Glossary

The internationally agreed rules designed to prevent collisions at sea by setting out navigation procedures, responsibilities, and conduct for...

The internationally agreed rules designed to prevent collisions at sea by setting out navigation procedures, responsibilities, and conduct for...

Irish Lights is responsible for maintaining lighthouses, buoys, beacons, and other navigation aids along the entire coast of Ireland, including...

A set of steps or a ladder leading from one deck of a vessel to another, often enclosed by a hatch or housing. 

A companionway is an essential...

The inclined set of steps or ladder leading from a vessel's deck to the interior spaces below, such as the cabin or saloon.

The companionway...

A navigational instrument that determines direction relative to the Earth’s magnetic poles. It typically consists of a magnetised needle aligning...

The CADET mnemonic can help remember the corrections needed when converting between True North and Compass North bearings. It assists in...

A circular diagram on nautical charts and compasses that displays directions relative to true north and magnetic north, often including...

A navigational situation where two vessels maintain the same relative bearing to each other while the distance between them diminishes, often...

A vessel whose ability to deviate from its current course is significantly restricted due to the depth of water relative to its draught.

A...

A line on a nautical chart that connects points of equal depth below the water's surface, representing the underwater topography.

A contour...

The primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time serving as the basis for civil time globally.

Coordinated Universal...

The apparent deflection of moving fluids, such as air or water, caused by the Earth's rotation, influencing large-scale ocean currents and wind...

An international satellite-based search and rescue system that detects and locates distress signals from emergency beacons to assist in maritime,...

The actual path a vessel follows over the surface of the Earth, as opposed to its heading or intended course.

Course Over Ground (COG) is a...

The compass direction a vessel must follow to reach a planned destination, taking into account the effects of wind, tide, and current. It is not...

A national flag flown by a visiting vessel in foreign waters as a gesture of respect to the host country.

A courtesy ensign is a flag flown by...

Used primarily in maritime and aviation contexts to describe the shortest distance that will be achieved between two moving objects, such as...

A type of plough anchor renowned for its hinged shank and ability to reset itself effectively in various seabed conditions.

The CQR...