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In naval architecture, a poop deck is a deck that constitutes the roof of a poop cabin built in the aft (rear) part of the superstructure of a ship. The name originates from the Latin puppis, or the elevated stern deck. In sailing ships, with the steerage at the stern, an elevated position was ideal for both navigation and observation of the crew.

An urban legend suggests that the name comes from the practice of sailors going to the poop deck to poop, i.e. defecate. This is not correct, since facilities for this purpose were located at the bow (forward end) of the ship. (See head). Only the captain had his private toilet near his quarters, below the poop deck.

See also

• Puppis, an astronomical constellation

• Sailboat anatomy
• Sailing ship elements