Glossary

A tide with the greatest difference between high and low water occurring when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned during new and full...

The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a classification system that categorises hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage. It ranges...

A set of internationally agreed-upon phrases used to ensure clear, concise, and unambiguous communication at sea, particularly between vessels...

A primary tidal reference location for which full tidal predictions, including times and heights of high and low water, are...

The standing end refers to the part of a rope or line that is not actively being used or manipulated during a task or operation. It is typically...

The section of rope between the standing end and a knot being made.

The fixed lines, wires, or rods that support a sailboat's mast and keep it upright and stable.

Standing rigging is a critical component of a...

To maintain a safe distance from a specific location, object, or vessel, often to avoid collision or interference.

A "stand off" in maritime...

The right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward towards the bow.

Starboard is a fundamental directional reference used to describe the...

The side of a vessel that is directly to the right, at a 90-degree angle from the centreline, when facing forward.

The term starboard beam is...

The forward section of a vessel's right-hand side when facing the bow (front) of the ship.

The term "starboard bow" is a specific nautical...

The rear right-hand section of a vessel when facing forward towards the bow.

The term "starboard quarter" is a specific navigational and...

The condition of a sailing vessel when the wind is coming over its starboard (right) side, with the sails set accordingly. 

A starboard tack...

A unit of distance equivalent to 5,280 feet or 1,609.34 meters. It is commonly used on land but is sometimes used in inland waterways.

In...

A mechanical device used in steering systems on boats, consisting of a quadrant-shaped gear connected to the rudder to control the direction of...

The rear or aft-most part of a vessel.

The stern is a critical part of any boat or ship, as it is the section located at the very back of the...

A stern drive is a propulsion system commonly used in recreational motor vessels. It consists of an inboard engine connected to a steerable drive...

A white navigational light mounted at the rear of a vessel, visible from directly behind and within a specified arc, used to indicate the...

A mooring line used to secure the aft (stern) of a vessel to a dock, quay, or another fixed structure.

A stern line is an essential component...

A mooring line that runs diagonally from the stern of a vessel to a point further forward on a dock or another vessel to help control...

The crosspiece fitted at right angles to an anchor’s shank that helps the anchor turn onto its side so a fluke can dig into the seabed.

The...

A knot tied at the end of a rope, usually to stop it from passing through a hole; most commonly a figure of eight knot.

Beaufort Scale - Force 10 (Storm Force 10)

A storm is a weather phenomenon characterised by strong winds, reaching at least 48 knots (55...

A compact cooking appliance or heating device, often found aboard vessels, used for preparing meals or warming the cabin. 

The stove primarily...

To put away in an appropriate place.  Being stowed implies that something has been safely stored and lashed down to stop if from moving when at sea.

The velocity at which a vessel moves relative to the water it is travelling through, excluding the effects of current or tidal flow.

Speed...

Large buoys, generally more than 5 m in diameter, are distinguished on charts because their unusually large size renders them a potential hazard...

Electronic navigation standards for commercial vessels less than 24m .

Equipment meeting the requirements of this performance standard is...

The area around a vessel at anchor where it can safely swing with changes in wind or tide without risk of collision or grounding.

Swinging...

A large, lightweight, balloon-shaped sail used when sailing downwind, designed with identical halves to allow it to be flown on either side of...

A graphical representation of meteorological data over a specific area at a particular time, used to display weather patterns and...

The alignment of three celestial bodies—typically the Earth, Moon, and Sun—along a straight line, often resulting in phenomena such as tides,...