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Maritime Trivia

Maritime Trivia Quizzes

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Fun Trivia
The waters call to a certain type of person. Perhaps you'd like to know a little more about this form of transportation.
154 Maritime quizzes and 2,156 Maritime trivia questions.
Sub-Categories:
1.
  Sail Before    
Collection Quiz
 14 Qns
The Wind (Sailing ships)
This list of boats and ships includes those with sails and some which need human power to propel them Pick out those which have sails while ignoring those that don't.
Easier, 14 Qns, rossian, Nov 22 24
Easier
rossian editor
Nov 22 24
197 plays
2.
  Come Sail With Me   top quiz  
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
Come sail with me on some famous historical ships. Disregard any specific classes - if it was intended to float on water I have classified it as a ship! Neither the ships or people have titles in the questions.
Very Easy, 15 Qns, Midget40, Nov 15 23
Very Easy
Midget40 gold member
Nov 15 23
485 plays
3.
Xebecs Scows and Things That Float
  Xebecs, Scows, and Things That Float   best quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
This quiz is dedicated to some of the many types of boats and ships that have sailed the world's waters since antiquity. Can you match each vessel to its description?
Easier, 10 Qns, LadyNym, May 13 23
Easier
LadyNym gold member
May 13 23
350 plays
4.
If It Fits It Ships
  If It Fits, It Ships   top quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Ships have been an important part of history all over the world. Here are ten ships that have become famous for a variety of reasons.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Sep 02 14
Average
dcpddc478
1514 plays
5.
  Sink or Swim or Scrap?   popular trivia quiz  
Classification Quiz
 10 Qns
The Fates of Famous Ships
The ill-fated RMS Titanic is one of the most famous ships of all time, but this quiz is about the fate of more successful passenger liners. All the ships featured in it held the Blue Riband speed record at some point during the 19th or 20th centuries.
Average, 10 Qns, Fifiona81, Jun 30 23
Average
Fifiona81 editor
Jun 30 23
209 plays
6.
They Went Down With the Ship
  They Went Down With the Ship   great trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Here are ten maritime calamities that happened in different spots around the world, for different reasons. It is no wonder that sailors are a superstitious lot.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Jun 24 15
Average
dcpddc478
761 plays
7.
  Historic Passenger Liners    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz, which I have adopted from one originally created by law3609, tests your knowledge of some famous ocean-going liners along with some more modern cruise ships.
Average, 10 Qns, Dizart, Apr 14 23
Average
Dizart gold member
Apr 14 23
223 plays
8.
  Seize the High Seas   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Important merchant ship types
So you want to seize the seas, on your own ship? Well, before you set out to buy and restore the nearest half-wreck into the ship of your dreams, you may want to understand the various main types of ships. Here are ten important ones to consider.
Average, 10 Qns, WesleyCrusher, Dec 07 22
Average
WesleyCrusher editor
Dec 07 22
310 plays
9.
  We Are Sailing   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Rod Stewart sang about sailing stormy waters, but he's far from the only one. I hope you won't be all at sea when you try matching these famous seafarers and ships.
Easier, 10 Qns, rossian, Apr 06 20
Easier
rossian editor
Apr 06 20
664 plays
10.
  Famous Ships I   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I'll give you the name of a famous ship. You choose from multiple choices the type of ship it was.
Average, 10 Qns, root17, Jan 24 11
Average
root17 gold member
4587 plays
trivia question Quick Question
What did the Britannic strike?

From Quiz "HMHS Britannic-Titanic's Younger Sister"




