Glossary Archive

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 or tackle system used to adjust the tension and position of the sail's clew along the boom, affecting the sail's shape and performance. The outhaul is an essential control line on a sailing vessel, particularly for adjusting the mainsail. It is attached to the clew of the sail, which is the lower aft...

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.

A pyrotechnic distress signal that, when launched, ascends to a high altitude before deploying a parachute to slow its descent while emitting a bright, long-lasting light.  A parachute flare is an essential piece of safety equipment used in marine environments to signal distress and attract attention over long distances, particularly at night or in poor...

Navigational instrument used in conjunction with the compass rose on the chart to transfer bearings and courses to plot a vessel’s position