Glossary
This page explains boating and maritime terms commonly used on this website, such as the parts of a vessel and navigational terminology.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abaft | Towards the stern |
| Abeam | Abreast of or at right angles to the fore and aft line of the vessel |
| Aft | Towards the stern or rear of the vessel |
| Astern, to go astern | Go backwards, put the engine in reverse |
| Bow | The front end of the vessel |
| Distance | Where 'miles' are referred to on this website, 'nautical' miles are meant |
|
Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) | A small electronic device used in ships and boats that, when activated in a life-threatening situation, assists rescue authorities in their search to locate those in distress |
| Freeboard | The distance between the waterline and the deck, or upper edge of the side of a small boat. Relevant to loading and stability |
| Give way | Slow, stop, go astern or change course to keep clear of another vessel |
| Gunwales | The top edge of a vessel's side (pronounced gunnels) |
| Heave to | Steering into the wind and sea making minimum headway |
| Knot | One knot = one nautical mile an hour (1.85kph) |
| Leeward | The side opposite to that from which the wind blows |
| Lifejacket | Protective device designed to keep the wearer afloat above the surface of the water. Also known as a PFD. |
| Making way | Vessel under way and moving through the water, using power or sail |
| Marine Safety Act | The Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) |
|
Marine Safety Regulations | The Marine Safety Regulations 2012 (Vic) |
| Master | A person having command or charge of a vessel (as defined under s3 of the Marine Safety Act) |
|
Personal watercraft (PWC) |
Any recreational vessel that: a) has an engine that is used for propulsion b) has a fully enclosed hull c) does not retain water on it if it capsizes d) is designed to be operated by a person standing, sitting astride or kneeling on the vessel, but not seated within the vessel, and that is of a kind required by or under the Marine Safety Act to be registered (s3 Marine Safety Act) |
| Personal flotation device (PFD) | Lifejacket |
| Phonetic alphabet | Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu |
| Port side | Looking forward, the left-hand side |
| Speed | All speeds are measured in knots |
| Standards | All equipment referred to in this document must meet standards detailed under the Marine Safety Act and its associated regulations and schedules |
| Starboard side | Looking forward, the right-hand side |
| Stem the tide | Go forward against the current |
| Stern | The back end or rear of a vessel |
| Underway | Not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground. If you are drifting, you are underway. |
| Wash | Waves made by a vessel making way |
| Windward | The direction from which the wind blows (for example, upwind) |
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