11.
  Famous Ships II   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I'll give you the name of a famous ship. You choose from multiple choices the type of ship it was.
Average, 10 Qns, root17, Jan 05 23
Average
root17 gold member
Jan 05 23
4780 plays
12.
  15 Question Name That Ship Quiz   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
15 British ships that you should recognise from History lessons, films and folklore
Average, 15 Qns, se01dct, Apr 13 17
Average
se01dct
1835 plays
13.
  Dive! Dive! Dive!: The Submarines Quiz   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Submarines have been around since the 16th Century in one form or another. Test your knowledge of the subject in fact and fiction.
Easier, 10 Qns, darksplash, Dec 27 20
Easier
darksplash
Dec 27 20
436 plays
14.
  Welcome To My Tug Boat   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Today you will learn about some famous ships from history.
Easier, 10 Qns, deputygary, Jul 30 15
Easier
deputygary
789 plays
15.
  Shipping Fee Not Included in This Container   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Maritime Shipping
You know those huge shipping containers you see on cargo ships? Here is a quiz on that unlikely subject for a quiz. Fascinating stuff here.
Average, 10 Qns, Billkozy, Aug 03 23
Average
Billkozy
Aug 03 23
121 plays
16.
  Famous Ships III   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I'll give you the name of a famous ship. You choose from multiple choices the type of ship it was.
Average, 10 Qns, root17, Aug 16 05
Average
root17 gold member
3961 plays
17.
  Merchant Shipping    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ten really easy questions (if you already know the answers) about various types of merchant shipping vessels. Have fun, ye lubbers!
Average, 10 Qns, Jayman0755, Jan 17 22
Average
Jayman0755
Jan 17 22
770 plays
18.
  Airboats for You and Me   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
It seems that any television series set in or near the Florida Everglades feels a need to feature airboats at some point. How much do you know about this intriguing mode of transport?
Average, 10 Qns, looney_tunes, Nov 07 18
Average
looney_tunes editor
Nov 07 18
292 plays
19.
  Nautical Nonsense   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
There are dozens, even hundreds, of bizarre nautical terms out there. What do you know about these terms?
Average, 10 Qns, salami_swami, Nov 18 16
Average
salami_swami gold member
810 plays
20.
  Ships of Note   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
This quiz is about ships in history and literature.
Average, 20 Qns, bullymom, Sep 30 24
Average
bullymom
Sep 30 24
3398 plays
21.
  Let's Rent a Boat!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I thought that I might want to rent a boat and have some fun on the water. It was not until I looked in the encyclopedia that I realized just how many kinds of ships and boats that there are. How many do you know?
Easier, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, May 09 17
Easier
dcpddc478
743 plays
22.
  Cruising to a Sustainable Future    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The cruise industry has long been seen as an environmental disaster with a huge carbon footprint. But cruise lines are reforming their operations and are now leading the way with some innovative and sustainable technology and practices.
Average, 10 Qns, leith90, Oct 26 22
Average
leith90 gold member
Oct 26 22
212 plays
23.
  Captains and Their Ships   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Match the name of the famous ship or vessel to its captain. TIP: Biographical dates may help you choose, in some cases.
Easier, 10 Qns, SweynForkbeard, May 21 16
Easier
SweynForkbeard
684 plays
24.
  Ahoy Matey, Life aboard Man-O-War, HMS Victory #1   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
WARNING! This quiz is for those who enjoy the journey more than the score at the end. WELCOME ABOARD ... The year is 1805. It's your first day as a crewmember of the Man-of-War, HMS Victory.
Tough, 25 Qns, thumbsucker, Oct 13 24
Tough
thumbsucker
Oct 13 24
1174 plays
25.
  Oh, Ships!   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In each question, can you name the ship? Five of them are real and five fictional.
Average, 10 Qns, nyirene330, Dec 31 14
Average
nyirene330
495 plays
26.
  Seamanship    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Thinking about taking a cruise or going fishing in the Pacific Ocean? Test your general knowledge of seaman terminology.
Average, 10 Qns, clax, Dec 22 23
Average
clax
Dec 22 23
4165 plays
27.
  Famous Ships in History   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Throughout history ships have helped make the world what it is today. Here is a small list for you to guess.
Average, 10 Qns, Roswell, Aug 07 20
