Glossary
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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology SillA wall which acts as a dam, to keep water in a marina
- General Nautical Terminology Skeg
A skeg is a small fin or projection on the bottom of a boat's hull, typically near the stern. It helps to provide directional stability and...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology SKS
A German recreational boating licence required for operating yachts under sail or power in coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Slab Reef
A method of reefing a boomed sail where the sail is flaked down on top of the boom. This allows the sail to be reefed by pulling a line attached...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Slack Off
To loosen a line, rope, or sheet on a vessel, reducing tension.
A term commonly used in maritime contexts to describe the act of easing or...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Slack Water
The short period of still water occurring at the turn of the tide, when the tidal current changes direction and its speed is minimal.
Slack...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology SlamThe underpart of the forward part of the hull hitting the water when pitching in heavy seas
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter S (Flag Semaphore)

Flag semaphore indicating the letter S.
- Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter S (Morse Code)
International Morse Code sequence representing the letter S.
- General Nautical Terminology SlideA metal or plastic fitting on the luff or foot of a sail running in a track on the mast or boom
- General Nautical Terminology Slip Lines
Ropes or lines used to temporarily secure a vessel to a dock or mooring point in such a way that they can be released from onboard without...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Slipped Lines
The act of releasing a vessel's mooring lines in a controlled manner, allowing it to depart from a berth or dock without assistance from shore...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Slipway
A sloped structure or ramp leading into the water, used for launching, retrieving, or repairing boats and ships.
A slipway, also known as a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology SloopA small to mid-sized sailboat larger than a dinghy, with one mast bearing a main sail and head sail.
- General Nautical Terminology SlotGap between two sails.
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Small Vessel Electronic Chart Systems (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, Signals & Communication SMCP
A set of internationally agreed-upon phrases used to ensure clear, concise, and unambiguous communication at sea, particularly between vessels...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology SnatchJerk caused by too short an anchor cable in a seaway; To take a turn quickly around a cleat, bollard or Samson post
- General Nautical Terminology Snug DownTo prepare for heavy weather by securing all loose gear
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation SOG
The actual velocity of a vessel relative to the Earth's surface, accounting for the effects of currents, tides, and other environmental...
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