Glossary
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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Port Beam
The side of a vessel that is perpendicular to its centreline and located on the left-hand side when facing forward towards the bow.
The term...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Port Bow
The forward left-hand side of a vessel when facing the bow (front).
The term "port bow" is a specific designation used in nautical contexts to...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology PortholeAn aperture on the hull of a vessel that admits light and, sometimes, air
- General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Portland
Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. Located off the south coast of England, near Portland Bill in Dorset.
Named for Portland Bill on...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Portland Plotter
A navigational tool used in marine chartwork to measure and plot courses, bearings, and distances on nautical charts.

The Portland Plotter...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Port of RegistryThe port listed in a vessel’s registration documents and lettered on her stern
- General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Port Quarter
The aft-left section of a vessel when facing forward, located between the port beam and the stern.
The term "port quarter" is a specific...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Port Tack
The situation in sailing where the wind is coming over the port (left) side of the vessel, and the boom is positioned on the starboard (right)...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP)
Measurement of the geometric strength of satellite configuration in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver.
It quantifies the...
More Details - Courses, RYA Powerboat AdvancedThe RYA Powerboat Advanced course is designed for experienced powerboaters operating in challenging conditions, including night navigation.... More Details
- Courses, RYA Powerboat IntermediateThe RYA Powerboat Intermediate course bridges the gap between Level 2 and advanced powerboating. Participants learn navigation, passage planning,... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology Pratique
The official permission granted to a vessel by port health authorities, allowing it to enter a port and conduct operations after confirming it is...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Precipitation
Any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the Earth's surface.
Precipitation is a key...
More Details - Did you know?, Nautical Saying Pressed into service
The act of compelling or requisitioning a vessel, crew, or equipment for immediate use, often in urgent or unforeseen circumstances.
The...
More Details - Did you know?, Nautical Saying Press Gangs
Groups authorised by naval authorities to forcibly recruit men into naval service, often through coercion or outright abduction.
Press gangs...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Prevailing Wind
The wind direction most commonly experienced in a particular area over time.
This is based on local weather patterns and seasonal tendencies...
More Details - 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...
More Details - 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...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Signals & Communication Procedure Words
Standardised words or phrases used in marine radio communication to ensure clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and maintain efficient and safe...
More Details - 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

