Glossary Archive

Verb - The process of setting up and adjusting the sails, lines, and other necessary equipment on a boat or ship to ensure it is ready for sailing. Rigging refers to preparing a vessel for navigation by arranging and securing its various components, such as sails, ropes (also known as lines), masts, and spars. This...

A vessel that has both a solid part and inflatable part to its structure

An internationally renowned professional institution representing naval architects and marine engineers worldwide. It was founded in 1860 and is based in London, United Kingdom. RINA provides professional accreditation, training, and technical support to individuals and organisations involved in the design, construction, and operation of ships and marine structures. The institution plays a key role in...

The possibility that a collision may occur, usually established by taking a compass bearing of an approaching vessel. Defined in Rule 7 - Risk of Collision of IRPCS.

Flag semaphore indicating the letter R.

International Morse Code sequence representing the letter R.

The volunteer crewed rescue service providing 24-hour rescue services around the UK and Irish coastline. They also provide seasonal lifeguards who look after people on busy beaches. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a charitable organisation in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland dedicated to saving lives at sea. Founded in 1824,...

Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Spans the North Atlantic west of Ireland around Rockall islet. Named for the remote granite islet Rockall, this area endures some of the Atlantic’s strongest gales (Force 9–11) and massive northwest swells. Competing territorial claims rest partly on the meteorological significance of its isolated weather station.

The line, chain, or cable that connects an anchor to a vessel. Rode refers to the length of chain, rope, or a combination of both that attaches a vessel to its anchor. The rode plays a crucial role in anchoring, as it absorbs the forces exerted by wind, waves, and currents, ensuring the anchor holds...

Roller furling is used on sailing boats to roll or unroll a sail, typically the jib or genoa, around a stay to quickly deploy or stow the sail. Roller furling is a popular sail handling system on modern sailboats, designed to make managing headsails more efficient and safer, especially for short-handed crews. The system consists...