Important Boating and Sailing Terms

Table of Contents

Important Boating and Sailing Terms --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 ATON Aids to Navigation-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Anatomy of a Boat: Terminology --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Boat Hull Designs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Cruise Preparation Checklist --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Emergency Equipment Checklist---------------------------------------------------------------------------------11 Boat Class--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Fire Extinguisher Requirements----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 State by State Boat Manual Links--------------------------------------------------------------------------------13 Resources and Links-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15 Direction and Points of Sail----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16 Collision Avoidance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17 Lighting Field of Illumination--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17

Running Light Ranges-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18 Running Lights Power Boats --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19 Running Lights Sailboats -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20 Day Shape Mast Light Combinations----------------------------------------------------------------------------21 Weather Terms and Concepts ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------22 VHF Radio Frequencies---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23 MAYDAY Script -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23 Final Exam-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24

Answer Key------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------37

Important Terms You Should Know

Aft Berth

Bow The direction that indicates towards the back, or stern, of a boat. A permanent sheltered parking spot for a boat which is not in use. The front end of a vessel.

Bow Wave Waves created from the bow of a boat in motion.

Buoy

A floating device that is securely anchored. It provides warning or directional information. Some buoys serve as moorings. Capacity Plate A plate on which maximum weight of passengers and equipment is displayed. On some vessels, maximum allowable horsepower may also be given.

Capsize Channel To overturn. A stretch of relatively calm water used for passage into a larger body of water.

Cleat

A hook or holder to which lines are attached when securing a boat. Compliance Plate For boats under 20’ in length, manufacturer installs a plate that states the vessel meets safety standards of the US Coast Guard.

Console

A control panel usually located at the center of the boat. Directed Thrust Steering of a vessel achieved from the direction in which the propellers face. Displacement The act of a vessel pushing away (displacing) water based on the weight of the boat. Draft The depth of water drawn by a boat. How deep it sits in the water.

Float Plan

A written record of travel plans and other emergency contact information left with a responsible party. Flotation Device A wearable or other device used to keep a person afloat in the water. Also for rescue. Forward The direction that indicates towards the front, or bow, of the boat.

Freeboard Gearshift

The distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale. The engine direction control : forward, neutral, or reverse. Many times combined with throttle assembly. Give-Way Vessel When two boats approach each other, the give-way boat is the one required to yield the right of way.

Hatch A doorway that provides access to the bow of the boat from under the deck.

Knot

Length MCS

Mooring Port A special safety device whereby a boat operator attaches a cord to the vessel’s ignition. If the operator becomes separated from the boat controls, the engine shuts down. Good for skippers traveling alone. Short for “nautical mile” it is 1.15 standard miles. Defines speed for boating. Also, a configuration of rope or lines used to secure a boat. Front to back measurement of a boat from bow to stern. Engines are not included. Minimum Control Speed is the slowest speed at which a vessel can be turned with onboard controls. A way to secure a vessel to a flotation buoy or pier. Refers to the left side of a boat.

Propulsion Prop Walk The means by which a vessel attains the thrust to achieve motion. aka Propeller Walk. Sideward force/motion caused by turning propellers. Usually at slow speeds and in reverse gear.

PWC

Rail

Personal Water Craft. A small jet powered recreational craft, usually straddled when ridden. Typically known by product or brand names. Railings installed along the deck of a vessel. Stand-On Vessel When to boats approach each other, the stand-on vessel has the right of way. Starboard The right side of the boat.

Stern The back end of a boat.

Throttle

Trim Twin Screws Utility Boat

VDS

Water Line

Wheel Windage The speed control, usually a lever. Many times, it is combined with the gearshift lever. The adjustment that controls a boat’s sitting evenly in the water, front to back. Dual propellers. Can be used in combinations to execute turns. Also known as “tender”. Small craft such as prams or dinghies used to transport passengers to or from a larger vessel. Visual Distress Signal is a device that can signal to others that a boat is experiencing an emergency and is in need of assistance.

Hull markings that show how deeply a properly trimmed boat sits in the water. Also, the level at which the water surface meets the hull. Steering wheel used to turn rudder or motors Surface area of a vessel exposed to and affected by the wind.