Glossary
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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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology Fuel collar
A Fuel collar is designed to fit around a refuelling hose to prevent any spillage or backsplash. This protects your boat and the environment.
- General Nautical Terminology Furling
- Weather (Meteorology) Gale
Beaufort Scale - Force 8 (Gale Force 8)
A gale refers to a strong wind between 34 to 40 knots (39 to 46 mph or 63 to 74 km/h) on the Beaufort...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology GDOP
Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP) is a measure in marine navigation that quantifies the effect of satellite geometry on the accuracy of...
More Details - Organisation General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA)
The General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) is a term that collectively refers to the three organisations responsible for maintaining maritime...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP)
Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP) is a measure in marine navigation that quantifies the effect of satellite geometry on the accuracy of...
More Details - Organisation GLA
The General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) is a term that collectively refers to the three organisations responsible for maintaining maritime...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Golf
Phonetic alphabet letter G. In marine terminology, "Golf" refers to the letter "G" in the International Code of Signals.
Pilotage: When a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Goose-winged
Goose-winged is a sailing term that refers to a sailing vessel with its mainsail set on one side of the boat and the headsail (jib or genoa) set...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Halyard
A halyard is a line to hoist or lower a sail, flag, or spar on a boat.
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The term "halyard" comes from the phrase "haul yard," which refers to the... - General Nautical Terminology Harbour
A harbour is a sheltered body of water where ships, boats, and other watercraft can anchor or dock safely. Harbours are typically protected from...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Heading
The direction in which a vessel's bow is pointed at any given moment, typically measured in degrees relative to true north or magnetic...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Heave To More Details
- Knot Hitch
A hitch is a knot that attaches a rope to an object, such as a post, ring, or other rope.
A hitch is a versatile and essential knot where...
More Details - Organisation HMCG
The organisation responsible for search and rescue operations in UK waters.
His Majesty's Coastguard (HMCG) is a section of...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Hotel
Phonetic alphabet letter H.
In marine terminology, the "Hotel" flag from the International Code of Signals has specific meanings:
"I have a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Hurricane Force
Beaufort Scale - Force 12 (Hurricane Force 12)
Hurricane-force is a term used to describe wind speeds equal to or greater than 64 knots (74...
More Details - Organisation IMO
A specialised agency of the United Nations headquartered in London and responsible for regulating shipping, the IMO has 175 Member States.
The...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet India
Phonetic alphabet letter I.
Course Change: When a vessel displays the India flag, it communicates to nearby vessels that it is changing its...
More Details - Organisation International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
A specialised agency of the United Nations headquartered in London and responsible for regulating shipping, the IMO has 175 Member States.
The...
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