Glossary
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TermDefinition
- 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 WakeTurbulence behind a vessel. Not to be confused with wash
- 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 WashThe waves created by a vessel. Not to be confused with wake.
- 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 - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation WGS84
A standard in satellite-derived positions. Charts will indicate if they are calibrated to WGS84 or another system.
WGS84 is the standard...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology WheelThe wheel is used to steer the vessel. This yacht has two wheels so that the helmsman or woman has a clear view up either side of the vessel.
- General Nautical Terminology Whipping
To bind the end of a rope with small cord or twine to prevent it from fraying.
Whipping is a traditional and essential technique in ropework,...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology WhiskerLight spar to hold out the clew of a headsail when running, particularly when goosewinged
- Did you know?, Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Whiskey
Pronounced: WISS-key
The term for the letter W in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.
- General Nautical Terminology White HorsesBreaking waves with foamy crest. Not surf breaking on the shore
- General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Whole Gale
Beaufort Scale – Force 10
A Whole Gale is a term used in meteorology to describe a wind of force 10 on the Beaufort scale, corresponding to...
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