Glossary

A system for conveying information at a distance through visual signals using hand-held flags.

The position of the flags encodes the...

To lay out or coil a line or rope in a flat, organised manner to prevent tangling or kinking.

Flaking is a crucial technique in maritime...

The process of neatly laying out a rope or line in a series of back-and-forth folds to prevent tangling and ensure it runs out smoothly when...

Flaking a sail is neatly folding or arranging it in parallel or accordion-like folds. This is typically done to store or stow the sail properly...

A pyrotechnic device used on boats to signal distress or indicate position, especially in emergencies.

Flares are an essential part of marine...

This shape represents the Letter F (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 6 (Flag Semaphore).

International Morse Code sequence representing the letter F.

The incoming or rising phase of the tide, during which seawater flows landward and the water level increases. 

A flood tide is the period...

The flat, triangular blade or arm of an anchor designed to dig into the seabed and provide holding power.

The term "fluke" in a marine context...

The rapid and uncontrolled movement of a sail or line due to a sudden change in wind or tension.

Flying out typically describes an event where...

A method of encoding information in a carrier wave by varying its frequency, commonly used in marine radio communications.

Frequency...

The lower edge of a sail, typically attached to the boom or deck of a sailing vessel.

The term foot refers to the bottom edge of a sail. On a...

The forward part of a vessel's deck, located towards the bow and often used for anchoring, mooring, or storage.

The foredeck is a critical...

A hatch located on the forward part of a vessel, typically providing access to the forepeak or forward compartments below deck.

A forehatch is...