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 Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP)
Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) measures the geometric strength of satellite configuration in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Precipitation
Precipitation refers to any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. This can...
More Details - Did you know?, Nautical Saying Press Gangs
Press gangs were groups of men employed by the British Royal Navy in the 17th to 19th centuries to forcibly recruit individuals into naval...
More Details - Navigation Prime Meridian
The Prime Meridian is the zero-degree longitude line that is the starting point for measuring longitude and dividing the Earth into the Eastern...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Propeller
A propeller is a fan-like device that propels a boat or ship through the water by converting rotational motion into thrust. Propellers typically...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Propeller Shaft
A propeller shaft is a long, cylindrical metal shaft that connects the boat's transmission or gearbox to the propeller. It transmits power from...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Quarter Berth
A single bunk tucked under the cockpit. Usually found in smaller boats where there is no room for a cabin in this location.
- Phonetic Alphabet Quebec
Phonetic alphabet letter Q.
Health Status: When a vessel displays the Quebec flag, it communicates that the vessel is reporting its health...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Ready (Flag Semaphore)
The Ready (Flag Semaphore) signal shows the sender is ready to send a message. The same shape is also used for Space (Flag Semaphore) & Rest...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Reefing
- General Nautical Terminology Reefing Hook
A reefing hook is located near the bottom of the mast at the gooseneck, where the boom connects to the mast. When reefing, the cringle is placed...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Rest (Flag Semaphore)
When the sender is not actively sending messages, both flags are held by their side. The same shape is also used for Space (Flag Semaphore) &...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Rigging
Noun - Rigging refers to the system of ropes, cables, chains, and other apparatus used to support and control the sails and masts of a sailing...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Rigging
Verb - The process of setting up and adjusting the sails, lines, and other necessary equipment on a boat or ship to ensure it is ready for...
More Details - Organisation RINA
The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) is an internationally renowned professional institution representing naval architects and marine...
More Details - Organisation RNLI
The volunteer crewed rescue service providing 24-hour rescue services around the UK and Irish coastline. They also provide seasonal lifeguards...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Rode
Rode refers to the anchor line or chain that is used to secure a boat in place by anchoring it to the seabed. The rode typically consists of a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Roller Furling
Roller furling is used on sailing boats to roll or unroll a sail, typically the jib or genoa, around a stay to quickly deploy or stow the...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Romeo
Phonetic alphabet letter R.
Navigational Clearance: When a vessel displays the Romeo flag, it indicates that it is stationary or anchored but...
More Details - Organisation Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
The volunteer crewed rescue service providing 24-hour rescue services around the UK and Irish coastline. They also provide seasonal lifeguards...
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