Glossary
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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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology Rudder
A rudder is a flat, movable surface attached to the stern of a boat or ship. It is used to steer the vessel by redirecting water flow.
The...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Running Backstay
A running backstay is a rigging component on a sailboat that helps support the mast. It runs from each lateral corner of the stern to the mast at...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Running Rigging
Running rigging refers to ropes, lines, and cables that control a sailing vessel’s sails and other movable components.
Running rigging is a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS)
The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a classification system that categorises hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage. It ranges...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Sail Drive
A sail drive is a transmission system for a boat whose inboard engine has a horizontal output shaft. The sail drive's input shaft is, therefore,...
More Details - Weather (Meteorology) Salinity
Salinity is the concentration of dissolved salts in water, typically expressed in parts per thousand (ppt) or as a percentage. In marine...
More Details - Signals & Communication Sécurité
Sécurité is a term used in maritime communication to indicate a safety message or alert being broadcast over the radio to all vessels in the...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Moorse Code, Signals & Communication Semaphore
A semaphore is a system of sending messages using visual signals, typically with flags or lights. It is commonly used in marine communications to...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Set
Direction of Current
Set refers to the direction toward which a current flows in a body of water.
In marine navigation, understanding the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Set
Set Anchor
The process of securing a boat in a stationary position by deploying and embedding an anchor into the seabed.
When a mariner...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Set Sail
To "set sail" means to begin a voyage or journey by sea, typically by hoisting the sails of a sailboat or ship to catch the wind and propel the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Shaft Drive
Shaft drive refers to a method of transferring power from an engine to a boat's propeller. In this system, a driveshaft connects the engine to...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Sheet
A sheet is a line or rope used to control the angle of a sail relative to the wind.
In sailing, a sheet is an essential part of the rigging...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Sierra
Phonetic alphabet letter S.
Astern Propulsion: When a vessel displays the Sierra flag, it indicates that the vessel is moving in reverse,...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Skeg
A skeg is a small fin or projection on the bottom of a boat's hull, typically near the stern. It helps to provide directional stability and...
More Details - Moorse Code, Signals & Communication SOS
The universally recognised distress signal used in maritime communication to indicate an emergency requiring immediate assistance.
The German...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Space (Flag Semaphore)
This shape indicates a space, usually between words. The same shape is also used for Rest (Flag Semaphore) & Ready (Flag Semaphore).
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) SSHWS
The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a classification system that categorises hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage. It ranges...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Standing Rigging
Standing rigging refers to the fixed lines, wires, or rods that support a sailboat's mast and keep it upright and stable.
Standing rigging is...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Stern
The stern is the rear or aft-most part of a boat or ship.
In nautical terms, the stern refers to the back end of a vessel opposite the bow,...
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