Jetsam refers to goods that are intentionally thrown overboard from a ship, often to lighten the vessel during emergencies or rough weather. This practice is a part of maritime law, where the act of jettisoning cargo can help prevent capsizing or sinking. The items discarded can include anything from supplies to equipment. Unlike flotsam, which is debris that floats on the water after a shipwreck, jetsam is specifically related to items that were deliberately cast off. Both terms are important in discussions about maritime salvage rights and the responsibilities of shipowners regarding lost cargo.