Glossary Archive

Gap between two sails.

Electronic navigation standards for commercial vessels less than 24m . Equipment meeting the requirements of this performance standard is accepted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as a suitable arrangement which satisfies the chart carriage requirements stipulated within SOLAS Chapter V/19 for vessels for which MGN 319 (as amended) applies. This standard is not accepted...

A set of internationally agreed-upon phrases used to ensure clear, concise, and unambiguous communication at sea, particularly between vessels and shore stations. Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) were developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance safety at sea by reducing the risk of misunderstandings caused by language barriers. They provide a structured and...

Jerk caused by too short an anchor cable in a seaway; To take a turn quickly around a cleat, bollard or Samson post

To prepare for heavy weather by securing all loose gear

The actual velocity of a vessel relative to the Earth's surface, accounting for the effects of currents, tides, and other environmental factors.  Speed Over Ground (SOG) is a critical navigational term in maritime operations, representing the true speed at which a vessel moves over the Earth's surface. Unlike Speed Through Water (STW), which measures the...

An international maritime treaty that sets minimum safety standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation. Its primary goal is to ensure the safety of life at sea by regulating various aspects of maritime safety, including ship design, fire protection, navigation equipment, lifesaving appliances, and emergency procedures. SOLAS applies to all commercial ships engaged in international...

Chapter V of SOLAS (Safety of life at Sea) refers to the Safety of Navigation for all vessels at sea. SOLAS V for pleasure craft SOLAS V contains regulations for vessels under 150 GT (gross tonnage) used for pleasure. Specific regulations for pleasure craft (less than 150 gross tonnage) The following regulations are the elements...

Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Covers Sole Bank in the eastern Bay of Biscay off the French coast. From the Sole Bank, famed for flatfish, Sole experiences west winds of Force 4–6 and moderate seas. Fishing fleets often schedule “Sole runs” immediately after storm windows to take advantage of calmer waters.

The flat, horizontal planks or panels that form the flooring of a boat's interior, typically installed over the bilge area to provide a stable walking surface and access to the bilge. Sole boards, often referred to simply as "the sole," are an integral part of a boat's interior construction. They serve both functional and aesthetic...