Glossary Archive

Stern Spring

A mooring line that runs diagonally from the stern of a vessel to a point further forward on a dock or another vessel to help control fore-and-aft movement.  A stern spring is an essential mooring line used to prevent a vessel from surging forward or aft while docked. It is secured at the stern of...


Stopper Knot

A knot tied at the end of a rope, usually to stop it from passing through a hole; most commonly a figure of eight knot.


Storm

Beaufort Scale - Force 10 (Storm Force 10) A storm is a weather phenomenon characterised by strong winds, reaching at least 48 knots (55 miles per hour or 88 kilometres per hour). Storms can also bring heavy rain, rough seas, and turbulent weather conditions. In maritime forecasts, storms are often categorised based on wind speed...


Storm Jib

Small heavy jib set in strong winds




Stow

To put away in an appropriate place.  Being stowed implies that something has been safely stored and lashed down to stop if from moving when at sea.


Superbuoy

Large buoys, generally more than 5 m in diameter, are distinguished on charts because their unusually large size renders them a potential hazard to navigation, even to large vessels. Superbuoys are also referred to as - ODAS [Ocean Data Acquisition System]. These buoys are often used in oceanographic research, environmental monitoring, and navigation assistance. Key...


SV-ECS

Electronic navigation standards for commercial vessels less than 24m . Equipment meeting the requirements of this performance standard is accepted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as a suitable arrangement which satisfies the chart carriage requirements stipulated within SOLAS Chapter V/19 for vessels for which MGN 319 (as amended) applies. This standard is not accepted...


Swashway

A narrow channel between shoals


Swinging Room

The area around a vessel at anchor where it can safely swing with changes in wind or tide without risk of collision or grounding. Swinging room is a critical consideration for anchoring a vessel, as it refers to the circular space a boat requires to pivot around its anchor due to shifting winds, currents, or...