Glossary Archive

A shore-based facility responsible for coordinating and managing maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations within a designated area of responsibility. A Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) is a critical hub in the global maritime safety network, ensuring the effective coordination of search and rescue (SAR) efforts for vessels and individuals in distress at sea. National...

Defined in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, Chapter IV as "navigational and meteorological warnings, meteorological forecasts and other urgent safety related messages broadcast to ships".

An object that marks a position

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.

A tall vertical spar or structure on a sailing vessel that supports the sails, rigging, and sometimes navigation equipment. A mast is one of the most essential components of a sailing vessel, providing the necessary height and support for the sails, which in turn harness the wind to propel the boat forward. Traditionally made from...

A white, forward facing light exhibited near the masthead by a power-driven vessel underway.

Fitting into which the mast heel fits

An internationally recognised distress signal used in voice communication to indicate a grave or imminent, life-threatening emergency at sea. The term "Mayday" is a critical part of maritime communication, originating from the French phrase "m'aider," which means "help me." It is used exclusively in situations where there is an immediate danger to life or the...

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...

The International Maritime Signal Flag Mike. Meaning My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.