e.g., TEU)Not included in the 1974 standard.TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) is a standard unit for counting containers. A 40-ft container is two TEUs.PIANC / All modern standards
FenderA device to prevent a vessel from being damaged by striking against a quay, another vessel, etc.A system designed to absorb the kinetic energy of a berthing vessel to prevent damage to both the vessel and the berthing structure.BS 6349-4:2014
Risk and ReliabilityTerminology related to probabilistic design or risk is not present.Includes terms like 'Limit State', 'Partial Safety Factor', 'Characteristic Action', and 'Design Life' as part of risk-based design philosophy.BS 6349-1-1:2013
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

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Tables & Referenced Sections

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Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the difference between a 'jetty' and a 'wharf' according to the code?+
A jetty is a structure projecting from land out into the water. A wharf is a structure built parallel to the shore for berthing vessels.
What is the definition of 'littoral drift'?+
The movement of beach material (like sand or shingle) along the coastline, primarily caused by waves breaking at an angle to the shore.
What is a 'breakwater'?+
A structure constructed to protect a harbour, anchorage, or a section of the coast from the direct force of waves.
What is the difference between a 'port' and a 'harbour'?+
A harbour is a sheltered body of water providing protection for vessels. A port is a harbour area that includes terminals and facilities for the transfer of cargo and passengers.

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