Average
Roswell
Aug 07 20
4016 plays
28.
  Come Sail Around the World   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Come aboard and follow in the wakes of the men and women who have sailed around the world. This quiz will deal with the sailors, their vessels, and the routes they take to circumnavigate the globe.
Average, 10 Qns, ertrum, Apr 03 12
Average
ertrum gold member
496 plays
29.
  Ahoy Matey, Life aboard Man-O-War, HMS Victory #2   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
WARNING! This quiz is for those who enjoy the journey more than the score at the end... WELCOME ABOARD! It's still 1805 and you're still a crewmember of the Man-of-War, HMS Victory. Good luck.
Tough, 25 Qns, thumbsucker, Apr 27 13
Tough
thumbsucker
859 plays
30.
  Sinkings, Shipwrecks and Strange Occurrences    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In the history of humanity travelling on the water, there is always the chance of something happening. Can you answer these questions about sinkings, shipwrecks and strange occurrences at sea?
Tough, 10 Qns, Red_John, Oct 01 21
Tough
Red_John
Oct 01 21
212 plays
31.
  The Cunard Line on the Atlantic    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
From sidewheelers to Queen Mary 2 and beyond. Porthole-counters welcome!
Tough, 15 Qns, ignotus999, Apr 27 17
Tough
ignotus999
159 plays
32.
  Dive! Dive! by Perry Scope   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
As you have probably have guessed, this is a journey into the world of submarines, both fantasy and real. Let us see what you know ...
Average, 10 Qns, suomy, Feb 08 13
Average
suomy
298 plays
33.
  At Sea    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
At Sea are names of well known sailing vessels. Have fun.
Average, 10 Qns, finlady, Nov 18 24
Average
finlady
Nov 18 24
3864 plays
34.
  HMHS Britannic-Titanic's Younger Sister   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Everyone knows that Titanic had two sister ships: Britannic & Olympic. Britannic is not talked about much, though. How much do you know about this sister ship?
Average, 10 Qns, titanic97, Jul 10 17
Average
titanic97
495 plays
35.
  Cunard in the 20th Century    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Cunard is the name of names of luxury sea travel, with probably more famous liners than all other companies put together. Can you answer these 10 questions about Cunard between 1900 and 2000?
Difficult, 10 Qns, Red_John, Oct 11 20
Difficult
Red_John
Oct 11 20
146 plays
36.
  More Tales, Marvellous Tales, of Ships and Stars    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Again, we look at famous ships in history, legend and fiction. You have to decide which is which!
Tough, 10 Qns, frankmcvey, Aug 16 05
Tough
frankmcvey
491 plays
37.
  Famous Ships Through History   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ships have been an important part of world history, some more well known than others. Each of these ships has a unique place in history. I enjoyed learning about them and I hope you do too.
Average, 10 Qns, ReginTollefsen, Feb 08 17
Average
ReginTollefsen
502 plays
38.
  In Ship Shape   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Sailing vessels come in a variety of forms. Take a look at some of them, both past and present. Bon voyage!
Average, 10 Qns, zorba_scank, Nov 12 13
Average
zorba_scank gold member
300 plays
39.
  Components of a Square Rigged Sailing Ship    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Shiver me timbers you gang of lubbers. This quiz will sort the landsmen from the true salty sea dogs. Clap on to this quiz and try not to be taken aback, fall into irons or go on your beam ends.
Average, 10 Qns, LillianRock, Sep 24 13
Average
LillianRock
333 plays
40.
  Welcome Aboard the Batavia!   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The VOC ship Batavia sank after striking a reef. What followed was a mutiny and dozens of brutal murders that made the events on the Bounty look like a picnic. Take this quiz and find out all about the Batavia and its adventures!
Tough, 10 Qns, Leau, Aug 17 05
Tough
Leau gold member
215 plays
41.
  German Passenger Shipping    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
Twenty multiple-choice questions covering the period from 1871 to the present, including a bonus question on Austro-Hungarian shipping. Umlauts omitted, and it's "auf Englisch".
Tough, 20 Qns, ignotus, Aug 25 05
Tough
ignotus
227 plays
42.
  RMS Olympic-First Born of the Olympic Class Ships    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Of the three Olympic class vessels from White Star line, the Olympic was the first to be laid down and built. How much do you know about Titanic's "older sister"?
Average, 15 Qns, titanic97, Feb 26 19
Average
titanic97
Feb 26 19
451 plays
43.
