Vard

Vard is a traditional term from Scandinavian maritime culture, referring to a temporary work period or watch on a ship, often lasting several hours, during which crew members perform specific duties like navigation, lookout, or maintenance. It ensures continuous, organized operation of the vessel. The concept of vard emphasizes discipline and teamwork, with crew members taking turns to maintain the ship’s safety and functionality around the clock. While rooted in historical seafaring, the term is still used in some maritime contexts to describe scheduled work shifts.