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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

    • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
    • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

    • Places
      Find anywhere nauctical, including marinas u0026 training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
    • Courses
      We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

    • Nautical Terms & Terminology
      Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
    • Why do we have tides?
      Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
    • What causes our weather?
      A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper u0026 RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
    • Buoyage Flashcards
      Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
    • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
      Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
    • The Salty Sea Blog
      From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

    • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
    • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

    • Places
      Find anywhere nauctical, including marinas u0026 training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
    • Courses
      We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

    • Nautical Terms & Terminology
      Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
    • Why do we have tides?
      Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
    • What causes our weather?
      A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper u0026 RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
    • Buoyage Flashcards
      Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
    • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
      Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
    • The Salty Sea Blog
      From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
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Sign In Join now—it’s Free

Glossary

AJAX progress indicator
Nautical chart abbreviations are like the secret code of the seas—except instead of buried treasure, they lead to rocks, buoys, and mysterious dashed lines that scream, 'Don’t sail here.' Learning them can feel like cracking a pirate’s encrypted diary, but don’t worry, matey! With clever tools, quirky mnemonics, and a splash of humour, we’ll help you go from 'What’s "FOUL" mean? to confidently navigating the “Wk” wrecks and “Fl G” flashes like a salty sea captain. Think of it as Rosetta Stone, but for avoiding sandbanks!
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Results: 1071
  • Term
    Definition
  • General Nautical Terminology Gybe

    A gybe (jibe) is a sailing manoeuvre where a boat changes direction by turning its stern through the wind. During a gybe, the wind crosses over...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Gybe-oh!The call to indicate that the helm is being put across to gybe
  • General Nautical Terminology Halyard

    A line or rope used to hoist or lower a sail, flag, or spar on a boat.

    The term "halyard" comes from the phrase "haul yard," which refers to...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Hand Bearing Compass

    A hand-bearing compass is a portable compass held in the hand that is used to take bearings of objects or landmarks to determine their location...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Safety Hand-held Flare

    A hand-held pyrotechnic signalling device that produces a bright light and smoke when ignited, used for distress signalling at sea. 

    Hand-held...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Handrail

    A handrail is a rail designed to be grasped by the hand for support and stability. On a typical sailing yacht, one is usually mounted on the...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Handy BillyA loose block and tackle with a hook or tail on each end, which can be used wherever it is needed. Usually made up of one single and one double block.
  • General Nautical Terminology HankA fastener attached to the luff of the headsail that attaches the headsail to the forestay. Typical designs include a bronze or plastic hook with... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Harbour

    A sheltered body of water where vessels can anchor or dock, offering protection from the elements, often also where ports are, providing...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Harden InTo haul in the sheets to bring the sail closer to the centreline; the opposite of ease out
  • General Nautical Terminology Harden UpTurn towards the wind; sail closer to the wind.
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation HAT

    The highest level of sea water that can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions and under any combination of astronomical...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology HatchA covered opening in a ship's deck through which cargo can be loaded or access made to a lower deck; the cover to the opening is called a hatch cover
  • General Nautical Terminology Haul InTo pull in, usually a sheet, halyard or anchor line
  • Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Hotel (H)

    The International Maritime Signal Flag Hotel.

    Meaning

    I have a pilot on board.

  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation HDOP

    Used in satellite navigation and positioning systems to quantify the accuracy of horizontal position measurements. It is a unitless factor that...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Head

    Head (heads) refers to the toilet or bathroom on a boat. The heads on a boat may be equipped with a marine toilet designed to safely handle waste...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Heading

    The direction in which a vessel's bow is pointed at any given moment, typically measured in degrees relative to true north or magnetic...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology HeadlandA fairly high and steep part of the land that projects into the sea
  • General Nautical Terminology Headsail

    A headsail is a sail set forward of the mast on a sailboat. It is typically smaller than the mainsail and is used to help propel the boat forward...

    More Details
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