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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

    • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
    • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

    • Places
      Find anywhere nauctical, including marinas u0026 training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
    • Courses
      We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

    • Nautical Terms & Terminology
      Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
    • Why do we have tides?
      Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
    • What causes our weather?
      A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper u0026 RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
    • Buoyage Flashcards
      Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
    • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
      Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
    • The Salty Sea Blog
      From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

    • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
    • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

    • Places
      Find anywhere nauctical, including marinas u0026 training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
    • Courses
      We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

    • Nautical Terms & Terminology
      Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
    • Why do we have tides?
      Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
    • What causes our weather?
      A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper u0026 RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
    • Buoyage Flashcards
      Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
    • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
      Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
    • The Salty Sea Blog
      From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
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Sign In Join now—it’s Free

Glossary

AJAX progress indicator
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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Results: 130
  • Term
    Definition
  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model

    An international standard developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for the management, exchange, and interoperability of...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Sacrificial AnodeA zinc plate fastened to the hull to prevent corrosion of metal fittings on the hull
  • Courses, RYA Safe and Fun SafeguardingThe RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding course is an online program aimed at instructors, coaches, and volunteers working with children and vulnerable... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Safety BoatThe RYA Safety Boat course is essential for those providing rescue and safety cover for water sports or racing events. Participants learn advanced... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

    An international maritime treaty that sets minimum safety standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation. Its primary goal is to...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Safe Water MarkSee Fairway mark.
  • General Nautical Terminology, Weather (Meteorology) Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS)

    The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a classification system that categorises hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage. It ranges...

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  • General Nautical Terminology SaildriveA saildrive is a transmission system from the vessel's inboard engine. It closely resembles an outboard engine but is fixed in place and sticks... More Details
  • General Nautical Terminology Sail Drive

    A sail drive is a transmission system for a boat whose inboard engine has a horizontal output shaft. The sail drive's input shaft is, therefore,...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Navigation Sailing Directions

    Sailing directions, also known as nautical directions or pilots, are publications that provide detailed information for navigating coastal and...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Sail Locker


    A designated storage space aboard a vessel where sails and related equipment are kept when not in use.

    A sail locker is an essential feature...

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  • General Nautical Terminology Sail TiesLines used to lash a lowered sail to the boom or guardrails to prevent it blowing about
  • Weather (Meteorology) Salinity

    Salinity is the concentration of dissolved salts in water, typically expressed in parts per thousand (ppt) or as a percentage. In marine...

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  • General Nautical Terminology SaloonThe main cabin of a vessel
  • General Nautical Terminology, Safety SAR

    The coordinated efforts undertaken to locate and assist individuals in distress or imminent danger, typically at sea, and to bring them to...

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  • General Nautical Terminology, Safety SART

    An emergency device that responds to radar signals by transmitting a series of pulses to help rescuers locate a vessel or liferaft in...

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  • General Nautical Terminology SBF

    A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels above certain power or length limits in German...

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  • General Nautical Terminology SBF Binnen

    A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels on inland waterways. 

    The Sportbootführerschein...

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  • General Nautical Terminology SBF See

    A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels with an engine of more than 15 horsepower in coastal...

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  • Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Sierra (S)

    The International Maritime Signal Flag Sierra.

    Meaning

    I am operating astern propulsion.
    If appended with a Numeral Pennant, Speed...

    More Details
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