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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
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.
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.
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).
M
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
Personal Watercraft (Jetski)
A small, motorised water vehicle designed for one or a few riders, operated by standing or sitting.
S
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.