  The Bluenose   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A grand fishing and racing ship, the Bluenose became the symbol of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. I hope you enjoy learning about this great vessel.
Tough, 10 Qns, funnytrivianna, May 23 08
Tough
funnytrivianna gold member
375 plays
44.
  Passenger Shipping Since 1945   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
Since 1945, passenger ships have evolved from "mere" transportation to vacation destinations in themselves. Twenty-five questions, including some tough ones.
Tough, 25 Qns, ignotus, May 08 07
Tough
ignotus
359 plays
45.
  Famous Ocean Liners    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A short quiz covering the golden age of transatlantic travel.
Tough, 10 Qns, sunnyjim, Sep 09 16
Tough
sunnyjim
1054 plays
46.
  Tales, Marvellous Tales, of Ships and Stars ...    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These famous ships are a mixture of fact, fiction, legend and superstition. I hope you enjoy the quiz.
Average, 10 Qns, frankmcvey, Aug 16 05
Average
frankmcvey
465 plays
47.
  The Blue Riband of the Atlantic    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
The fastest passenger ships on the Atlantic run - technically westbound ... and average speed ...
Average, 15 Qns, ignotus999, Jan 13 17
Average
ignotus999
281 plays
48.
  Welcome Aboard the Norwegian Epic!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I was recently on a cruise on the Norwegian Epic, an outstanding ship. How well do you know this floating hotel? Have fun!
Average, 10 Qns, Lpez, Jul 13 22
Average
Lpez gold member
Jul 13 22
189 plays
49.
  The Age of Sail    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Does your blood run with a little salt? See how much of a "lubber" you are (or aren't) with this nautical quiz! Let's get "under way".
Average, 10 Qns, Gatsby05, Jan 25 23
Average
Gatsby05
Jan 25 23
495 plays
50.
  HMHS Britannic-Gone But Not Forgotten    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Do you know about White Star Line's third ship, the HMHS Britannic? Want to know more? Try this quiz. It'll teach you a lot about it.
Average, 10 Qns, brainiac62, Feb 09 18
Average
brainiac62
651 plays
51.
  Wilhelm Gustloff-The Worst Maritime Disaster Ever   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many think that the Titanic was the worst maritime disaster ever for loss of life. But did you know that there is one ship that surpasses all others combined? Take this quiz and find out more.
Average, 10 Qns, titanic97, Jul 27 21
Average
titanic97
Jul 27 21
383 plays
52.
  MV Ross Revenge    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Challenged to create a quiz with a "Ross" connection, I did a bit of research and found this fantastic ship, the MV Ross Revenge. I hope you enjoy the quiz!
Average, 10 Qns, mlcmlc, May 07 19
Average
mlcmlc gold member
May 07 19
115 plays
53.
  American Passenger Shipping : Civil War to 1941    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Millions of immigrants arrived at Ellis Island on European ships ... or did they? Is that your final answer? Fifteen multiple-choice questions.
Tough, 15 Qns, ignotus, Aug 16 05
Tough
ignotus
246 plays
54.
  All Nautical    
Multiple Choice
 5 Qns
Somewhat difficult if you don't know shipping.
Easier, 5 Qns, alanyo, Jul 27 05
Easier
alanyo
1615 plays
55.
  The Yarmouth Castle Ship Fire    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
The Yarmouth Castle was a cruise ship that went down off the coast of Nassau. As you will see, evrything that could go wrong did! Enjoy! Note: I wil refer to the ship as the Castle in later questions. Same ship; that was a nickname.
Average, 20 Qns, titanic97, May 15 22
Average
titanic97
May 15 22
243 plays
56.
  The Young Sea Officer's Sheet Anchor (c. 1820)    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is about square-rigged ships in the Napoleonic era. Many of the questions come from Darcy Lever's 1819 book: "The Young Sea Officer's Sheet Anchor: A Key to the Leading of Rigging and to Practical Seamanship".
Difficult, 10 Qns, cayugarunner, Nov 20 08
Difficult
cayugarunner
674 plays
57.
  Life as a Steamship Engineer    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
For much of the 20th Century, Steam Power Ships dominated the United States Merchant Marine. The improvements in efficiency of Diesel Engines have rendered Merchant Steamers all but extinct. Take this quiz to see how you would fair on a Merchant Steame
Average, 10 Qns, fifthavenue91, Aug 23 09
Average
fifthavenue91
311 plays
58.
  Famous Ships, Boats and Sailors    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A multi-choice quiz on ships, boats and sailors spanning the years.
Tough, 10 Qns, Quizcall, Apr 01 17
Tough
Quizcall
1194 plays
59.
