Glossary
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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TermDefinition
- Organisation, Signals & Communication International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
A specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating global telecommunication operations and services, including radio...
More Details - Organisation ISAF
World Sailing, formerly known as the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), is the governing body for the sport of sailing...
More Details - Light Characteristic Iso
A light where the duration of light and darkness are equal.
Isophase describes a navigational aid that emits a light signal with equal periods...
More Details - Light Characteristic Isophase (Iso)
A light where the duration of light and darkness are equal.
Isophase describes a navigational aid that emits a light signal with equal periods...
More Details - Organisation, Signals & Communication ITU
A specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating global telecommunication operations and services, including radio...
More Details - Did you know?, Phonetic Alphabet Juliett
Phonetic alphabet letter J.
Emergency Situations: A vessel displaying the Juliet flag indicates a serious emergency involving hazardous...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Kilo
Phonetic alphabet letter K.
Communication Request: A vessel displaying the Kilo flag indicates a desire to establish communication with...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Knot
A unit of speed used in maritime navigation, equivalent to one nautical mile per hour.
A knot is a crucial measurement in marine navigation,...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Knot Knot
A deliberate intertwining of rope or line designed to bind, secure, or attach objects.
Knots are essential in marine environments for various...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Latitude
The angular distance of a location on Earth's surface, measured in degrees(°), minutes('), and seconds('') north or south of the equator which is...
More Details - Flags, Signals & Communication Letter A (Code Flag Alpha)
In international waters, under the International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, the Alpha Flag signifies, "I have a diver down;...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Letter A (Alpha)
Alpha represents the letter "A" in the phonetic alphabet system. The NATO phonetic alphabet is used for clear communication of letters and...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter A (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter A. This shape represents both the Letter A (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 1 (Flag Semaphore).
The...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter B (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter B. This shape represents both the Letter B (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 2 (Flag Semaphore).
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter C (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter C. This shape represents both the Letter C (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 3 (Flag Semaphore).
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter D (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter B. This shape represents both the Letter B (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 2 (Flag Semaphore).
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter E (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter E. This shape represents both the Letter E (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 5 (Flag Semaphore).
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter F (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter F. This shape represents both the Letter F (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 6 (Flag Semaphore).
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter G (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter G. This shape represents both the Letter G (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 7 (Flag Semaphore).
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter H (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the letter H. This shape represents both the Letter H (Flag Semaphore) and the Number 8 (Flag Semaphore).