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
- General Nautical Terminology Log
A log is a detailed record kept by a vessel's crew that documents the ship's course, speed, weather conditions, and other important navigational...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Log Line
A device used historically by mariners to measure a vessel's speed through the water.
The log line consists of a wooden board, known as the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Longitude
Longitude is the geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees(°),...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Luff
The luff of a sail refers to the leading edge, which is the part of the sail that faces the wind when the sail is set correctly.
The luff of a...
More Details - Organisation MAIB
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is a UK government agency responsible for investigating marine accidents and incidents to improve...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Marina
Marinas are facilities located along the coast or inland waterways providing boats and yacht moorings. They typically offer services such as...
More Details - Organisation Marine Accident and Investigation Branch (MAIB)
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is a UK government agency responsible for investigating marine accidents and incidents to improve...
More Details - Organisation Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is a UK government agency responsible for implementing maritime safety and environmental policies. It...
More Details - Organisation MCA
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is a UK government agency responsible for implementing maritime safety and environmental policies. It...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Mike
Phonetic alphabet letter M.
Stationary Vessel: When a vessel displays the Mike flag, it indicates that it is not moving under its own...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Mooring
Noun: Mooring
A mooring is a permanent structure or anchor point, typically a metal ring or buoy, used to secure a boat or ship in place....
More Details - Organisation NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance established in 1949, primarily aimed at ensuring the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Nautical Mile
A nautical mile is a unit of measurement used in maritime navigation that is equivalent to one minute of latitude or approximately 1.852...
More Details - Weather (Meteorology) Near Gale
Sometimes used to describe wind strength approaching a Gale.
- Organisation NLB
The Northern Lighthouse Board is a maritime organisation responsible for maintaining lighthouses and navigation aids in Scotland and the Isle of...
More Details - Organisation North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance established in 1949, primarily aimed at ensuring the...
More Details - Organisation Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB)
The Northern Lighthouse Board is a maritime organisation responsible for maintaining lighthouses and navigation aids in Scotland and the Isle of...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet November
Phonetic alphabet letter N.
Negative Response: When a vessel displays the November flag, it indicates a negative response to a question or a...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Number 0 (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the Number 0. This shape represents both the Number 0 (Flag Semaphore) and the Letter K (Flag Semaphore).
Before...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Number 1 (Flag Semaphore)
Flag semaphore indicating the number 1. This shape is the Number 1 (Flag Semaphore) and the Letter A (Flag Semaphore).
Before delivering any...
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