| Contary to popular thought every ship is not prefixed ss. There are dozens of ship prefixes, these denote what type of vessel it is. For the purpose of this site I have only listed those prefixes that are used on Macdonald - A History of Men and the Sea. |
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| Prefix |
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| ak. |
Auxiliary Ketch |
A ketch rigged sailing vessel fitted with a small engine for auxiliary power |
| as. |
Auxiliary Schooner |
A schooner rigged sailing vessel fitted with a small engine for auxiliary power |
| H.M.T |
His Majesty's Transport |
Prefix given to merchant vessels aquired for use in war for the transport of men, equipment and stores |
| mv. |
Motor Vessel |
A vessel with it's main propulsion being a fuel powered engine |
| R.M.S |
Royal Mail Steamer |
A steamship charged with the carriage of British mail and entitled to fly the Royal Mail Pennant. |
| tsmv. |
Twin Screw Motor Vessel |
Same as above but with 2 propellers (Screws) |
| ss. |
Steam Ship |
A vessel with it's main propulsion being a steam powered engine |