  Andrea Doria - Last of the Transatlantic Voyages   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is about the ill-fated luxury passenger liner Andrea Doria, which was in an accident off Nova Scotia and sank. Enjoy!
Average, 10 Qns, titanic97, Jan 27 09
Average
titanic97
414 plays
60.
  Phantom Ships    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Stories of ghost ships have fascinated people for countless generations. Here are ten questions on phantom ships. Enjoy.
Average, 10 Qns, Evangeline30, Dec 08 20
Average
Evangeline30
Dec 08 20
319 plays
61.
  Lake Michigan Carferry Adventures    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The S.S. Badger runs between Ludington, MI and Manitowoc, WI, across Lake Michigan. Let's see if you know a little bit about this historic and fun way to cross the lake!
Tough, 10 Qns, thebaron1, Aug 07 20
Tough
thebaron1
Aug 07 20
497 plays
62.
  Tall Ships    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This quiz has questions about some specific tall ships from history and fiction, as well as terminology and general 17th-19th century sailing knowledge.
Difficult, 15 Qns, Stillman, Aug 16 05
Difficult
Stillman
632 plays
63.
  Name that Ship Quiz for Experts    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Submarines, yachts, sailboats, cruise ships and even aircraft carriers all have unique names with interesting stories behind them. See if you can guess the names of the following historical boats.
Tough, 10 Qns, shuppy5, Mar 19 10
Tough
shuppy5
344 plays
64.
  Death on the River    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The story of the SS Eastland is a maritime disaster that has to some extent been hidden in the annals of history. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Chicago you will find the location of the disaster, but what do you know about it?
Tough, 10 Qns, mmaryj, Mar 09 17
Tough
mmaryj
117 plays
65.
  Mystery of the Mary Celeste    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Mary Celeste is one of the great maritime mysteries - a ship found abandoned for no apparent reason, with no trace of its crew or passengers ever found. Enjoy this cruise into the unknown.
Tough, 10 Qns, kathyr_1, Feb 12 10
Tough
kathyr_1
495 plays
66.
  Shipwreck - The Andrea Gail    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz covers the Andrea Gail, the swordfishing boat lost at sea during the Halloween Storm of October 1991. The story was eventually made into the movie "The Perfect Storm".
Average, 10 Qns, dmbfanatic, Aug 16 05
Average
dmbfanatic
672 plays
67.
  Pacific Shipwrecks    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Pacific is the largest ocean and has seen untold losses and tales of tragedy. Sail into the Deep Blue Sea and see what you know about Pacific shipwrecks.
Average, 10 Qns, Marcuspug, Dec 20 11
Average
Marcuspug
217 plays
68.
  American Passenger Shipping to 1865    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A short multiple-choice quiz on American-flag passenger shipping in the Atlantic from 1818 through the Civil War. Why start in 1818? It could have been 1819. See Questions 1 and 3!
Difficult, 10 Qns, ignotus, May 27 06
Difficult
ignotus
209 plays
69.
  Cruise Ships and Liners    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
An easy look at famous 'Big Ships'
Tough, 10 Qns, sailorsam, Aug 16 05
Tough
sailorsam
716 plays
70.
  Steamboats Coming!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
For all of you steamboat lovers out there, this is the quiz for you! See if you can match this paddle wheel-trivia.
Tough, 10 Qns, phantomguy, Jun 19 22
Tough
phantomguy
Jun 19 22
347 plays
71.
  The Final Voyage of the Morro Castle    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Morro Castle suffered strange misfortunes on board that have remained unsolved. This quiz is on the unlucky saga of the last day of the Morro Castle's career.
Tough, 10 Qns, mitch1313, Mar 28 07
Tough
mitch1313
216 plays
72.
  All Aboard the S.S. Trivia!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Cruising is fun for the whole family. I will give you a list of ship names and you will name the cruise line.
Average, 10 Qns, pes0, Feb 26 13
Average
pes0
283 plays
73.
  The Great Ocean Liners 1    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Some questions on those magnificent liners from the great era of ocean travel, and their owners.
Difficult, 10 Qns, southerncross4, Jul 06 21
Difficult
southerncross4
Jul 06 21
253 plays
74.
  Greyhounds of the Atlantic    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here is my first quiz on those faboulous ships of the North Atlantic from 1840-1940. I hope you like it.
Difficult, 10 Qns, csrussell, Oct 31 20
Difficult
csrussell
Oct 31 20
279 plays
75.
  Nautical Trivia    
Multiple Choice
 5 Qns
These all relate to the sea and ships. Good luck.
Tough, 5 Qns, steiny1, Feb 15 12
Tough
steiny1
1006 plays

