Poop deck

[1] The name originates from the French word for stern, poupe, from Latin puppis.

On sailing ships, the helmsman would steer the craft from the quarterdeck, immediately in front of the poop deck.

At the stern, the poop deck provides an elevated position ideal for observation.

[3] While the main purpose of the poop is adding buoyancy to the aft, on a sailing ship the cabin was also used as an accommodation for the shipmaster and officers.

[2] On modern, motorized warships, the ship functions which were once carried out on the poop deck have been moved to the bridge, usually located in a superstructure.