Glossary
-
TermDefinition
- 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...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Viking
Sea area of the Met Office Shipping Forecast. This area covers the northernmost part of the North Sea, off the east coast of the UK and west...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Violent Storm
Beaufort Scale - Force 11
A violent storm is a weather phenomenon characterised by strong winds exceeding 64 knots (74 miles per hour) and...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter V (Flag Semaphore)

Flag semaphore indicating the letter V.
- Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter V (Morse Code)
International Morse Code sequence representing the letter V.
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation VMG
The speed at which a vessel is effectively moving towards its intended destination, factoring in both its current speed and the angle of travel...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation, Safety VTS
A shore-based system that monitors and manages vessel movements in busy or hazardous waterways to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Wake
The disturbed water left behind a vessel as it moves.
This is the turbulent flow directly astern and around the vessel’s track, caused by the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Warp
A strong rope or line used for mooring, towing, or manoeuvring a vessel, particularly in situations requiring precise control.
Warping is a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Wash
The waves created by a vessel as it moves through the water.
This can spread away from the hull and affect other boats, pontoons, moorings,...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Wash Boards
Removable boards or panels used to close off the companionway of a boat to prevent water from entering the cabin.
Wash boards are an essential...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Watch
A designated period during which a specific crew member or group is responsible for the safe operation and navigation of the vessel.
In...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Waterline lengthThe length of the vessel at the point where it sits in the water. It excludes the total length of the boat, such as features that are out of the... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Water Track
The vessel’s course through the water, derived from the compass course steered, allowing for leeway but not tide. A line representing the water...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Way
Speed, progress, or momentum through the water. More technically, the point at which there is sufficient water flow past a vessel's rudder for it...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Waypoint (WPT)
A specific location or reference point on a navigational route, often used to mark progress or changes in course.
A waypoint is a...
More Details - Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Whiskey (W)

The International Maritime Signal Flag Whiskey.
Meaning
I require medical assistance.
- General Nautical Terminology Weather Helm
The tendency of a sailing vessel to turn windward (towards the wind) when under sail, requiring corrective steering to maintain a desired...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Weigh Anchor
To lift the anchor from the seabed in preparation for setting sail or moving a vessel.
Weighing anchor is a fundamental nautical action that...
More Details

