Glossary Archive

The predicted time at which a vessel is expected to reach a specific destination, based on current speed, course, and environmental conditions. The Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is a concept in maritime navigation and logistics. It represents the anticipated time a vessel will arrive at a designated location, such as a port, waypoint, or...

Strong, dry north to north-easterly katabatic winds that blow seasonally over the Aegean Sea during the summer months. The Etesians, also known as Meltemi winds in Greek, are a prominent meteorological phenomenon affecting the eastern Mediterranean, particularly the Aegean Sea. These winds typically occur from late May through to September, peaking in July and August....

A European intergovernmental organisation that provides medium-range weather forecasts for its member countries and the wider international community. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an independent intergovernmental organisation supported by 34 European countries. It is renowned for its global numerical weather prediction model, which provides medium-range weather forecasts up to 15 days...

The balanced and stable positioning of a vessel in the water, where it is neither listing to one side nor pitching forward or aft.  An "even keel" is a nautical term that describes the ideal state of a vessel when it is perfectly balanced in the water. This means the ship or boat is not...

A permanent loop formed at the end of a rope by interweaving its strands back into itself. An eye splice is a fundamental ropework technique used in marine applications to create a strong, secure, and durable loop at the end of a rope. This loop, known as the "eye," is formed without the need for...

Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Covers the sea around the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic. Covering waters around the Faroe Islands (Old Norse “Færeyjar”), Faeroes is one of the Atlantic’s roughest passages, with winter storms regularly reaching Force 10–11 and 10–12 m waves. The 1890 St. Paul’s gale brought Force 11...

A state in which the wind or weather conditions are favourable for navigation or sailing or to adjust or smooth the surface of a hull or structure to ensure it is even and free of imperfections. In the context of recreational marine terminology, "fair" can refer to both a process and a condition, depending on...

Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Spans the channel between the Orkney and Shetland Islands in the northern North Sea. After Fair Isle (between Orkney and Shetland), Fair Isle endures North Atlantic lows with frequent Force 8–9 gales and turbulent seas. Its famous bird observatory often suspends operations for days during storm events.

A device used to guide a line, rope, or cable, preventing it from chafing or snagging, and ensuring it runs smoothly along a desired path. A fairlead is an essential piece of hardware found on boats and ships, designed to manage the routing of lines, ropes, or cables. It typically consists of a smooth, rounded...

The main channel in a body of water such as an estuary or river