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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

    • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
    • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • Directory

      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.

    • Places
      Find anywhere nauctical, including marinas u0026 training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
    • Courses
      We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      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.

    • Nautical Terms & Terminology
      Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
    • Why do we have tides?
      Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
    • What causes our weather?
      A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper u0026 RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
    • Buoyage Flashcards
      Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
    • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
      Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
    • The Salty Sea Blog
      From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

    • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
    • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • Directory

      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.

    • Places
      Find anywhere nauctical, including marinas u0026 training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
    • Courses
      We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      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.

    • Nautical Terms & Terminology
      Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
    • Why do we have tides?
      Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
    • What causes our weather?
      A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper u0026 RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
    • Buoyage Flashcards
      Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
    • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
      Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
    • The Salty Sea Blog
      From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
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Glossary

AJAX progress indicator
Nautical chart abbreviations are like the secret code of the seas—except instead of buried treasure, they lead to rocks, buoys, and mysterious dashed lines that scream, 'Don’t sail here.' Learning them can feel like cracking a pirate’s encrypted diary, but don’t worry, matey! With clever tools, quirky mnemonics, and a splash of humour, we’ll help you go from 'What’s "FOUL" mean? to confidently navigating the “Wk” wrecks and “Fl G” flashes like a salty sea captain. Think of it as Rosetta Stone, but for avoiding sandbanks!
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Results: 21
  • Term
    Definition
  • Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Kilo (K)

    The International Maritime Signal Flag Kilo.

    Meaning

    I wish to communicate with you.
    If appended by a Numeral Pennant:
    I wish to...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology KedgeA technique for moving or turning a ship by using a relatively light anchor known as a kedge.
  • General Nautical Terminology Kedge Anchor

    A small, lightweight anchor used to reposition or manoeuvre a vessel in confined waters or to assist in anchoring when the main anchor is...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology KeelA structural element that sometimes resembles a fin and protrudes below a boat usually along its centre line
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Club RacingThe RYA Keelboat Club Racing course prepares sailors to participate confidently in club-level keelboat races. Participants learn race rules,... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Day SailingThe RYA Keelboat Day Sailing course teaches participants how to plan and execute safe and enjoyable day trips in keelboats. This course covers... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Level 1 - Start SailingThe RYA Keelboat Level 1 course is an entry-level program for those new to sailing. Participants learn basic skills such as rigging, steering, and... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Level 2 - Basic SkillsThe RYA Keelboat Level 2 course builds on Level 1 by teaching participants to sail independently. Practical sessions focus on tacking, gybing, and... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Level 3 - Better SailingThe RYA Keelboat Level 3 course refines sailing techniques and enhances confidence in challenging conditions. Participants practice advanced... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Performance SailingThe RYA Keelboat Performance Sailing course is tailored for sailors looking to optimize performance in keelboats. Participants focus on advanced... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Regional RacingThe RYA Keelboat Regional Racing course is designed for sailors competing at a regional level. The program focuses on advanced racing tactics,... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Sailing with SpinnakersThe RYA Keelboat Sailing with Spinnakers course introduces sailors to spinnaker handling. Participants learn how to rig, hoist, trim, and gybe... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Seamanship SkillsThe RYA Keelboat Seamanship Skills course focuses on building practical skills for handling keelboats in various conditions. Participants practice... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Start RacingThe RYA Keelboat Start Racing course introduces sailors to the fundamentals of competitive keelboat racing. Participants learn essential racing... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology KetchA two-masted fore-and-aft rigged sailboat with the aft mast (the mizzen) mounted (stepped) afore (in front of) the rudder.
  • General Nautical Terminology Kicking StrapLine or tackle to pull the boom down to keep it horizontal
  • Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Kilo

    Pronounced: key-loh

    The term for the letter K in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

  • Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter K (Flag Semaphore)
    Letter K (Flag Semaphore)

    This shape represents the Letter K (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 0 (Flag Semaphore).

  • Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter K (Morse Code)

    International Morse Code sequence representing the letter K.

  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Knot

    A unit of speed used in maritime navigation, equivalent to one nautical mile per hour.

    A knot is a crucial measurement in marine navigation,...

    More Details
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