Pontoon

Is the term given to a flat bottomed ve el or barge employed for various purposes; for instance; in the Mediterranean pontoons are fitted with a mast, cranes or winches etc., to a ist in careening ve els, or other similar operations. The term is likewise applied to open flat bottomed boats employed by Pontoniers in the construction of floating bridges acro rivers. Also a -combination of airtight casings used as landing stages.