Quarterdeck

The Quarterdeck is a higher deck in the aft part of a ship.

In tall ships it refers to the most elevated area behind the mainmast. On warships only officers and midshipmen were allowed to stay there. On the quarterdeck, the morning prayer was held and orders were given.

In later cargo ships, it was the half a deck height elevated aft deck, with which you wanted to counter a top-heavy when fully loaded.

• Sailing ship