Passage
A journey or route taken by a vessel from one location to another, often across open water or between specific points such as harbours or islands.
A passage in maritime terms typically refers to the act of travelling by sea from one point to another. This could involve crossing an ocean, navigating coastal waters, or sailing between islands. The term is commonly used in both commercial and recreational sailing contexts. For example, a yacht might undertake a passage from the UK to the Mediterranean, or a cargo ship might make a passage across the Atlantic.
Passages can vary in length and complexity, depending on factors such as distance, weather conditions, and navigational challenges. A short coastal passage might involve sailing along a well-charted coastline, while a long ocean passage could require careful planning, including considerations for provisioning, fuel, and crew rotations.
In traditional navigation, the term also implies the need for a navigator to plot a course, taking into account tides, currents, and prevailing winds. Modern technology, such as GPS and electronic charts, has made this process more efficient, but the principles of safe passage planning remain the same.
Additionally, the term “passage” can be used in a more specific sense to describe a navigable route through a difficult or narrow area, such as a strait or channel, where careful seamanship is required to avoid hazards like rocks, reefs, or strong currents.
