what is course, when refering to nautical termss

by Carmel Treutel Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 3 min read

Course: This refers to the direction a ship is sailing. Cockpit: A steering compartment. Current: This refers to a movement of water. Heading: This is the direction a ship is sailing. Becalm: To stop because of lack of wind. Chart: This refers to a navigational course or to map a route.

In navigation, the course of a watercraft or aircraft is the in which the craft is to be steered. The course is to be distinguished from the heading, which is the compass direction in which the craft's bow or nose is pointed.

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Why is it important to know nautical terms?

The term in stays is an often used alternative to in irons. 38. Iron Mike. Iron Mike is a slang term used to refer to nautical auto-pilot systems. 39. Itinerary. An itinerary basically is the plan of destinations intended to be visited by a boat. Travel itineraries usually include a schedule of intended destinations, as well as activities for ...

How many nautical terms does a skilled sailor need to know?

A naval submariner's term for the angle between a target's course and the line of sight to the submarine. It is expressed as port or starboard, so never exceeds 180 degrees. This is one of the figures entered into the Torpedo Data Computer that makes all the calculations necessary for a torpedo attack on the target.

What are the different types of courses on a boat?

Jan 02, 2019 · Here are some common nautical terms: Bow: This refers to the front end of the boat. Forward: This is used when you are moving toward the front end of the boat [bow]. Aft: Used to describe your movement towards the rear end of the boat, more like saying someone is going “aft.”. Ahead: Refers to the movement of a boat in a forward direction.

What information is printed on nautical charts for determining direction?

Jul 27, 2020 · COURSE - The direction in which a boat is steered. CUDDY - A small shelter cabin in a boat. CURRENT - The horizontal movement of water. D DAYBEACON - A fixed navigation aid structure used in shallow waters upon which is placed one or more daymarks.

What is a course in sailing?

In sailing, a course is a type of square sail. It is the sail set on the lowest yard on a mast.

What is course on ground?

Similar Terms: COG

Course Over Ground is the actual direction of progress of a vessel, between two points, with respect to the surface of the earth. The vessel's Heading may differ from the Course over ground due to the effects of wind, Tide and currents.

What is course angle?

(angle on the bow), the angle between the center line of a vessel and the direction to some object observed from the vessel. It is measured in degrees, which are read on an azimuth from 0° to 180° in the starboard (right) or port (left) direction from the bow of the vessel.

How do ships stay on course?

Tacking is a sailing maneuver by which a sailing vessel, whose desired course is into the wind, turns its bow toward and through the wind so that the direction from which the wind blows changes from one side of the boat to the other, allowing progress in the desired direction.

What is the difference between track and course?

Heading is the direction the airplane is pointed, whereas track is the actual direction of the airplane tracking across the ground. Bearing is the angle between any two points, whereas course is your intended path of travel to your destination.

What is the compass course?

Definition of compass course

: the course with respect to true north in which a ship or an aircraft is intended to travel.

What is the difference between course over ground and heading?

Course Over Ground (COG) is the actual direction of motion (the intended direction of travel). While heading is the direction in which a vehicle/vessel is pointing at any given moment (https://www.applanix.com/news/blog-course-heading-bearing/).Jun 17, 2020

How do you read a course over ground?

With your straight edge, draw a line from the last fix to the end of the set/drift line. Measure the angle of this line against the compass rose to get the Course Over Ground. The Speed over Ground is also the length of the line, if the measured time was an hour.

Is north 000 or 360?

Since the Second World War compasses have been graduated in the 360 degrees (°) of a circle. Thus 000° or 360° is north, 090° is east, 180° is south, and 270° is west.

What does jibing mean in sailing?

downwind turn

A jibe is a downwind turn, the mainsail is on the leeward side of the boat, and the tiller moves in the opposite direction that you want to turn. Moving the tiller away from the mainsail is equivalent to moving the tiller toward the wind which causes the boat to turn downwind.

What do you say when tacking?

The Helm declares that they are beginning to tack by saying, “Hard-A-Lee”. There are a couple variations on this command and if you want to say something else, it's your boat, just make sure everyone on your boat understands what you are commanding.Oct 1, 2021

What is jibing and tacking?

