Glossary
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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TermDefinition
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter O (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter O.
- Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter O (Morse Code)
International Morse Code sequence representing the letter O.
- General Nautical Terminology OnshoreWind blowing towards the land or “not at sea”.
- General Nautical Terminology On the Port BowAhead of a vessel at an angle to the bows, but forward of the beam, to the left
- General Nautical Terminology On the Port QuarterAt an angle to the stern of your vessel, but abaft the beam, to the left
- General Nautical Terminology On the Starboard BowAhead of a vessel at an angle to the bows, but forward of the beam, to the right
- General Nautical Terminology On the Starboard QuarterAt an angle to the stern of your vessel, but abaft the beam, to the right
- Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Oscar
Pronounced: OSS-cah
The term for the letter O in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.
- General Nautical Terminology OuthaulA line with which the mainsail is hauled out along the boom
- General Nautical Terminology OverfallsTurbulent waters where is a sudden change in depth or where two tidal streams meet
- General Nautical Terminology Overhand loop
A loop that crosses on top of the standing part of a rope when tying a knot.
- General Nautical Terminology PainterThe line at the bow of a dinghy
- General Nautical Terminology Pan PanThe internationally recognised radio telephone urgency signal which has priority over all calls except Mayday
- Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Papa
Pronounced: pah-pah
The term for the letter P in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.
- General Nautical Terminology Parallel RulesNavigational instrument used in conjunction with the compass rose on the chart to transfer bearings and courses to plot a vessel’s position
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Passage
A passage describes a vessel's entire journey from start to end. Every passage should have a passage plan outlining the vessel's intentions and...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Pay OffLet the sails fill and sail away on a new tack.
- General Nautical Terminology Pay OutTo let out a line or rope gradually
- Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Papa (P)
The International Maritime Signal Flag Papa.
Meaning
The Blue Peter.
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In harbour: All persons should report on board as the vessel is... - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation PDOP
Measurement of the geometric strength of satellite configuration in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver.
It quantifies the...
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