Sailing Reference

Safety and Navigation

Core safety, communication, and navigation terms a new crew member will hear early.

Level
foundation
Read time
7 min
Sources
1
Safety and Navigation shown as a compact visual reference.
Knowledge category

Safety and Navigation: facts

  • Safety terms describe actions, equipment, hazards, and communication; navigation terms describe position and movement.

  • Heading is where the bow points; course over ground is the track over the earth.

  • VHF, AIS, charts, lookout, and rules each solve different parts of the awareness problem.

  • Navigation rules and safety requirements depend on jurisdiction and situation.

Safety and Navigation terms

Each link opens the exact terminology entry with a definition, example, aliases, and related terms.

AISAutomatic Identification System, which broadcasts and receives vessel identity, position, course, and speed data.Apparent windThe wind felt onboard, combining true wind with wind created by the boat moving.BearingThe direction from one position to another, usually expressed in degrees.ChartplotterAn electronic navigation display that shows charts, position, routes, and vessel data.COLREGsInternational collision regulations that define navigation rules between vessels.Course over groundThe actual direction the boat is moving over the earth.HeadingThe direction the bow is pointing.JacklineA strong line or webbing run along deck so crew can clip in with a tether.LeewaySideways drift caused by wind pushing the boat away from its heading.LifelineWire, rope, or rail system along deck edges that helps keep crew onboard.MOBMan overboard, meaning a person has gone over the side and recovery action is needed.PFDPersonal flotation device worn to help keep a person afloat.Q flagThe yellow international code flag used to request pratique or signal health-clearance status when entering some ports.Speed over groundThe boat speed measured over the earth rather than through the water.True windThe wind speed and direction relative to the earth, independent of boat motion.Under wayA vessel state meaning the boat is not at anchor, made fast to shore, or aground.VHFVery high frequency marine radio used for vessel communication and distress calls.WaypointA saved navigation position used as a destination, turn point, or reference.XTECross-track error, the sideways distance between the boat position and the intended route line.YawSide-to-side rotation of the bow around the vertical axis.Zone of confidenceA chart-quality rating that describes the survey accuracy and reliability of charted data.Zulu timeCoordinated Universal Time used to avoid time-zone ambiguity in marine forecasts and communications.
References

Sources and Method Notes

Boatpedia reference

Boatpedia terminology reference

Marine vocabulary reference for definitions, aliases, examples, and related terms.

Open source
Next reference
Sailing ReferenceCharts, Coast Pilot, and Navigation Referencesworking / 9 minCharts, Coast Pilot publications, chart symbols, navigation rules, tides, currents, and local notices form the reference stack for coastal navigation.Sailing ReferenceMarine Weather Forecastsfoundation / 8 minMarine forecast pages combine wind, waves, warnings, visibility, tide, current, local effects, and update timing into a departure decision.Sailing ReferenceWeather and Sea Statefoundation / 6 minWind, tide, current, waves, and visibility words used for planning and underway decisions.