Glossary Archive

The RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman’s course is designed for those operating boats on canals and rivers. This two-day course covers boat handling, mooring, and lock operation. Participants also learn essential safety procedures and how to navigate in narrow or confined waterways. By the end, participants will have the skills and confidence to helm inland waterway...

A global satellite communications organisation providing maritime, aviation, and land-based services for safety and operational connectivity.  INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite Organisation) was established to improve maritime communications, particularly for distress and safety at sea. It operates a network of geostationary satellites that provide reliable voice and data services across the world's oceans. The system is...

The area of water close to the shore, typically within a few miles, where vessels operate in relatively calmer and shallower waters compared to offshore regions. Inshore, in a maritime context, generally describes the zone of water that is near the coastline, often extending up to a few nautical miles from land. This area is...

The moment when a sailing vessel is head-to-wind during a tack, temporarily losing forward momentum. When a sailing vessel is "in stays," it refers to the moment during a tack when the boat is head-to-wind, meaning the bow is pointed directly into the wind. This is a transitional phase as the boat moves from one...

The RYA Intermediate Windsurfing course bridges the gap between beginner and advanced skills. Participants learn techniques for improving speed, balance, and transitions in moderate conditions. The course introduces planing and teaches windsurfers how to optimize their stance and sail trim. By the end, participants will feel confident handling more dynamic conditions and progressing toward advanced...

The RYA Intermediate Windsurfing (Planing) course introduces participants to planing techniques, enabling them to harness the power of stronger winds. Participants learn how to control the board at higher speeds, manage their stance, and optimize sail trim. Practical exercises focus on improving transitions and maintaining stability. This course is ideal for windsurfers progressing from beginner...

A non-governmental organisation that develops standards and best practices for the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation through the use of aids to navigation. The International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), established in 1957, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of global maritime navigation. Its primary mission is to harmonise the worldwide use...

An official document that certifies a person's ability to operate a pleasure craft in countries that recognise it.  The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is a standardised qualification that demonstrates a boater's competency to operate a pleasure craft in international waters where it is recognised. It is issued by authorised national authorities and is often...

A system of flags, codes, and symbols used by ships to communicate essential messages and ensure safety at sea, regardless of language barriers. The International Code of Signals (ICS) is a globally recognised communication system designed to facilitate clear and unambiguous exchanges between vessels and between ships and shore stations. Established in the early 19th...

Established by the IMO, MARPOL is the convention for preventing pollution from ships. It is the main international convention covering the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. See the full convention here.