Glossary
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TermDefinition
- 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, Safety, Signals & Communication Pan Pan
An internationally recognised maritime urgency signal used in radio communications to indicate a situation that is urgent but does not pose an...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Papa
Pronounced: pah-pah
The term for the letter P in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.
- 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...
More Details - 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...
More Details - 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,...
More Details - 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...
More Details - 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.
More Details
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...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Perling
The small, gentle ripples or wavelets that form on the surface of the water, typically caused by light winds or minor disturbances.
Perling...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Safety Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A piece of equipment designed to assist a person in staying afloat in water by providing buoyancy.A Personal Flotation Device (PFD), commonly...
More Details - 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
- General Nautical Terminology, Safety PFD
A piece of equipment designed to assist a person in staying afloat in water by providing buoyancy.A Personal Flotation Device (PFD), commonly...
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...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology PileA stout timber or metal post driven vertically into the a river or seabed

