Glossary Archive

Pronounced: DEL-ta The term for the letter D in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

A triangular-shaped area of sediment deposited at the mouth of a river, where it meets a body of water such as a sea or ocean. A delta refers to the landform created by the depositing of sediment carried by a river as the flow velocity decreases upon entering a larger body of water, such as...

A plough-style anchor with a triangular, streamlined shape, designed for strong holding power in various seabeds, especially sand and mud. The Delta anchor is a widely recognised and trusted design in recreational and commercial boating. Its distinctive triangular shape and sharp tip allow it to penetrate seabeds effectively, providing excellent holding power. The anchor's plough-style...

A depression is an area of low atmospheric pressure characterised by inward-spiraling winds. Depressions are often associated with stormy weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy precipitation, and rough seas. In meteorology, depressions are also known as cyclones or low-pressure systems.

An electronic depth-finding instrument or the amount of water at a given time

The difference between a vessel's actual compass heading and the magnetic heading indicated by the compass. Deviation is caused by the magnetic fields created by the vessel's metal components and electronic equipment, which can affect the accuracy of the compass reading. Deviation can be corrected by applying deviation correction values to the compass heading to...

A reference chart used on a vessel to indicate the compass error caused by local magnetic influences, showing the necessary corrections for different headings. A deviation card is an essential tool in marine navigation, particularly when using a magnetic compass. It accounts for the magnetic deviation, which is the error introduced by the vessel's own...

A powerful two-tone fog signal with a grunt at the end.

The RYA Diesel Engine course is a one-day program designed for boat owners and operators who want to maintain and troubleshoot their engines effectively. Participants learn practical skills such as bleeding fuel systems, changing filters, and diagnosing common issues. The course emphasizes preventative maintenance and safety, ensuring reliable engine performance during voyages. It’s an essential...

Is the process of sending a digital message using a VHF transmission. It is used to send and listen for distress signals in maritime situations and is a core part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System.