Glossary Archive

A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels on inland waterways.  The Sportbootführerschein Binnen (SBF Binnen) is a mandatory licence in Germany for those operating recreational boats with an engine of 15 horsepower (11.03 kW) or more on inland waterways, including rivers, lakes, and canals. The licence is available for both...

A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels with an engine of more than 15 horsepower in coastal waters.  The Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See) is the official German boating licence for navigating coastal and offshore waters beyond inland waterways. It is mandatory for operating recreational boats with an engine exceeding 15...

The International Maritime Signal Flag Sierra. Meaning I am operating astern propulsion.If appended with a Numeral Pennant, Speed (velocity) in knots.

Amount of cable or 'rode' which is let out when anchoring or laying a cable.

An opening in the side of a ship or boat, designed to allow water on deck to drain overboard. In maritime terminology, a scupper is an essential feature of a vessel's design, specifically created to manage water that accumulates on the deck. These openings are typically located along the edges of the deck and are...

A device, typically a canvas or synthetic fabric drogue, deployed in the water to stabilise a vessel by creating drag and reducing drift in rough seas or strong currents. A sea anchor is a critical piece of equipment used in maritime navigation and safety. It is designed to be deployed off the bow or stern of a...

A cooling wind that blows from the sea towards the land, typically occurring during the daytime due to temperature differences between the land and the water. A sea breeze is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when the sun heats the land and the sea at different rates, creating a temperature gradient. During the day, the...

A stop-cock next to the hull to prevent accidental entry of water

The ability of a person to maintain balance and move steadily on a vessel in motion, particularly in rough seas. Sealegs is a term deeply rooted in maritime culture, describing the adaptation process by which individuals become accustomed to the motion of a boat or ship at sea. When someone has "found their sealegs," it...

The coordinated efforts undertaken to locate and assist individuals in distress or imminent danger, typically at sea, and to bring them to safety.  Search and Rescue (SAR) is a critical operation in maritime environments, designed to respond to emergencies where individuals are lost, injured, or in peril. These operations are often carried out by specialised...