Maritime Trivia Questions

1. According to "Shipping and Freight Resource", what is the most common way for shipping containers to get lost?

From Quiz
Shipping Fee Not Included in This Container

Answer: falling off the ship

"Container loss" as it is called, has been a phenomenon since the 1950s, and although all of those causes contribute to container loss, falling off the ship is the most common, which they consider falling under the umbrella of going down with the ship if it sinks. Another cause of "container loss" is getting blown up in an act of war. There are 6,000 container ships on the ocean at any given moment, some of them with up to 20,000 containers. About 250 million containers are transported yearly. Given the number of equipment and human errors, hurricanes, rogue waves, shallow reefs, squalls and swells, it's no wonder that a number of these containers will go overboard. I wonder if a container ship carrying vegetables sinks, was it because of the leeks?

2. In 1120, while providing transport for William Ætheling, the heir to the English throne, the White Ship was wrecked just off Barfleur, killing all but one of the people on board. Whose heir was William Ætheling?

From Quiz Sinkings, Shipwrecks and Strange Occurrences

Answer: Henry I

In November 1120, King Henry I and his retinue, which included his son and heir William Ætheling, were returning to England following a visit to Normandy, the territory in France that formed the other major part of the king's dominions. The king was offered the use of the White Ship, one of the fastest and most modern vessels in England at the time, for the journey back to England by its captain, Thomas FitzStephen. Although the king had made other arrangements, he allowed his son William Ætheling, plus a number of his other (illegitimate) children, and other members of his household, to use the White Ship to return to England. At the request of the crew, William Ætheling supplied copious amounts of wine before the ship sailed. As the ship put to sea, the crew was encouraged to overtake the king's ship, which had already sailed. However, the White Ship set off in the dark and, just after sailing, struck a submerged rock, which was a known hazard in the area. The ship quickly capsized, although William Ætheling was able to reach the one lifeboat. However, he heard the cries of his half-sister and tried returning to save her. The boat ended up being swamped by others trying to save themselves, and led to William Ætheling being drowned. William Ætheling was one of an estimated 300 deaths on the White Ship, with the sole survivor being a man named Berold, a butcher from the city of Rouen.

3. What ship was the final holder of the Blue Riband, awarded for the fastest crossing of the North Atlantic?

From Quiz The Great Ocean Liners 1

Answer: United States

The United States captured the Blue Riband on her first attempt in July 1952. The new ship made the Eastbound crossing from the timed points off New York and Cornwall, England, in 3 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes, at an average speed of 35.59kn. This record has never been eclipsed. Today (2021) the great ship lies forlorn in Philadelphia.

4. What colour of submarine did the Beatles sing about?

From Quiz Dive! Dive! Dive!: The Submarines Quiz

Answer: Yellow

Altogether now: "We all live in a yellow submarine Yellow submarine, yellow submarine We all live in a yellow submarine Yellow submarine, yellow submarine..." "Yellow Submarine" was largely the work of Paul McCartney, with lead vocals sung by Ringo Starr. "It's a fun song, a children's song..." McCartney later said. The song was on the album "Revolver" in 1966. Backed by "Eleanor Rigby", the record spent four weeks at the top of the UK singles charts. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

5. The ship MV Ross Revenge was designed and built for the Icelandic government between 1958-1960. Registered as RE1, what was her original name?

From Quiz MV Ross Revenge

Answer: MS Freyr

These ships were all built as 'sister' ships with very similar specifications. They were built by SeeBeckWerft (shipyard), Rudolf Schultze GmbH (electrical switchgear), Deutz AG (DC power generation), and Werkspoor NV (Werkspoor main engine). Her design included many features including a stronger bow for ice-breaking, and trawling setups for both port and starboard.

6. What we know today as the Cunard Line was founded in 1840. What was its original name?

From Quiz The Cunard Line on the Atlantic

Answer: The British and North American Royal Mail Steam-Packet Company

Canadian businessman (Sir) Samuel Cunard (1787-1865) prospered in timber, banking and of course merchant shipping. In 1839, he won the lucrative British government contract to carry mail via steamship between Liverpool and Halifax. Steam engineer Robert Napier was a key original investor. Welcome, porthole-counters: Napier did very well from the Cunard connection. In the early steam era, a ship's engines were often more costly than the rest of the vessel - and Napier got the engine contracts.

7. Which ship was the last surviving four-funnelled ocean liner, and had the nickname "Ship Beautiful"?

From Quiz Famous Ships Through History

Answer: RMS Aquitania

RMS Aquitania held the record for the longest service career (30 years) until 2004 when the QEII became the longest serving vessel. Aquitania held the nickname "Ship Beautiful" as she was one of the most luxurious liners of her day. The decorators of the ship also designed the Ritz hotels of London and Paris.

8. The Blue Riband of the Atlantic requires the fastest westbound passage, though the winners were fast in both directions. Why westbound?

From Quiz The Blue Riband of the Atlantic

Answer: It's against the Gulf Stream

The Gulf Stream sets eastbound, adding a bit to a ship's speed. The Blue Riband (and the eastbound record) were measured by average speed, because ships followed different routes and sometimes used different ports.

9. What was the name of the yacht that helped sink US Senator Gary Hart's presidential chances in 1987?

From Quiz Oh, Ships!

Answer: Monkey Business

The appropriately named yacht "Monkey Business" was used by Senator Gary Hart during his campaign for the presidency of the United States. When the married Mr. Hart was spotted with model Donna Rice, photos of the two of them aboard the boat were all over the media. Consequently, Senator Hart from Colorado, who had run and lost in 1984, would no longer be a viable contender in the election of 1988.

10. The ancient sailing vessel called the trireme was used by various civilizations along the Mediterranean Sea. What did the three in its name stand for?

