Approaching a container ship in San Francisco Bay, the tugboat is likened to a pit bull puppy chasing a large truck. The tugboat is essential for maneuvering the ship in the bay, as large vessels are not designed for easy slowing down or maneuvering. Container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers are crucial for transporting goods across the world’s waters. The markings on the ship’s hull, which may seem like hieroglyphs to non-mariners, actually convey important information about the ship’s identity and the shipping industry. Maritime pilots, who board ships to guide them safely into port, rely on marking such as pilot boarding marks and battle scars to carry out their duties.
https://hakaimagazine.com/videos-visuals/the-secret-language-of-ships/