A lazarette (or lazaret) is a large, often deep storage locker or compartment located in the stern (rear) of a boat or ship, typically beneath the cockpit deck. It is used to store bulky gear such as spare lines, fenders, tools, fuel tanks, and cleaning supplies, helping to keep the main deck clear.

Key Aspects of a Lazarette:
Location: Situated at the aft-most part of the vessel, typically accessed through a deck hatch.

Purpose: Provides storage for miscellaneous equipment used around the decks.

Safety/Systems: It often houses important equipment such as steering gear, bilge pumps, batteries, and fuel lines.

Origin: Historically, the term stems from the Italian word lazzaretto, referring to a quarantine station, and in earlier maritime days, these compartments were used for isolating sick crew or storing goods from infected ports.