Glossary Archive

The principal and typically largest sail on a sailing vessel, attached to the mainmast and used to harness wind power for propulsion. The mainsail is a critical component of a sailing vessel's rigging, as it provides the primary source of propulsion when the boat is under sail. It is typically hoisted on the mainmast, which...

The mainsheet traveller is a system on a sailboat that allows for adjustment of the mainsheet attachment point along a track that runs across the cockpit or deck. This allows for precise control of the mainsail's angle to the wind, helping to optimise sail trim and performance. By adjusting the mainsheet traveller, sailors can easily...

To secure the vessel with mooring lines to the jetty or to tie up to a buoy

Making way refers to the movement of a vessel through the water under its own power. A vessel making way, is propelling itself forward, either by engine, by wind propulsion or by other means. This is an important distinction and concept in navigation and maritime law, as vessels making way have different roles and responsibilities...

A situation where a person has fallen from a vessel into the water, requiring immediate rescue actions.  A man overboard situation is one of the most serious emergencies at sea, as it poses an immediate risk to the person's life due to drowning, hypothermia, or injury. When someone falls overboard, the crew must act quickly...

Marinas are facilities located along the coast or inland waterways providing boats and yacht moorings. They typically offer services such as fueling, maintenance and repair, boat storage, and sometimes amenities like restaurants, shops, washing facilities, showers, and toilets for boaters and visitors. Marinas can vary in size from small, privately owned facilities to large, full-service...

A UK government agency responsible for investigating marine accidents and incidents to improve maritime safety. Part of the Department for Transport, the MAIB examines incidents involving UK vessels anywhere in the world and foreign vessels in UK waters. Key Roles and Responsibilities of the MAIB Investigation of Marine Accidents: The MAIB investigates accidents involving all...

The RYA Marine Radio VHF (SRC) course is a mandatory qualification for anyone operating a marine VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC). Participants learn to communicate distress messages, routine calls, and emergency procedures. The course also covers the use of safety equipment like EPIRBs and SARTs. Delivered through practical simulations, this program ensures participants...

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is a UK government agency responsible for implementing maritime safety and environmental policies. It oversees the UK’s search and rescue operations, promotes safety at sea, enforces maritime law, and coordinates responses to pollution incidents. The MCA is part of the Department for Transport. Key Responsibilities of the MCA Search...

A unique nine-digit number assigned to a vessel, coast station, or group of stations for digital communication and identification in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is a critical component of modern maritime communication systems, enabling efficient and precise identification of vessels and stations during radio communications. This...