A passageway, within the context of a ship, refers to a narrow interior space that serves as a pathway or thoroughfare. It is akin to a corridor or hallway, often leading to different compartments, quarters, or rooms within the ship. It facilitates the smooth and organized movement of personnel, passengers, or goods from one area to another. It can vary in length and width dependent upon the ship's design and size. The passageway may also include doorways, hatches, or stairs connecting different levels or sections of the ship. It is an integral part of the ship's architecture and layout, essential for efficient onboard operations and emergency situations.
Example
1. The crew guided guests down a brightly lit passageway that led to their cabins aboard the luxury cruise ship.
2. During the storm, the sailors rushed through the narrow passageway to reach the ship's control room.
3. Mysterious sounds echoed through the empty passageway of the abandoned ship.
4. On his first day, the naval recruit got lost in the vast network of passageways on the large aircraft carrier.
5. The passageway onboard the submarine was so cramped that the crew members had to move single file.
Interesting fact
Did you know that on a ship, an interior corridor or hallway is often referred to as a "passageway"? Unlike conventional hallways, these passageways are constructed to be narrow and tight due to space limitations. This also has the practical function of minimizing the passage's impact in cases of water intrusion during a hull breach; a smaller passageway means less water can flood into other areas of the ship. These shipboard passageways also have raised thresholds to contain potential water inflow. You might even see rounded corners instead of the traditional right angles you'll find in buildings on land. This is to avoid sharp corners that can cause injuries in rough seas when the ship is swinging or rolling. The term "passageway" is part of the specialized mariner's language that has developed over centuries of seafaring!