A berth is a sleeping accommodation or bed on vehicles such as boats, ships, trains, and airplanes. Berths on large ships are little different from those on shore, but on smaller yachts, bunks must be fit in wherever possible. Some common types of berths on boats and ships include:
- V-berth: This is a notch in the bow of a boat or ship that can usually be filled in with a detachable board and cushion, creating something more like a double bed.
- Settee berth: This is a narrow berth high up in the side of the cabin, usually above and behind the back of the settee and right up under the deck.
In addition to sleeping accommodations, the term "berth" can also refer to:
- Docking space: This is the space allotted to a vessel at anchor or at a wharf.
- Parking space: This is a space for an automotive vehicle at rest.
- Position or rank: This is the position or rank of a ships officer.
The word "berth" can also be used as a verb, meaning to bring a ship into a docking or mooring space.
