Glossary Archive

Buoy, post or pillar positioned at safe distance to seaward of a channel. See also Safe Water mark.

Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Located off Ireland’s southwest coast near Fastnet Rock. After Fastnet Rock off Ireland’s SW coast, Fastnet experiences seasonal southwesterly gales (Force 6–8) for the annual race and winter storms up to Force 10–11 with 10–15 m seas. The 1979 Fastnet Race disaster saw Force 10–11 gusts (60...

A unit of length equal to six feet (1.8288 metres), commonly used to measure the depth of water. A fathom is a traditional maritime unit of measurement that has been used for centuries to determine water depth. It originated from the practice of measuring the span between a person's outstretched arms, which was roughly six...

The International Maritime Signal Flag Foxtrot. Meaning I am disabled; communicate with me.

The phrase "feeling blue" is commonly used to describe sadness or melancholy, and its origins are often linked to nautical traditions. Nautical Origin: In maritime tradition, when a ship lost its captain, the crew would raise blue flags and paint a blue stripe along the hull to signal mourning. This custom is thought to have...

A fender is a cushioning device used on boats and ships to prevent damage to the vessel or dock when they come into contact, particularly when coming alongside. Fenders are typically made of rubber, foam, or other materials that absorb impact and protect the hull from scratches or dents. They are usually attached to the...

A technique used to move a boat sideways across a flowing body of water without significant forward or backward motion relative to the bank. Ferry gliding is a controlled manoeuvre used to move a vessel laterally across a current or tidal stream by taking advantage of the water’s flow. Rather than fighting against the current,...

The distance travelled by the wind when crossing open water.  The height of the waves is proportional to the fetch and strength of the wind

A tapered tool used for separating the strands of rope for splicing.

A type of knot commonly used to create a secure stopper at the end of a rope, preventing it from slipping through a block, cleat, or pulley. The Figure of Eight knot, also known as the "Figure Eight stopper knot," is a fundamental and widely used knot in the maritime world. Its primary purpose is...