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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
  • Organisation USCG

    A United States Armed Forces branch, responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in domestic and international...

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  • Organisation U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

    A United States Armed Forces branch, responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in domestic and international...

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  • Organisation USNO

    A scientific institution operated by the United States Navy that specialises in astronomical and timekeeping research, providing precise...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation UTC

    The primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time serving as the basis for civil time globally.

    Coordinated Universal...

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  • General Nautical Terminology UV

    Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. In the marine...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Vang

    A line or tackle system used to control the angle of a boom on a sailing vessel, preventing it from lifting and stabilising the sail.

    The...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Vanishing Angle

    The maximum degree of heel after which a vessel becomes unlikely to return to an upright position.

  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Variation

    The angular difference between true north and magnetic north, also known as magnetic declination, which affects compass readings.

    Variation is...

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  • Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Victor (V)

    The International Maritime Signal Flag Victor.

    Meaning

    I require assistance.
    If appended with a Numeral Pennant, Velocity in kilometres...

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  • General Nautical Terminology VDOP

    A measure used in satellite navigation systems, such as GPS, to quantify the impact of satellite geometry on vertical positioning accuracy. It...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Vector Chart

    A digital nautical chart that represents navigational data using vector graphics, allowing for scalable and interactive mapping of maritime...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Velocity Made Good (VMG)

    Velocity Made Good (VMG) is a nautical term that refers to the speed at which a vessel progresses towards a specific point of interest, typically...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Vertical Dilution of Precision (VDOP)

    A measure used in satellite navigation systems, such as GPS, to quantify the impact of satellite geometry on vertical positioning accuracy. It...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Signals & Communication Very High Frequency (VHF)

    A range of radio frequencies from 30 MHz to 300 MHz, commonly used in marine communication for short-range, line-of-sight transmissions.

    Very...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Vessel

    Any craft designed for transportation on water, including ships, boats, and other waterborne vehicles.

    A vessel is any structure or craft...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation, Safety Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)

    A shore-based system that monitors and manages vessel movements in busy or hazardous waterways to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Signals & Communication VHF

    A range of radio frequencies from 30 MHz to 300 MHz, commonly used in marine communication for short-range, line-of-sight transmissions.

    Very...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Safety, Signals & Communication VHF Radio

    A communication device that operates on Very High Frequency (VHF) radio waves, used for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and emergency maritime...

    More Details
  • Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Victor

    Pronounced: VIK-tah

    The term for the letter B in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

  • General Nautical Terminology Victualling

    The process or system of provisioning a ship with necessary supplies, especially food and drink, for the crew's sustenance during a...

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