Undoubtedly, the word ‘fathom’ belongs to the group of terms that are practically not known to most modern readers. Therefore, the question: ‘what is a fathom ?’ can often occur when reading different books on the marine theme, such as various navigation and sailing textbooks, meteorological and geological reports, historical records, highly specialized enchiridions or even fictional novels about voracious pirates, knightly conquistadors, curious travelers and noble admirals. Obviously, virtually all enthusiasts of these themes and professional sailors, dispatchers, naval officers, and residents of large port cities are familiar with the meaning of the word ‘fathom’. For those of us who do not share this interest (a hobby or a profession) the question: ‘what is a fathom ?’ remains hypothetical.
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