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
- Phonetic Alphabet Papa
Phonetic alphabet letter P.
Departure Signal: When a vessel displays the Papa flag, it signals to all personnel ashore that they should return...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Passage
A passage describes a vessel's entire journey from start to end. Every passage should have a passage plan outlining the vessel's intentions and...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology PDOP
Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) measures the geometric strength of satellite configuration in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Phonetic Alphabet
The Phonetic Alphabet, also known as the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet or NATO phonetic alphabet, is a standardised set of words...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Pontoon
A pontoon is a flat, buoyant structure used to support a platform, bridge, or boat. It is typically made of metal, plastic, or inflatable...
More Details - 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...
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