Apilan and kota mara

Apilan and kota mara are two Malay nautical terms which refers to the structure on a vessel where the cannon is installed.

The term saga kota mara refers to a peculiar props keeping the gun shield (apilan) in position.

[5] According to H. Warington Smyth, kota mara means transverse deck bulkhead at stem and stern (of a ship).

Smaller pirate craft put up thick plank bulwarks [apilan] when fighting, while larger ones like those of the Lanun people had bamboo ledges hanging over their gunwales, with a protecting breastwork [kota mara] of plaited rattan about 3 feet (0.91 meters) high.

Small craft would have nine oars per side; larger ones would be double-banked, with an upper tier of oarsmen seated on the bulwark projection hidden behind rattan breastwork.

Two heavy muzzle-loading brass guns mounted on carriages are placed on the foredeck pointing forward.

A heavy shield, or apilan, for the protection of the gunners, is constructed of horizontal beams for which fresh wood had to be used to prevent dangerous splintering when hit by a ball or bullet.

When preparing to attack, strong bulwarks of wood called Apilans are erected, behind which the crew ensconce themselves, fighting with their long guns until their prey is disabled; or till the gong sound the signal for boarding.