A guide to understanding boating terminology

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a newcomer, there is plenty to learn in this guide to nautical terms.

Boating has been a long-enjoyed pastime all around the world for thousands of years. And throughout the years it has evolved with the times, as has the language around all the different components of boating. If you’re new to this world, some jargon may be hard to understand or confusing, and we aim to ease some of that confusion with this short but informative guide. Keep reading to learn how to communicate effectively on deck.

Understanding basic boating terminology

The anatomy of a vessel

Bow: The bow is the front of the boat, slicing through the water as it moves forward.

Stern: The stern is the rear part of the boat.

Port: Port refers to the left side of the boat when facing the bow.

Starboard: Starboard refers to the right side of the boat when facing the bow.

Helm: This is the part of the boat that is used to steer it.

Beam: The width of the boat, measured at its widest point.

Hull: The hull is the main body of the boat, extending from bow to stern, encompassing both port and starboard sides.

Keel: Acting as the boat’s backbone, the keel runs longitudinally along the bottom of the hull, providing stability and balance.

Deck: This is the flat surface that covers the hull, where most of the boating activities take place.

Galley: A kitchen or an area with kitchen facilities on a ship, plane or camper.

Amidships: Refers to the middle section of the vessel.

Aft: Towards the back/stern of the boat.

Transom: A transom is the vertical reinforcement which strengthens the stern of a boat.

Swim platform: A ledge or surface that normally extends out from the transom of the boat.

Bitter end: Refers to the final part of the anchor rope near to where the rope is fixed to the ship’s deck.

Navigational terms

Heading: Heading is the direction in which the boat’s bow points.

Bearing: Bearing is the direction to an object or destination from the boat.

Latitude and longitude: These are geographical coordinates used to pinpoint the boat’s location anywhere on the earth’s surface.

Knots: A measure of speed in nautical miles per hour.

Nautical mile: A unit used in measuring distances at sea, equal to 1852 metres.

True north: Is the direction that points directly towards the geographic North Pole.

Underway: When a vessel is not at anchor, is not made fast to the shore or is not aground.

Trim: The running angle of the boat as it makes way in the water.

Planing: When a vessel is moving over the top of the water, rather than through it.

Chart: A nautical map used for navigation, depicting water depths, landmasses and navigational hazards.

Buoy: A floating container anchored to the seafloor so that it remains in position — buoys are used to mark channels, moorings, exclusion zones or racecourses.

Enclosed waters: Enclosed waters are navigable waters enclosed by land or a port.

Open waters: Open waters are navigable waters which are not enclosed by land or a port — including coastal and ocean waters.

Bombora: An Aboriginal origin word meaning a shallow area where waves may break, or “water swirling around sunken rocks.”

Mastering sailing terminology

Sailboat components

Mast: The mast is a tall vertical pole supporting the sails.

Boom: The boom is a horizontal pole attached to the masting, holding the bottom of the sail.

Jib: The jib is a triangular sail set forward of the mast.

Mainsail: The mainsail is the larger sail attached to the mast and boom.

Rudder: The rudder is a flat piece of wood or metal used to steer the boat.

Tiller: The tiller is a lever connected to the rudder for manual steering.

Sailing manoeuvres

Tacking: Tacking is changing the boat's course by turning the bow through the wind.

Jibing: Jibing is similar to tacking but involves turning the stern through the wind.

Heeling: This refers to the boat leaning to one side due to wind pressure on the sails.

Windward: The direction from which the wind blows.

Leeward: The side opposite to where the wind is blowing.

Powerboating terminology

Engine and propulsion

Outboard engine: Outboard engines are detachable and mounted on the boat's stern.

Inboard engine: Inboard engines are built within the boat.

Throttle: The throttle controls the engine's speed.

Trim: Trim refers to adjusting the engine's angle to optimise performance and stability.

Handling and safety

Docking: Docking is the process of securing the boat to a dock.

Mooring: Mooring involves anchoring the boat to a permanent fixture in the water.

Bilge and bilge pump: The bilge is the lowest part of the boat’s interior, where water collects. The bilge pump is used to remove this water.

Communication and safety protocols

Maritime communication

VHF radio: A communication device used for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore messages.

SOS and mayday: International signals of distress used by ships and aircraft. Mayday is used for life-threatening emergencies, while SOS is a general distress signal.

EPIRB: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.

Colregs: Stands for Collision Regulations — the rules of the road at sea. Also known as the international rules for the prevention of collisions at sea.

Safety equipment

Life jackets: The most essential piece of safety equipment on any vessel — life jackets provide buoyancy. Also known as a personal flotation device.

Flares: Flares are used for signalling distress.

Fire extinguishers: Critical safety item for managing fires.

First aid kits: Critical safety item for providing first aid in case of injuries.

The wrap

This guide to boating terminology sets the foundation for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. We hope you have learnt at least one new term today and feel more confident navigating the seas with this newfound knowledge. Happy boating!