Tacking is when the bow (front of the boat) passes across the wind. Jibing is when the stern (back of the boat) through the eye of the wind.

What are some nautical terms?

I took the time to note down the following funny nautical terms; I am sure they will get you giggling soon: 1 Abreast: Used when two boats lay together in a way the bible would probably frown at. 2 Poop deck: You should be thinking of the rest-room, but it’s not, it’s just the part of the boat you get to roam about freely, it’s a standard rude term used in boating. 3 Jacob’s ladder: Now this is supposed to be the title of a famous movie I once saw at the cinema, but in this case, it’s just a rope ladder. 4 Screw: This is talking about the propeller. 5 Ground tackle: Sounds like a term used in sport, but it’s just another hilarious term for the anchor and associated bits and bobs. 6 Porthole: It merely means “I’m having a panic attack.” 7 Flange: I am scared.

What is the rudder on a boat?

Rudder: This is located beneath the boat; it is a flat piece of wood, fiberglass or metal used to steer the ship. Bigger boats control the rudder with a wheel while the small boats use the steering mechanism. Awash: Refers to water level slightly covering the deck. Bilge: Means the lowest part of the haul.

How to sail a boat?

Nautical Terms For Departure 1 Launch: Moving a boat from land to water. 2 Sail: To propel a boat over the water. 3 Make Sail: To rise sails while getting underway. 4 Shove off: To push the boat away from the dock. 5 Set sail: To raise sails in preparation for getting underway. 6 Set: Refers to the direction of current flow. Usually employed to calculate a reliable course over the bottom. 7 Sailing: A navigation method used to determine the course of a boat. 8 Board: Usually used when you want to go onto a board. 9 Cast off: Refers to letting go of the docking lines to proceed with the sail. 10 Plain sails: The primary working sail on a boat.

What is the bow of a boat?

Here are some common nautical terms: Bow: This refers to the front end of the boat. Forward: This is used when you are moving toward the front end of the boat [bow]. Aft: Used to describe your movement towards the rear end of the boat, more like saying someone is going “aft.”. Ahead: Refers to the movement of a boat in a forward direction.

What is the heading of a ship?

Heading: This is the direction a ship is sailing. Becalm: To stop because of lack of wind. Chart: This refers to a navigational course or to map a route. Bearing: Refers to the direction of an object shown on a chart or sometimes as a bearing relating to the heading of the boat.

What does "bite the bullet" mean?

Bite the bullet: This means to dace up to something unpleasant. Ant’s bollock on a beach: Slang used for something hard to locate. Bottle fishing: A slang term used for transporting liquor. Brace of shakes: To be with someone in a brace of shakes means to be with the person before sail has time to shake twice.

What is a boat?

Boat: A craft or vessel designed to float on, and provide transport over, water. Boatswain or bosun: A non-commissioned officer responsible for the sails, ropes, and boats on a ship who issues “piped” commands to seamen. Bobstay: Rope used on ships to steady the bowsprit.

What is a boatswain?

Boatswain or bosun: A non-commissioned officer responsible for the sails, ropes, and boats on a ship who issues “piped” commands to seamen. Bobstay: Rope used on ships to steady the bowsprit. Bollard: From “bol” or “bole”, the round trunk of a tree. A substantial vertical pillar to which lines may be made fast.

What is the meaning of "aloft"?

Aloft: Above the ship’s uppermost solid structure; overhead or high above. Alongside: By the side of a ship or pier. Amidships (or midships): In the middle portion of the ship, along the line of the keel. Anchor ball: Black shape hoisted in the forepart of a ship to show that ship is anchored in a fairway.

What is an anchor chain?

Anchor chain or cable: Chain connecting the ship to the anchor. Anchor detail: Group of men who handle ground tackle when the ship is anchoring or getting underway. Anchor light: White light displayed by a ship at anchor. Two such lights are displayed by a ship over 150 feet (46 m) in length.

What does "as the crow flies" mean?

