Glossary Archive

Ahead of a vessel at an angle to the bows, but forward of the beam, to the right

At an angle to the stern of your vessel, but abaft the beam, to the right

The designated officer responsible for the safe navigation and operation of a vessel during their assigned watch period.  The Officer of the Watch (OOW) is a key role on a vessel, ensuring the ship's safe passage and adherence to regulations while on duty. The OOW is responsible for maintaining a proper lookout, monitoring navigational equipment,...

Pronounced: OSS-cah The term for the letter O in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

A line with which the mainsail is hauled out along the boom

Turbulent waters where is a sudden change in depth or where two tidal streams meet

A loop that crosses on top of the standing part of a rope when tying a knot.

The line at the bow of a dinghy

An internationally recognised maritime urgency signal used in radio communications to indicate a situation that is urgent but does not pose an immediate threat to life or the vessel. The term Pan Pan originates from the French word "panne," meaning a breakdown or failure, and is used in maritime and aeronautical radio communications to alert others of...

Pronounced: pah-pah The term for the letter P in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.