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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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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: 1071
  • Term
    Definition
  • General Nautical Terminology Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See)

    A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels with an engine of more than 15 horsepower in coastal...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Sportküstenschifferschein (SKS)

    A German recreational boating licence required for operating yachts under sail or power in coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Sports BoatSports boats are sailing vessels designed with one thought in mind - speed! There are many different classes (designs) of sports boats that often... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Spray HoodA folding canvas cover over the entrance to the cabin
  • General Nautical Terminology SpreadersA spar on a sailboat used to deflect the shrouds to allow them to better support the mast.
  • General Nautical Terminology Spring RangeThe difference in height between HW and LW on a Mean (average) spring tide.
  • General Nautical Terminology SpringsMooring lines fastened to prevent a boat moving forwards or backwards relative to the quay or other boats alongside
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Spring Tide

    A tide with the greatest difference between high and low water occurring when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned during new and full...

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  • General Nautical Terminology SquallA sudden increase of wind speed often associated with a line of low dark clouds representing an advancing cold front
  • General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) SSHWS

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

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Standard Port

    A primary tidal reference location for which full tidal predictions, including times and heights of high and low water, are...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Stand by to GybeA warning, given by the helmsman, that he is about to gybe
  • General Nautical Terminology Standing End

    The standing end refers to the part of a rope or line that is not actively being used or manipulated during a task or operation. It is typically...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Standing part

    The section of rope between the standing end and a knot being made.

  • General Nautical Terminology Standing Rigging

    The fixed lines, wires, or rods that support a sailboat's mast and keep it upright and stable.

    Standing rigging is a critical component of a...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Stand OffTo head away from shore
  • General Nautical Terminology Stand OnTo maintain course and speed of your vessel because you have right of way
  • General Nautical Terminology Starboard

    The right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward towards the bow.

    Starboard is a fundamental directional reference used to describe the...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Starboard Beam

    The side of a vessel that is directly to the right, at a 90-degree angle from the centreline, when facing forward.

    The term starboard beam is...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Starboard BowThe starboard (right) side of the vessel close to the bow (front)
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