Glossary
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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology Abaft
A position or direction towards the rear (stern) of a vessel relative to a specific point of reference on the boat.
In maritime terminology,...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Abate
To reduce in intensity, force, or degree, especially in relation to wind, waves, or other marine conditions.
Abate refers to the lessening or...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Abeam
The position or direction at right angles to the centreline or keel of a vessel, typically on either side of the boat.
Abeam describes...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Nautical Saying Above board
Something done openly, honestly, and straightforwardly without deceit or dishonesty. It originates from pirates hiding crew members below deck...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Above deck
The area of a boat or ship located on the main deck or any higher deck levels. This area is typically exposed to the elements and is where...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Accidental Gybe
An unintentional and often abrupt change in a sailing vessel's course that causes the boom to swing violently across the boat, typically due to a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Adrift
A vessel that is floating without being anchored, moored, or under control, often at the mercy of wind and currents.
Adrift describes a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Afloat
The state of being buoyant and on the water's surface, not submerged or sinking.
Afloat is a term commonly used in the maritime world to...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Aft
The rear or stern section of a vessel, towards the back of the boat or ship.
Aft is a directional term used to describe the position or...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology After Deck
The portion of a vessel's deck located towards the stern, or rear, of the ship.
The after deck, sometimes referred to as the aft deck, is a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Aground
The situation when a vessel is stuck on the seabed or shore, unable to move freely in the water.
When a vessel is aground, the hull has come...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Ahead
The direction in front of a vessel, typically along its forward course or heading.
In maritime terminology, ahead is commonly used to describe...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Ahoy!
A nautical greeting or hail used to attract attention, signal presence, or establish communication between vessels or individuals at...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Air Cushioned Vessel
A type of watercraft that uses a cushion of pressurised air beneath its hull to reduce friction and enable movement over water, land, or other...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology AIS
An automatic tracking system used on ships and by vessel traffic services (VTS). AIS works over VHF and supplements marine radar, which continues...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Alee
The side of a vessel that is sheltered from the wind, also known as the leeward side.
Alee is a nautical term used to describe the side of a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Aloft
A position above the deck, typically in the rigging or on the masts of a ship.
Aloft is used to describe any position above a vessel's deck,...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Alongside
The position or location next to a vessel, dock, or quay where a ship can be moored or secured.
The term alongside is a fundamental concept...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Nautical Saying Aloof
Aloof originally had a different meaning than its modern-day use to describe someone emotionally distant. In maritime language, Aloof comes from...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Amidships
The central part of a vessel, both longitudinally and laterally, located between the bow and stern.
Amidships is a crucial term in nautical...
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