Registering on ship initially where one boards (8)
I believe the answer is:
lodgings
'boards' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lodgings that I've seen before include "Rented rooms in another's house" , "Rented accommodation for godlings" , "Digs" .)