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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 Starboard QuarterThe back (stern) right (starboard) side of the vessel
  • General Nautical Terminology Starboard Tack

    The condition of a sailing vessel when the wind is coming over its starboard (right) side, with the sails set accordingly. 

    A starboard tack...

    More Details
  • Courses, RYA Start Motor CruisingThe RYA Start Motor Cruising course is a beginner-friendly introduction to motor boating. Participants learn the basics of boat handling, safety,... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Start WindsurfingThe RYA Start Windsurfing course is designed for complete beginners, teaching the fundamentals of windsurfing in a fun and supportive environment.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Start YachtingThe RYA Start Yachting course is a two-day introduction to the basics of yacht sailing. Participants learn steering, sail handling, and onboard... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Statute Mile

    A unit of distance equivalent to 5,280 feet or 1,609.34 meters. It is commonly used on land but is sometimes used in inland waterways.

    In...

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  • General Nautical Terminology StayPart of the standing rigging which provides support fore-and-aft
  • General Nautical Terminology StemThe forward most part of the hull
  • General Nautical Terminology Stern

    The rear or aft-most part of a vessel.

    The stern is a critical part of any boat or ship, as it is the section located at the very back of the...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Stern Drive

    A stern drive is a propulsion system commonly used in recreational motor vessels. It consists of an inboard engine connected to a steerable drive...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Stern Light

    A white navigational light mounted at the rear of a vessel, visible from directly behind and within a specified arc, used to indicate the...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Stern Line

    A mooring line used to secure the aft (stern) of a vessel to a dock, quay, or another fixed structure.

    A stern line is an essential component...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Stern Spring

    A mooring line that runs diagonally from the stern of a vessel to a point further forward on a dock or another vessel to help control...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Knot Stopper Knot

    A knot tied at the end of a rope, usually to stop it from passing through a hole; most commonly a figure of eight knot.

  • Weather (Meteorology) Storm

    Beaufort Scale - Force 10 (Storm Force 10)

    A storm is a weather phenomenon characterised by strong winds, reaching at least 48 knots (55...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology StoveThe cooker
  • General Nautical Terminology Stow

    To put away in an appropriate place.  Being stowed implies that something has been safely stored and lashed down to stop if from moving when at sea.

  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Superbuoy

    Large buoys, generally more than 5 m in diameter, are distinguished on charts because their unusually large size renders them a potential hazard...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation SV-ECS

    Electronic navigation standards for commercial vessels less than 24m .

    Equipment meeting the requirements of this performance standard is...

    More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation SwashwayA narrow channel between shoals
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