Glossary of boating terms
This page explains boating and maritime terms commonly used on this website, such as the parts of a vessel and navigational terminology.
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 - one nautical mile = 1.852km |
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 |
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 (1) | One nautical mile an hour (equal to 1.852km/h) |
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) | An alternative name for a lifejacket |
Port side | Looking forward, the left-hand side |
Speed | All speeds are measured in 'knots' - one knot = 1 nautical mile per hour |
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 |
Under way | Not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground - if you are drifting, you are under way |
Wash | Waves made by a vessel making way |
Windward | The direction from which the wind blows (for example, upwind) |