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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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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, Safety Parachute Flare

    A pyrotechnic distress signal that, when launched, ascends to a high altitude before deploying a parachute to slow its descent while emitting a...

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  • 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, Safety Passage

    A journey or route taken by a vessel from one location to another, often across open water or between specific points such as harbours or...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation, Safety Passage Plan

    A detailed, structured navigational strategy outlining the safest and most efficient route for a vessel from departure to destination,...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Pay Off

    The action or process of a vessel's bow turning away from the wind, often due to wind or rudder adjustments.

    When a vessel "pays off," it is...

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  • 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.
    In harbour: All persons should report on board as the vessel is...

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  • 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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  • General Nautical Terminology, Safety Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

    A compact, portable device used to transmit a distress signal via satellite to alert search and rescue services in emergencies at sea.

    A...

    More Details
  • Courses, RYA Personal Watercraft ProficiencyThe RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency course is designed for jet ski operators, covering essential skills for safe and enjoyable use.... More Details
  • Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Phonetic Alphabet

    The Phonetic Alphabet, also known as the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet or NATO phonetic alphabet, is a standardised set of words...

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  • General Nautical Terminology PileA stout timber or metal post driven vertically into the a river or seabed
  • General Nautical Terminology PilotAn expert in local waters who assists vessels entering or leaving harbour; An official publication posting details of, for example, local coasts,... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Pilotage

    Pilotage is the use of fixed visual references by sight or radar to safely navigate to a destination, usually a port or harbour, with the help of...

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  • General Nautical Terminology PinchTo sail too close to the wind so that the sails lose driving power
  • Did you know?, Nautical Saying Pipe down

    Pipe down is a nautical term meaning to quiet down or cease talking. It is often used as a command on a boat or ship to instruct crew members or...

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  • General Nautical Terminology PitchThe up and down motion of the bow and stern of a vessel
  • General Nautical Terminology, Safety PLB

    A compact, portable device used to transmit a distress signal via satellite to alert search and rescue services in emergencies at sea.

    A...

    More Details
  • Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter P (Flag Semaphore)
    Flag semaphore indicating the letter P.

    Flag semaphore indicating the letter P.

  • Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter P (Morse Code)

    International Morse Code sequence representing the letter P.

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