Glossary Archive

A navigational situation where two vessels maintain the same relative bearing to each other while the distance between them diminishes, often indicating a potential risk of collision. Constant bearing, decreasing range (CBDR) is a critical concept in maritime navigation, used to assess collision risks between vessels at sea. When two vessels are on a CBDR...

Large, deep vessel confined by narrow channel and unable to manoeuvre easily

Depths are all measured in metres from lowest astronomical tide (LAT). Points of equal depth may be connected by a solid black line to give a continuous contour line.

The primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time serving as the basis for civil time globally. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the internationally recognised time standard that ensures uniformity in timekeeping across the globe. It is not a time zone but rather a reference point from which all time zones are...

An international satellite-based search and rescue system that detects and locates distress signals from emergency beacons to assist in maritime, aviation, and land-based rescues.  The Cospas-Sarsat System is a global satellite network designed to provide accurate and timely distress alert and location data to assist search and rescue (SAR) operations. It operates using a combination...

The actual course your vessel is tracking over the seabed

The magnetic or compass course given to a helm to steer the boat having taken account of tidal stream and leeway. https://videopress.com/v/Q79FQTY0 [wpdm_package id='2730']

The national flag of a country being visited by a foreign boat, it should be flown in the starboard spreader

National flag or ensign of country you are visiting which should be flown from starboard spreaders or flagstaff. It is a courtesy not a legal obligation, but if you like a warm welcome, fly one!

Used primarily in maritime and aviation contexts to describe the shortest distance that will be achieved between two moving objects, such as ships or aircraft, if they continue on their current courses and speeds without any changes. It is a critical parameter in collision avoidance and navigation safety systems. Key Concepts: Closest Point of Approach...