Glossary
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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology Coachroof
The raised portion of a boat's deck, typically over the cabin, providing additional headroom and space below deck.
The coachroof, also known...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Coaming
A raised edge or border around an opening on a deck, such as a hatch, designed to prevent water from entering.
Coamings are essential...
More Details - Courses, RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (Motor)The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (Motor) course is designed for experienced motor cruisers preparing for extended coastal passages. Participants... More Details
- Courses, RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (Sail)The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (Sail) course is for experienced sailors preparing for extended coastal passages. Participants learn advanced... More Details
- Courses, RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore TheoryThe RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course is an advanced shore-based program for experienced sailors. Topics include complex... More Details
- Organisation Coastguard (HMCG)
The organisation responsible for search and rescue operations in UK waters.
His Majesty's Coastguard (HMCG) is a section of...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Cocked Hat
The small triangular area formed when three position lines on a nautical chart intersect but do not meet at a single point, indicating a degree...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Cockpit
The area of a boat, typically located towards the stern, where the helm, controls, and seating for the crew are situated.
The cockpit of a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Code Zero
A lightweight, high-performance sail designed for close-reaching angles, typically used in light wind conditions to maximise boat speed.
A...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation COG
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...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Collision CourseThe course of a vessel which, if maintained relative to that of another would result in a collision
- Abbreviation, General Nautical Terminology Collision Regulations (COLREGs)
The internationally agreed rules designed to prevent collisions at sea by setting out navigation procedures, responsibilities, and conduct for...
More Details - Abbreviation, General Nautical Terminology COLREGs
The internationally agreed rules designed to prevent collisions at sea by setting out navigation procedures, responsibilities, and conduct for...
More Details - Organisation Commissioners of Irish Lights
Irish Lights is responsible for maintaining lighthouses, buoys, beacons, and other navigation aids along the entire coast of Ireland, including...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Companionway
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...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Companionway Steps
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...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Compass
A navigational instrument that determines direction relative to the Earth’s magnetic poles. It typically consists of a magnetised needle aligning...
More Details - Navigation Compass Add East for True (CADET)
The CADET mnemonic can help remember the corrections needed when converting between True North and Compass North bearings. It assists in...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Compass Rose
A circular diagram on nautical charts and compasses that displays directions relative to true north and magnetic north, often including...
More Details - Courses, RYA Competent CrewThe RYA Competent Crew course introduces beginners to life on board a sailing yacht. Over five days, participants learn essential skills such as... More Details

