What does the term 'bulkhead' refer to in a maritime context?

In a maritime context, the term 'bulkhead' specifically refers to the walls or vertical partitions that separate different compartments within a ship. These structures serve multiple critical purposes, such as providing structural integrity, contributing to the ship's overall strength, and enhancing safety by creating watertight sections that can contain flooding in the event of an emergency.

While the other options touch on related aspects of a ship's structure, they do not accurately define what a bulkhead is. The ceilings of a ship typically refer to the overheads or decks above, while compartments encompass broader areas rather than the specific walls. Floors below the main deck are designated as lower decks or hold areas, which again doesn’t capture the definition of bulkheads. Understanding the unique function of bulkheads is vital for maintaining ship safety and stability during operations.