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) |