Essential Maritime Terminology: A Nautical Glossary

Maritime Terminology and Definitions

Leaking (Fugas)

The escape of liquids, such as water or oil, from pipes, boilers, or tanks, or a minor inflow of seawater into the vessel due to hull damage.

Leeway

The lateral movement of a vessel to leeward of its intended course.

Let Go (Dejar ir)

To set free, release, or cast off anchors, lines, or other equipment.

Lifeboat Station (Estación de botes salvavidas)

The designated area where crew and passengers must assemble before being ordered to board lifeboats.

List

The inclination of a vessel to either the port or starboard side.

Make Water (Hacer aguas)

Seawater flowing into a vessel due to hull damage or improperly secured hatches.

Manoeuvring Speed (Velocidad de maniobras)

A vessel's reduced rate of speed in restricted waters, such as fairways or harbours.

Mass Disease (Enfermedad en masa)

An illness, typically infectious, affecting more than two persons on board simultaneously.

Moor (Amarrar/Atracar)

To secure a vessel in a specific location using chains or ropes attached to the shore, anchors, or mooring buoys, or by riding with both anchors deployed.

Muster (Reunir)

To assemble crew, passengers, or both in a designated location for headcount or verification purposes.

Not Under Command (Sin gobierno)

A vessel that, due to exceptional circumstances, is unable to manoeuvre as required by the COLREGs.

Obstruction (Obstrucción)

An object, such as a wreck or net, that blocks a fairway or route.

Off Air

When radio station transmissions or a Decca chain have broken down, been switched off, or suspended.

Off Station (Of buoys)

When a buoy is not at its charted position.

Oil Clearance

An operation conducted to remove oil from the water surface.

Operational (En condiciones de servicio)

Equipment or systems ready for immediate use.

Ordnance Exercise

Naval firing practice.

OSC (On-Scene Commander)

The commander of a rescue unit designated to coordinate search and rescue operations within a specific area.

Outbound/Inbound Vessel

A vessel currently leaving or entering a port.

Overflow (Desbordamiento)

The accidental escape of oil from a tank caused by overfilling when pumping is not stopped in time.