Copper Wire

Copper wiring, which runs the lengths of ducts in old ships, is used for electricity and collected by Nailer and the salvage crews for sale as scrap. Copper wire is what Nailer is collecting at the beginning of the novel when he almost loses his life.

Metals

Metals, of every conceivable kind, from copper to nickel to steel to aluminum, are collected from the wrecks of old ships for sale as scrap. Smelted metal is then resold by large corporations to countries and people that can afford the purchases.

Knife

Knives are wielded by just about every character in the novel. Nailer uses a knife to fight his father and to kill Blue Eyes.

Tattoos

Tattoos, which identify human beings as belonging to specific crews and give them the right to salvage on Bright Sands Beach, are worn on the cheeks by Nailer, Pima, Sadna...