Glossary Archive

A floating marker pole, often equipped with a flag, light, or buoyancy aid, used in maritime settings to indicate a specific location, such as a man-overboard position or a fishing net. A danbuoy is a vital piece of equipment in marine operations, designed to serve as a highly visible marker on the water. It typically...

A lightweight, high-holding-power anchor with two wide, pivoting flukes designed to dig into sand or mud for secure holding.  The Danforth anchor, also known as a fluke anchor, is a popular choice for small to medium-sized boats due to its lightweight design and strong holding power in soft seabeds such as sand or mud. It...

Crane-like structures mounted on a vessel used for lowering, raising, and storing lifeboats, tenders, or other equipment.  Davits are essential components on ships and boats, primarily designed for handling lifeboats and small auxiliary craft. They consist of a pair of arms, often curved or angled, that extend outward from the vessel’s structure. These arms are...

A ball, cone or diamond-shaped object, ordinarily black, hoisted by day on a vessel to indicate a particular status within the IRPCS.  If you want more information about Day Shapes, you can look at Vessel Identification (by day) in the Rules of the road module.

The RYA Day Skipper Practical (Motor) course equips participants to take charge of motor cruisers during short passages. Over five days, participants practice navigation, boat handling, and emergency procedures under the guidance of an instructor. The course emphasizes planning, safety, and decision-making, preparing participants to skipper motorboats confidently in familiar waters.

The RYA Day Skipper Practical (Sail) course teaches participants to skipper a yacht during short coastal passages. This five-day course covers navigation, pilotage, and boat handling, with a strong emphasis on safety and planning. Participants practice anchoring, mooring, and responding to emergencies under the guidance of an instructor. By the end, they will be ready...

The RYA Day Skipper Theory course provides aspiring skippers with the knowledge to navigate safely in coastal waters. This comprehensive program covers chart work, tidal calculations, meteorology, and collision regulations. Delivered over approximately 40 hours, the course prepares participants for practical Day Skipper qualifications and builds confidence in passage planning and navigation.

The International Maritime Signal Flag Delta. Meaning I am manoeuvring with difficulty.If appended with a Numeral Pennant, a Date.

A navigational method used to estimate a vessel's current position based on a previously known position, factoring in speed, time, and course without using celestial or satellite navigation. Dead reckoning is a fundamental technique in marine navigation that allows sailors to determine their position at sea when more advanced methods, such as GPS or celestial...

A licensed mariner responsible for the safe navigation, operation, and management of a vessel's deck department. Deck Officers, also known as mates, are integral to a ship's operation. They ensure its safe navigation and oversee various deck-related tasks. They hold positions of authority and responsibility, typically reporting to the ship's captain (Master) and working in...