From Quiz In Ship Shape

Answer: Three rows of oars

The name was derived from the Latin word 'triremis' meaning three rows of oars. The strength of the ancient Greek navy is attributed, at least in part, to its large fleet of triremes. These warships were lightweight and had a bronze-covered ram on the prow. The battering rams were usually carved to resemble the heads of different animals.

11. Which cruise line has the ships called "Fantasy", "Dream", "Ecstasy" and "Destiny"?

From Quiz All Aboard the S.S. Trivia!

Answer: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Lines was founded in 1972. Their ships are known as "Fun Ships" and their mascot is called "Fun Ship Freddy".

12. This submarine's story was first created in a book then made into a film starring Sean Connery. There is new game-changing technology involved and a captain attempting to defect with the technology. What is the name of the submarine?

From Quiz Dive! Dive! by Perry Scope

Answer: Red October

"The Hunt for Red October" was written by Tom Clancy and published in 1984. It was made into a film with the same name in 1990. The game-changing technology was a new propulsion unit undetectable by sonar and Marko Ramius was the Soviet submarine captain wanting to defect. The story is said to have been inspired by a failed mutiny on a Soviet frigate (the Storozhevoy) with the sinking and partial recovery of the Soviet submarine K-129 also contributing. The K-129's story is itself interesting: the Soviets losing touch with their vessel in 1968 and the CIA (America's Central Intelligence Agency) mounting a secret deep recovery operation six years later to acquire Soviet technology.

13. The Norwegian Epic is a ship owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line company, and was launched in 2010. What is its port of registry?

From Quiz Welcome Aboard the Norwegian Epic!

Answer: Nassau, Bahamas

Her maiden voyage was on June 21, 2010. The only Norwegian Cruise Line ship to be registered in the United States is "Pride of America", which is registered in Honolulu, Hawaii. The ship's size was impressive to me when I first entered. The Epic sails from Miami, Florida and visits Phillipsburg, St. Maarten, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, and Nassau in the Bahamas.

14. Why would I be unable to rent the Pesse canoe?

From Quiz Let's Rent a Boat!

Answer: It is in a museum

Believed by many scholars to be the world's oldest boat, the Pesse canoe can be found in the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands. Discovered in 1955 and made from scotch pine, this dugout canoe was built sometime between 8040 BCE and 7510 BCE. It was found during the excavation of a peat bog for the construction of a major motorway. Markings inside the boat indicate that it was crafted using antler and flint tools.

15. We'll start in the "Heart of the Sea". Sunk by an enraged whale in 1820, this Nantucket Whaleship was the basis for Herman Melville's "Moby Dick". The crew endured three months in whaleboats and resorted to cannibalism before rescue.

From Quiz Pacific Shipwrecks

Answer: Essex

An horrific tale of a whale attack and being cast adrift thousands of miles from land, "In the Heart of the Sea; The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex" by Nathanial Philbrick is an amazing read!

16. If someone were to say they have "no room to swing a cat", what is the cat they are referring to?

From Quiz Nautical Nonsense

Answer: A Whip

A cat is short for a cat-o'-nine-tails. A cat is a type of whip that has 9 whips attached (thus the name, a "cat [whip] with nine tails"). Floggings were shown to all the crew; and sometimes the ship got crowded, and the flogger did not have enough room to swing his cat at the victim. Thus, the phrase. The "captain's daughter" is also a cat, but is only issued and used by the captain.

17. Possibly the most famous ship of the 20th century, four days into its maiden voyage this ship collided with an iceberg and sank on 15 April 1912. What was the name of this ship?

From Quiz Name That Ship

Answer: RMS Titanic

Of the Titanic's 2,223 passengers and crew, only 706 survived (less than a third). Contrary to popular belief, the ship had never been referred to as 'unsinkable' until after it sank, but it did have too few lifeboats to save all those on board (the Titanic's lifeboats had a capacity of 1,178 whilst the ship was designed to carry about 3,600).

18. Ships of the line in the age of sail usually had three masts. What was the centre one called?

From Quiz Components of a Square Rigged Sailing Ship

Answer: The main (mast)

The three masts are (from the bow) the fore mast, the main mast and the mizzen mast. The mizzen mast is the third mast from the bow on a ship with three or more masts or the rear mast on a two masted ship. Strangely the word "mizzen" derives from the French "misaine" meaning "foresail" or "foremast"

19. What was the name of the first submarine to surface at the North Pole in 1959?

From Quiz Name that Ship

Answer: Skate

The world's first nuclear submarine, the "Nautilus", was built in 1952. On its third try, it attained the North Pole, but did not surface. The "Skate", launched in 1957, was similar to the "Nautilus", but smaller. It was named after a type of ray fish.

