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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 & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • 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 nauctical, including marinas u0026 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 u0026 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 & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • 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 nauctical, including marinas u0026 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 u0026 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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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: 1071
  • Term
    Definition
  • General Nautical Terminology Running FixA navigational fix when only a single landmark is available.  Two bearings are taken and plotted at different times, making allowance for distance... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Running Rigging

    The ropes, lines, and cables that control a sailing vessel’s sails and other movable components.

    Running rigging is a critical part of a...

    More Details
  • Organisation RYA

    The national governing body for sailing, motorboating, and other recreational boating activities in the United Kingdom. 

    The Royal Yachting...

    More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA DofE CentreThe RYA DofE Centre course is aimed at individuals and organizations offering Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award activities with a sailing or... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat ExamThe RYA Diesel Engine course is designed for boat operators seeking to understand their engine's basic maintenance and troubleshooting. This... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Motor ExamThe Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 2 builds on the basics introduced in Stage 1. Young sailors refine their steering and sail control... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail ExamYouth Sailing Scheme - Stage 3 introduces advanced sailing techniques, such as upwind and downwind sailing, alongside improving overall boat... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean ExamThe RYA Coastal Skipper course prepares experienced sailors for extended coastal passages. Covering advanced navigation, passage planning, and... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor ExamThe RYA Radar course provides an introduction to using radar systems for marine navigation and safety. Participants learn to interpret radar... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail ExamThe RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course is tailored for those planning long-distance offshore passages. It delves into celestial navigation,... More Details
  • Navigation RYA Training Almanac

    Publication compiled to support RYA Theory courses. The RYA Training Almanac contains exerts that mimic Nautical Almanacs in the real world.

  • Navigation RYA Training Chart

    Fictitious charts, produced from portions of several Admiralty charts specifically for the purpose of navigational training. RYA3 & 4 support the...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model

    An international standard developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for the management, exchange, and interoperability of...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Sacrificial AnodeA zinc plate fastened to the hull to prevent corrosion of metal fittings on the hull
  • Courses, RYA Safe and Fun SafeguardingThe RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding course is an online program aimed at instructors, coaches, and volunteers working with children and vulnerable... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Safety BoatThe RYA Safety Boat course is essential for those providing rescue and safety cover for water sports or racing events. Participants learn advanced... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

    An international maritime treaty that sets minimum safety standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation. Its primary goal is to...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Safe Water MarkSee Fairway mark.
  • General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS)

    The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a classification system that categorises hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage. It ranges...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology SaildriveA saildrive is a transmission system from the vessel's inboard engine. It closely resembles an outboard engine but is fixed in place and sticks... More Details
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