Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.
We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.
Signals and communication in the marine world are like a game of charades with the ocean as your stage. Picture a crew furiously waving flags screaming, “We’re out of snacks!” while another ship squints, trying to decode whether that’s a distress call or just terrible semaphore skills. Horns blast at decibels high enough to wake Poseidon, with meanings ranging from “I’m turning left” to “Move it or lose it!” And let’s not forget Morse code—nothing says “urgent message” like blinking a flashlight at a seagull for hours. Meanwhile, the VHF radio crackles with static and a dozen accents yelling about the weather, leaving everyone more confused than enlightened. It’s a symphony of organised chaos where somehow, miraculously, no one crashes into an iceberg. Usually.
The intergovernmental organisation that develops international guidance and cooperation for marine aids to navigation. IALA produces standards, recommendations, guidelines and model courses covering buoyage, lights, vessel traffic services, digital services and related systems. Its work promotes harmonisation and supports authorities, manufacturers, service providers and mariners, while legal implementation remains the responsibility of states and relevant…
An aid to navigation placed on or moored above an isolated danger with navigable water all around it. Under the IALA Maritime Buoyage System it is coloured black with one or more broad red horizontal bands and carries two black spheres as its topmark. Its light, when fitted, is white and shows a group of…
The standard spoken code word for the letter J in the international radiotelephony spelling alphabet. It is pronounced “JEW-lee-ETT” and is used to spell names, call signs and other information clearly over marine radio. The official spelling uses a double t and the same word is used in the NATO phonetic alphabet. Juliett is also…
The elevation of a navigational light’s focal plane above its stated vertical datum. For a shore light, the chart or light list states both the height and the datum used; the datum varies by hydrographic authority and location and must not be assumed always to be Mean High Water Springs. The focal plane is the…
To raise a sail, flag, load or other item by means of a line or lifting system. A sail or flag is commonly hoisted with a halyard, while heavier loads may require a winch, tackle, crane or derrick. The word can also be a noun for the lifting operation or equipment and, in sailmaking, for…
The standard spoken code word for the letter H in the international radiotelephony spelling alphabet. It is pronounced “hoh-TELL” and is used to spell names, call signs and other information clearly over marine radio. The same word is used in the NATO phonetic alphabet. Hotel is also associated with International Code of Signals flag H,…
A flag identifying the shipping company, yacht owner or organisation associated with a vessel. Commercial shipping companies traditionally use a house flag bearing their colours or emblem, while a private yacht may fly an owner’s personal house flag. It is an identifying flag rather than a national ensign or an International Code of Signals message….
The standard spoken code word for the letter F in the international radiotelephony spelling alphabet. It is pronounced “FOKS-trot” and is used to spell names, call signs and other information clearly over marine radio. The same word is used in the NATO phonetic alphabet. Foxtrot is also associated with International Code of Signals flag F,…
The international maritime communications framework for distress alerting, search-and-rescue coordination and the dissemination of maritime safety information. GMDSS combines terrestrial and satellite services and equipment that can include VHF, MF and HF digital selective calling, recognised mobile satellite services, NAVTEX or enhanced group calling, emergency position-indicating radio beacons, radar or AIS search-and-rescue transponders and portable…
If you belive the Earth is flat, you're about to fall of the end...
If you belive the Earth is flat, you're about to fall of the end...
What are you looking for?
Our 1% commitment
Funding permanent carbon removal
My Sailing Course contributes 1% of every Stripe payment to help promising carbon removal technologies move from the lab into the field.
1% of each paymentA £100 payment creates a £1 contribution from us.Selected for impactStripe works with scientific advisers to select early-stage carbon removal projects.Our contribution is automaticWe make the contribution after every eligible Stripe payment. Customers do not need to opt in or pay anything extra.
Stripe Climate commitments fund the development and purchase of carbon removal. They are not carbon offsets or credits attached to an individual order.
My Favourites
Notifications
MY SAILING COURSE
Hello, Visiting Sailor!
Welcome to My Sailing Course. Where's this adventure going to take you?
Your account details are encrypted in transit and your password is never displayed or stored by this form. By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Before you sail away…
Join free to save your favourites, unlock bonus learning resources and keep everything nautical close at hand.
MY SAILING COURSECreate your account
Join the My Sailing Course community with one secure account for your courses, profile and support.
✓
Welcome aboard!
We've successfully created your account. Hold station for a few moments and you will be returned to the page.
