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 CoamingThe raised edge of a hatch, cockpit or skylight to help keep out water.
- 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 Companionway StepsLeading down from the deck to the saloon the companionway steps can become slippery when wet. When descending the steps always face them, as this... 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

