Glossary
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TermDefinition
- 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,...
More Details - 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...
More Details - 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 FlagYellow flag flown from starboard spreaders or flagstaff when entering a foreign port (or Channel Isles) requesting customs clearance. Don’t remove... More Details
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter Q (Flag Semaphore)

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...
More Details - 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 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...
More Details - 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...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology RaftTwo or more vessels tied up alongside each other
- 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...
More Details - 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...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Raster chartElectronic chart which is a direct copy of a paper chart with limited zooming capability
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Rate (Tidal Stream)
The speed at which a tidal stream flows, typically measured in knots.
The rate of a tidal stream is the velocity at which the water moves due...
More Details - Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Romeo (R)

The International Maritime Signal Flag Romeo.
Meaning
Distance (range) in nautical miles. Given using Numeral Pennants.
- General Nautical Terminology Reach
The point of sail where the wind is coming from the side of the boat, roughly perpendicular to the direction the boat is travelling.
A reach...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology ReachingSailing across the wind: from about 60° to about 160° off the wind. Reaching consists of "close reaching" (about 60° to 80°), "beam reaching"... More Details

