Glossary Archive

The angle or inclination of a vessel's bow and stern as it moves up and down in response to waves. Pitch is a critical concept in marine dynamics, describing the longitudinal motion of a vessel as it rotates around its lateral axis. This movement is caused by the interaction between the vessel and the waves,...

A capsize where a boat flips longitudinally, usually caused by the bow digging into a wave or sudden deceleration. A pitch pole is a dramatic and often dangerous form of capsize where a vessel, most commonly a multihull such as a catamaran or trimaran, flips forward over its bow. This typically occurs when the boat...

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...

Flag semaphore indicating the letter P.

International Morse Code sequence representing the letter P.

To chart or mark a course on a nautical chart or map. A marked course or route on a nautical chart, or the act of determining a vessel's position and intended path. Plotting is a fundamental aspect of maritime navigation, involving the precise marking of a vessel's current position and its intended course on a...

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...