Glossary
-
TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology Beam Reach
The point of sail where the wind is coming from directly abeam, or at a right angle to the boat's centreline.
A beam reach is one of the most...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Bear AwayTo alter course away from the wind
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Bearing
The direction or angle between a reference point, typically true north, and an object or destination, usually expressed in degrees.
A bearing...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Bearing to Waypoint (BTW)
The direction from a vessel's current position to a predetermined navigational point or waypoint.
In marine navigation, Bearing to Waypoint is...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology BeatingSailing towards the wind with the sails hauled in tight
- General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Beaufort Scale
A scale used for estimating and reporting wind speeds based on observed sea conditions.
British Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort developed it in...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Below Deck
Below deck refers to the interior spaces of a vessel located beneath the main deck or upper deck. These areas typically include crew quarters,...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Bermudan Rig
A type of sail plan characterised by a triangular mainsail set aft of the mast, with the mast typically taller than the length of the boat.
A...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology BerthA place where a vessel can be tied up; A sleeping place on a vessel; To give an obstruction wide clearance by keeping well clear
- General Nautical Terminology Bi-colour LightCombined red (port) and green (starboard) light positioned on the bow
- General Nautical Terminology Bight
A loop created in the standing part of a rope.
- General Nautical Terminology Bilge PumpUsed to empty unwanted water from the vessel. Can be automatic, manual and mobile and are usually positioned to collect the water from the lowest... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology BilgesThe compartment at the bottom of the hull of a ship or boat where water collects and must be pumped out of the vessel.
- General Nautical Terminology Bimini
A canvas or fabric top supported by a metal frame, typically found on boats to provide shade and protection from the sun.
A Bimini is a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology BinnacleThe stand on which the ship's compass is mounted, usually in front of the wheel. May also carry navigation instruments.
- General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Biscay
Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Covers the Bay of Biscay, off the west coast of France and north coast of Spain.
Covering the Bay...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter B (Flag Semaphore)

This shape represents the Letter B (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 2 (Flag Semaphore).
- Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter B (Morse Code)
International Morse Code sequence representing the letter B.
- General Nautical Terminology Block
A type of pulley system used to change the direction of a line, rope, or cable on a boat. Blocks consist of one or more grooved wheels, called...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Boat HookA pole with a hook on the end, used to reach into the water to catch buoys or other floating objects.

