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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 Preventer

    A line or tackle rigged to the boom or spar to prevent unwanted movement, particularly to stop a boom from swinging dangerously during an...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Prime Meridian

    The zero-degree longitude line that is the starting point for measuring longitude and dividing the Earth into the Eastern and Western...

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  • Courses, RYA Professional Practices and ResponsibilitiesThe RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) course is a mandatory online qualification for individuals seeking a Commercial... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Propeller

    A propeller is a fan-like device that propels a boat or ship through the water by converting rotational motion into thrust. Propellers typically...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Propeller Shaft

    A propeller shaft is a long, cylindrical metal shaft that connects the boat's transmission or gearbox to the propeller. It transmits power from...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Propeller Walk

    The lateral movement of a boat's stern caused by the rotational forces of the propeller, typically noticeable when operating at low speeds or in...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Propeller Wash

    The turbulent flow of water generated by a vessel's propeller as it moves through the water, often creating strong currents and turbulence behind...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Pulpit

    A raised structure at the bow of a vessel, often made of metal, designed to provide safety for crew members working at the front of the...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Pushpit

    A sturdy, protective railing or guardrail located at the stern of a boat, often forming part of the vessel's safety framework.

    The pushpit,...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Safety Pyrotechnic

    A device or material designed to produce light, heat, smoke, or sound through a chemical reaction, commonly used in marine signalling for...

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  • Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Quebec (Q)

    The International Maritime Signal Flag Quebec.

    Meaning

    Quarantine Flag.
    My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique.

  • General Nautical Terminology Q FlagYellow flag flown from starboard spreaders or flagstaff when entering a foreign port (or Channel Isles) requesting customs clearance. Don’t remove... More Details
  • Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter Q (Flag Semaphore)
    Flag semaphore indicating the letter Q.

    Flag semaphore indicating the letter Q.

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

    International Morse Code sequence representing the letter Q.

  • General Nautical Terminology Quarter Berth

    A single bunk tucked under the cockpit. Usually found in smaller boats where there is no room for a cabin in this location.

  • Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Quebec

    Pronounced: keh-BECK

    The term for the letter Q in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

  • General Nautical Terminology RaceA strong tidal stream
  • Courses RadarThe RYA Radar course teaches participants to use radar systems effectively for navigation and collision avoidance. Topics include radar setup,... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Radar ReflectorA device hoisted or fitted up the mast to enhance the reflection of radar energy
  • General Nautical Terminology, Safety Radio Medical Advice Link Call (MEDILINK)

    A communication made via radio from a vessel to a shore-based medical facility or professional to seek urgent medical advice or assistance for an...

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