Glossary
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TermDefinition
- Abbreviation, Light Characteristic Oc
A light with more light than dark (is on for longer than it is off).
Occulting refers to a type of navigational light in which the light is...
More Details - Abbreviation, Light Characteristic Occulting (Oc)
A light with more light than dark (is on for longer than it is off).
Occulting refers to a type of navigational light in which the light is...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS)
The Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS) is a system used to collect, process, and transmit various types of oceanographic data. This system...
More Details - Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Oscar (O)

The International Maritime Signal Flag Oscar.
Meaning
Man overboard. (Often attached to the Danbuoy pole on boats.)
The semaphore flag. - General Nautical Terminology ODAS
The Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS) is a system used to collect, process, and transmit various types of oceanographic data. This system...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Officer of the Watch (OOW)
The designated officer responsible for the safe navigation and operation of a vessel during their assigned watch period.
The Officer of the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Offshore
The area of the sea that is away from the coast, typically beyond the immediate inshore waters, and often associated with deeper waters and...
More Details - Courses, RYA Offshore Personal Survival (RYA/World Sailing)The Offshore Personal Survival course is an intensive program designed for sailors participating in offshore and ocean races. Participants learn... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology Oilskins
Waterproof clothing worn to keep crew dry in wet or rough conditions.
This clothing usually includes a jacket and trousers or salopettes...
More Details - Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter O (Flag Semaphore)

Flag semaphore indicating the letter O.
- Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter O (Morse Code)
International Morse Code sequence representing the letter O.
- General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Onshore
Refers to the direction towards the land from the sea, often used to describe winds or currents that move from the water towards the coast.
In...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat On the Port Bow
Refers to something located in the forward left quadrant of a vessel, between directly ahead and 90 degrees to the port (left) side.
"On the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology On the Port QuarterAt an angle to the stern of your vessel, but abaft the beam, to the left
- General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat On the Starboard Bow
Refers to a position or object located forward of the vessel and to the right-hand side when facing the bow (front) of the ship.
"On the...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat On the Starboard Quarter
The area of a vessel located towards the rear (aft) on the right-hand side when facing forward.
The phrase "on the starboard quarter" is a...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology OOW
The designated officer responsible for the safe navigation and operation of a vessel during their assigned watch period.
The Officer of the...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Oscar
Pronounced: OSS-cah
The term for the letter O in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.
- General Nautical Terminology, Parts of a Boat Outhaul
A line or tackle system used to adjust the tension and position of the sail's clew along the boom, affecting the sail's shape and...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Overfalls
Rough, disturbed water caused by tidal flow over uneven seabed or conflicting streams.
These areas often form where strong tidal streams pass...
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