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A
Adverse (weather)
Weather conditions that are difficult or dangerous for boating, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or rough seas.
Anchor
A heavy device lowered to the seabed to hold a boat or ship in place.
B
Bailer
A container or device used to remove unwanted water from a boat.
Bilge Pump
A mechanical or manual pump used to remove water that collects in the lowest part of a boat (the bilge).
Bow
The front part of a boat or ship.
C
Cardinal Markers
Aid boaters in navigating away from larger spread dangers such as reefs, rocky areas. Inform which side they need to pass them.
North: Post black at top – yellow at bottom. Cones both point up. Continuous white flash. Stay to the North of marker
East: Post black at top and bottom – yellow inbetween. Cones to top and to bottom. 3 white flashes. Stay to the east of marker
South: Post black at bottom – yellow at top. Cones both point down. 6 white flashes + 1 long white flash. Stay to the south of marker
West: Post black in the middle – yellow at both ends. Cones point into middle of post. 9 white flashes. Stay to the west of the marker
Chart
A specialised map used for navigating waterways, showing depths, hazards, and landmarks.
Coastal bar
A sand or sediment buildup at the mouth of a river or harbour that can create dangerous shallow water and breaking waves.
E
EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
A distress beacon that sends a signal to rescue services when activated in an emergency.
F
Flares
Emergency signals that produce bright light or smoke to attract attention during distress situations.
Freeboard
Section of boat that sits above the waterline. Masters responsibility to maintain adequate freeboard for safe operation.
Freeboard can be compromised by sea conditions and load.
G
Gunwale
The top edge of a boat’s side where the hull meets the deck.
H
Helm
The steering area of a boat or ship; also refers to the steering control itself.
Heightened risk
A situation where conditions (such as weather or sea state) make boating more dangerous than usual.
I
Isolated Danger Mark
Black and red striped post, dayshapes – 2 black spheres, 2 white flashes.
Indicates immediate danger surrounding the mark.
K
Knot
A unit of speed used at sea, equal to one nautical mile per hour.
1 knot
Exactly one nautical mile per hour (about 1.852 km/h).
L
Lanyard
Rope or line used to attach to items, ie bucket.
Lifejacket
Garment worn to provide buoyancy in the water.
M
Mayday
Marine radio call of DISTRESS, require immediate assistance
Made fast to the shore
Secured or tied firmly to the land using ropes, anchors or moorings.
N
Nautical Mile
A unit of distance used in marine and air navigation, equal to 1.852 kilometres.
O
Open Sea
Deep ocean waters far from land, often exposed to stronger winds and larger waves.
P
Pan Pan
Marine radio call of an URGENT nature. Require assistance- but not immediately.
Personal Watercraft (Jetski)
A small, motorised water vehicle designed for one or a few riders, operated by standing or sitting.
R
Recreational Craft
Craft operated with a recreational marine licence.
S
Safe Speed
A speed that you are able to take control to avoid a collision or stop the vessel within an ‘appropriate’ distance.
Securite
Marine Radio call of a SAFETY. Such as weather, navigational issues etc.
Starboard
The right-hand side of a boat when facing forward.
Stern
The back (rear) part of a boat’
Squall
A sudden, strong burst of wind often accompanied by rain or storms.
Swell
Long, rolling waves generated by distant weather systems, not local wind.
T
Transom
The flat surface forming the back of a boat where the engine is often mounted.
Trawler
A large fishing vessel designed to drag nets through the water to catch fish.
U
Underway
A vessel that is not anchored, made fast to the shore, or aground.
V
VHF Radio
A marine radio system used for short-range communication between boats and coastal stations, especially for safety and emergencies.
