at deck level Other beams Other meanings of 'beam' in the nautical context are: Beam – a timber similar in use to a floor joist, which runs horizontally from one side of the hull to the other athwartships. Carlin – similar to a beam, except running in a fore and aft direction. Beam – the direction across the vessel, perpendicular to fore-and-aft; something lying in that direction is said to be abeam. References Notes Nautical terminology Ship measurements