Glossary Archive

The small, gentle ripples or wavelets that form on the surface of the water, typically caused by light winds or minor disturbances. Perling describes a subtle surface condition of water, characterised by fine, delicate ripples that often appear when a light breeze moves across calm seas or sheltered waters. These small wavelets are usually uniform...

A piece of equipment designed to assist a person in staying afloat in water by providing buoyancy. A Personal Flotation Device (PFD), commonly known as a life jacket or buoyancy aid, is a crucial piece of safety equipment for anyone participating in water activities. PFDs come in various types and sizes, but they all serve...

A compact, portable device used to transmit a distress signal via satellite to alert search and rescue services in emergencies at sea. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is an essential piece of safety equipment for mariners, designed to provide a lifeline in situations where traditional communication methods, such as VHF radios or mobile phones, are...

The RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency course is designed for jet ski operators, covering essential skills for safe and enjoyable use. Participants learn launching, handling at various speeds, and navigation basics. The course emphasizes safety procedures, including emergency stops and recovery techniques. This program is perfect for beginners or experienced riders seeking a certification often required...

A piece of equipment designed to assist a person in staying afloat in water by providing buoyancy. A Personal Flotation Device (PFD), commonly known as a life jacket or buoyancy aid, is a crucial piece of safety equipment for anyone participating in water activities. PFDs come in various types and sizes, but they all serve...

The Phonetic Alphabet, also known as the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet or NATO phonetic alphabet, is a standardised set of words used to represent the letters of the alphabet in oral communication. Each word in the phonetic alphabet corresponds to a specific letter and is designed to reduce ambiguity and miscommunication when spelling out words...

A stout timber or metal post driven vertically into the a river or seabed

An expert in local waters who assists vessels entering or leaving harbour; An official publication posting details of, for example, local coasts, dangers and harbours

Pilotage is the use of fixed visual references by sight or radar to safely navigate to a destination, usually a port or harbour, with the help of a map or nautical chart. Pilotage techniques apply when close to land or other navigational reference points.

Sailing too close to the wind for the sails to work efficiently. This reduces drive and may cause the luff of the sail to shake or the vessel to slow. It often happens when trying to point higher towards a destination without allowing enough angle for the sails to draw. A small bear away may...