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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 & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
      • Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
      • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning. Work with secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
      • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.
  • 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 nautical, including marinas & 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 & 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 & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
      • Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
      • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning. Work with secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
      • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.
  • 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 nautical, including marinas & 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 & 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.
  • Chandlery
Sign In Join now—it’s Free

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: 1156
  • Term
    Definition
  • 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 Flag

    Also known as the "Quebec Flag," is a solid yellow maritime signal flag used to indicate that a vessel is requesting clearance to enter a port...

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  • 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 small sleeping area located beneath the cockpit on a sailing or motor vessel, typically positioned on one side of the boat's stern.

    A...

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  • 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, RYA 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, Safety Radar Reflector

    A passive device designed to enhance a vessel's visibility on radar systems by reflecting radar signals back to their source.

    A radar...

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  • 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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  • General Nautical Terminology Raft

    Two or more vessels secured alongside each other.

    This arrangement is common in crowded harbours, at busy pontoons, on visitor moorings or...

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  • Abbreviation, General Nautical Terminology RAM

    A ship that, due to the nature of its work, is unable to keep out of the way of other vessels as required by the International Regulations for...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Range of Tide

    The vertical difference between the high tide and the succeeding low tide in a specific tidal cycle.

    The range of tide is a fundamental...

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