Glossary Archive

Flag semaphore indicating the letter P.

International Morse Code sequence representing the letter P.

To find a vessels position by laying off bearings on a chart

Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Spans Plymouth Sound and adjacent waters off southwest England. From Plymouth Sound (“mouth of the Plym”), Plymouth experiences west to southwest winds of Force 4–6 and moderate seas with frequent rain showers. In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers departed under generally benign weather conditions from this area.

A pontoon is a flat, buoyant structure used to support a platform, bridge, or boat. It is typically made of metal, plastic, or inflatable materials and provides stability and flotation on the water. Marinas use pontoons to separate mooring for individual vessels.

Swamped by a high, following sea.

The left-hand side of a vessel when facing forward towards the bow. The term "port" is used in maritime navigation to refer to the left side of a ship or boat when one is facing the bow (the front of the vessel). This term is essential for ensuring clear communication and avoiding confusion, especially in...

A Harbour or docking facility where vessels load and unload cargo or passengers.  A port is a designated location along a coast, river, or other navigable waterway where vessels can berth for commercial, logistical, or passenger operations. Ports vary in size and function, with some serving as major international trade hubs while others cater to...

The side of a vessel that is perpendicular to its centreline and located on the left-hand side when facing forward towards the bow. The term port beam is a critical concept in nautical terminology, used to describe a specific area or direction relative to a vessel's orientation. Port refers to the left-hand side of a...

The forward left-hand side of a vessel when facing the bow (front). The term "port bow" is a specific designation used in nautical contexts to describe a particular section of a vessel. It combines two key directional terms: "port," which is the left-hand side of a vessel when facing forward towards the bow, and "bow,"...