Glossary
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TermDefinition
- 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
Pressed into service is the term used to describe the action of the British Navy filling their ships’ crew quotas by kidnapping men off the...
More Details - Did you know?, Nautical Saying Press Gangs
Press gangs were groups of men employed by the British Royal Navy in the 17th to 19th centuries to forcibly recruit individuals into naval...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Prevailing WindThe wind direction that occurs most frequently at a place over a certain period
- 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
- 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...
More Details - 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...
More Details - 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...
More Details - 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...
More Details - 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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