20. Launched on March 26, 1921, "The Bluenose" was a magnificent ship. What type of ship was she?

From Quiz The Bluenose

Answer: Schooner

The Bluenose was a Canadian schooner from the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. She was a very grand racing ship as well as a very hard-working fishing ship. She was the symbol of the province of Nova Scotia. Her length was 49 meters (160 feet) and her beam measured 8 meters (26 feet).

21. Wilhelm Gustloff was a ship built in which country?

From Quiz Wilhelm Gustloff-The Worst Maritime Disaster Ever

Answer: Germany

The Wilhelm Gustloff was a cruise ship that was built for the Kraft durch Fruede line. It was built at the Blohm & Voss Shipyards of Hamburg, Germany.

22. What country had its registry on the Andrea Doria?

From Quiz Andrea Doria - Last of the Transatlantic Voyages

Answer: Italy

The Andrea Doria was an attempt to get Italy back to prosperity after the Second World War. It was named after the 16th century admiral Andrea Doria.

23. What other famous ship that sank is a sister ship of the HMHS Britannic?

From Quiz HMHS Britannic-Gone But Not Forgotten

Answer: RMS Titanic

All of these ships sank. However, RMS Titanic is one of two sister ships of the HMHS Britannic. The RMS Olympic is the other sister ship of the HMHS Britannic.

24. What date was the keel laid for the Olympic?

From Quiz RMS Olympic-First Born of the Olympic Class Ships

Answer: December 16, 1908

When the plans for the three ships was in progress, Harland & Wolff had to convert three of the slipways to allow construction to start on these Olympic class vessels. Olympic's construction started on December 16, 1908.

25. What was the Britannic's name originally going to be?

From Quiz HMHS Britannic-Titanic's Younger Sister

Answer: Gigantic

When the three ships were advertised in the brochures, they were called Olympic, Titanic, & Gigantic. However, the White Star Line opted for the name Britannic after the Titanic's sinking because it was felt that passengers would be leary of a ship that was named for her size. It was a softer approach.

26. In 1927, where was the Yarmouth Castle built?

From Quiz The Yarmouth Castle Ship Fire

Answer: Philadelphia

The Yarmouth Castle and her sister ship were built by the William Cramp & Sons Ship & Engine Builders of Philadelphia, PA. Both ships were built simultaneously and her sister ship was launched shortly after the Castle was. However, the Castle was not the original name of the ship when it was launched. Ironically enough, her sister ship was called the Yarmouth. Both ships were 365 ft long and weighed 5002 tons. Small ships as compared to today's standards.

27. The Caronia (II) of 1949 was one of the first modern purpose-built cruise ships. Early in her career, Cunard followed an unusual policy for many of her luxurious voyages. What was it?

From Quiz Passenger Shipping Since 1945

Answer: Cruises had to be paid for in dollars -- no sterling, please.

Britain was short of foreign exchange after the war. Cunard's American clientele sustained the "Green Goddess" for a few years. (Britons resident in the U.K. were not allowed to obtain or own large amounts of hard currency, so this was a form of 'compulsory export', just as Wedgwood, the ceramics company, had to export 90%(!) of its output at the time).

28. What was the original name of the Mary Celeste?

From Quiz Mystery of the Mary Celeste

Answer: Amazon

She was built in Nova Scotia in 1861. By the time she was renamed Mary Celeste in 1869, she'd already been in several accidents. The Hermania was found abandoned in 1849 and that mystery remains unsolved. The Flying Dutchman is a legendary ghost ship that is supposedly doomed to "sail the seven seas forever".

29. The Morro Castle was constructed for runs between which two destinations?

From Quiz The Final Voyage of the Morro Castle

Answer: Cuba and New York

The ship was built by the New York and Cuba Mail and Steamship Company. She and her sister ship, the SS Oriente, each weighed 11,520 gross tons, were 508 ft. long, and built to accomodate 489 passengers and 240 crew members and officiers. It took around 10 million dollars to build both ships.

30. The home port of the Hamburg-Amerika Line was Hamburg; no surprise. What was the home port of its major rival, Norddeutscher Lloyd?

From Quiz German Passenger Shipping

Answer: Bremen - Germany had two major commercial ports.

By the mid-19th century, the German states' role in seaborne trade had dwindled. Unification, steam and industrialization would see a reversal of fortune, for a few decades at least.

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