As the crow flies: A direct line between two points (which might cross land) which is the way crows travel rather than ships which must go around land. Ashore: On the beach, shore or land. Astern: Toward the stern; an object or vessel that is abaft another vessel or object. ASW: Anti-submarine warfare.

What is the azimuth of an object?

The azimuth of an object is its bearing from the observer measured as an angle clockwise from true north. Back and fill: To use the advantage of the tide being with you when the wind is not. Backstays: Long lines or cables, reaching from the rear of the vessel to the mast heads, used to support the mast.

What is a baggy wrinkle?

Baggywrinkle: A soft covering for cables (or any other obstructions) that prevents sail chafing from occurring. Bale Cube (or Bale Capacity): The space available for cargo measured in cubic feet to the inside of the cargo battens, on the frames, and to the underside of the beams.

What is the direction of a vessel?

Describe a vessel’s direction of travel. A vessel is said to be travelling upstream (coming in from sea) when it is coming in from sea in a direction towards land.

What is the safe distance requirement?

Safe distance requirements refer to the minimum safe distance to keep from other vessels, people, or structures in the water when travelling at a speed of 6 knots or more.

What is a wash and wake?

Refers to waves which are created by a vessel as it travels through the water at varying speeds, draft and loads. The impact of this wash and wake varies depending on the type of vessel and the conditions. It can cause injury to people, the environment or infrastructure as you pass by. Always be mindful of you’re your wash and wake.

What does "afloat" mean in nautical terms?

Afloat and unattached in any way to the shore or seabed. It may also imply that a vessel is not anchored and not under control, therefore goes where the wind and current take her, (loose from moorings, or out of place). Also refers to any gear not fastened down or put away properly.

What is the area of a ship before the foremast?

This was because the midships area where the officers were berthed is more stable, being closer to the center of gravity, and thus more comfortable. It is less subject to the up and down movement resulting from the ship's pitching.

How to stop a sailing vessel?

To stop a sailing vessel by lashing the helm in opposition to the sails. The vessel will gradually drift to leeward, the speed of the drift depending on the vessel's design.

What does "adrift" mean?

Adrift. Afloat and unattached in any way to the shore or seabed. It may also imply that a vessel is not anchored and not under control, therefore goes where the wind and current take her, (loose from moorings, or out of place). Also refers to any gear not fastened down or put away properly.

What is the object that prevents or slows the drift of a ship?

An object designed to prevent or slow the drift of a ship, attached to the ship by a line or chain; typically a metal, hook like, object designed to grip the bottom under the body of water.

What is azimuth in science?

The azimuth of an object is its bearing from the observer measured as an angle clockwise from true north.

What does "on her beam ends" mean?

The sides of a ship. "On her beam ends" may mean the vessel is literally on her side and possibly about to capsize ; more often, the phrase means the vessel is listing 45 degrees or more.

Why is it important to know sailing terms?

It’s important to know common sailing terms so that you can communicate effectively with other boaters, especially during an emergency. Knowing many sailing terms will also make you a better sailor.

What does "sailing" mean?

This sailing term is a verb that means to repair a spar or a mast using a fillet of wood. It may also mean to secure an anchor on the side of the vessel.

What does "above board" mean?

This term refers to anything that is on or above the open deck. If you hear someone say that something is above board, it means something is in plain view.

What is the aft rope on a sailboat?

Also called the stern, the aft refers to the back of a sailboat. If you hear a boater say that he has a spare rope located aft, this means that the spare rope is kept at the back of his sailboat.

What is a boom in sailing?

A boom may refer to a floating barrier that helps control navigation into and out of harbors and rivers. It may refer to a spar fastened to the foot of a fore-and-aft sail.

What is the bow of a sailboat?

The bow refers to the opposite side of the aft, which is the front of the sailboat. The aft and the bow are two important areas of the boat. Hence, they are terms often heard when sailing.

What does "cut" mean in sailing?

For sailors, the term Cut means the shape. When you hear them say, “The cut of a sail,” this means the shape of the sail. When you hear them say, “The cut of his jib,” they are talking about the shape of the staysail at the front of a sailboat or ship.