Categories

Nav

Browse Nav terms for maritime professionals.

Languages

ArabicDeutschEnglishEspanolFrancaisHindiBahasa IndonesiaItalianoJapanesePortuguesRusskiyThaiTurkceVietnameseZhongwen

Allarme Inizio Virata

An electronic or mechanical alarm that notifies the bridge team when it is time to initiate the wheel-over manoeuvre, usually at a pre-set waypoint or heading.

View term

Allarme monitoraggio integrità

An alarm signaling a failure or inconsistency detected in the position integrity monitoring system, requiring immediate action.

View term

Allarme sequenziamento waypoint

An alarm on navigation systems indicating failure to automatically advance to the next waypoint as programmed in the voyage plan.

View term

Allenta a cinque

Helm order instructing the helmsman to reduce rudder angle to five degrees while maintaining course adjustment.

View term

Allineamento Linea Centrale del Canale

The practice of steering a vessel so that its longitudinal axis remains aligned with the designated navigational centreline of a fairway, as marked by buoys, lights, or electronic aids.

View term

Allineamento Luci di Guida

The process of navigating a vessel by visually aligning two or more fixed leading lights (range lights), ensuring the vessel remains on the recommended channel course.

View term

Allineamento Luci di Range

The navigation technique of steering a vessel so that two range lights, one behind the other, appear vertically aligned, indicating the vessel is on the safe channel axis.

View term

Avanti lento

Engine telegraph order instructing propulsion at the lowest possible speed ahead, used for delicate manoeuvring or congested areas.

View term

Bacino di Virata del Canale

A designated widened section of a navigational fairway, specifically constructed to allow vessels to safely turn or change direction under pilotage or tug assistance.

View term

Calcolo finestra di marea

The process of determining the optimal period based on tidal height during which a vessel can safely transit shallow waters or cross a bar.

View term

Cambio del servomeccanismo

The act of switching from one steering gear system or power unit to another, often for redundancy or in case of equipment failure.

View term

Campana avanti lenta

The engine telegraph order for slow speed ahead, typically used during precise manoeuvring, docking, or when entering confined waters.

View term

Campana mezza avanti

Engine telegraph order instructing propulsion at half engine speed ahead, used for moderate manoeuvring or departure from berth.

View term

Campana tutta avanti

Engine telegraph order instructing propulsion at full engine speed ahead, typically used in open sea or to quickly gain speed.

View term

Cavo di rimorchio d’emergenza

A strong wire or rope rigged at bow or stern, readily accessible for emergency towing if the vessel becomes disabled.

View term

Collegamento Rimorchiatore di Scorta

The established secured line or method by which an escort tug is physically connected to a vessel, typically for controlling or assisting the ship during harbour or restricted water navigation.

View term

Conferma ancora a peso

The formal notification to the bridge or engine room that the anchor is clear of the seabed and ship is free to maneuver.

View term

Conferma dell’ordine al timone

The required verbal response by the helmsman to confirm receipt and understanding of a helm order from the officer of the watch.

View term

Controlla l’oscillazione

Helm or mooring order to observe and, if necessary, limit or arrest the vessel's swinging motion, especially when turning or anchoring.

View term

Controllo velocità di manovra

The process of verifying and confirming the vessel’s speed through the water is suitable for safe manoeuvring during berthing, departure, or restricted navigation.

View term

Controllo walkback ancora

The controlled paying out of anchor chain in reverse (walkback) under power, used for precise anchor positioning or retrieval.

View term

Correzione della spinta trasversale

The adjustment applied to helm or engine orders to compensate for the sideways force exerted by a propeller, especially during astern or ahead movements.

View term

Corsia di Traffico Raccomandata

A charted route within a traffic separation scheme or recommended track designed for the safe passage of vessels, but not compulsory. Usage reduces collision risk.

View term

Diametro di circolazione

The distance perpendicular to the original track between tangents of the vessel’s path when executing a steady-turn at a given rudder angle and speed, usually expressed in ship lengths or cables.

View term

Direzione e deriva corrente

The direction (set) and speed (drift) of water current affecting the ship’s course and position.

View term

Dispositivo di Separazione del Traffico

An internationally recognized routing measure that separates opposing streams of vessel traffic by defined lanes and rules to reduce collision risk in busy or restricted waters.

View term

Disposizione display di comando

The arrangement of navigation and maneuvering information shown on the conning display for optimal bridge decision-making and situational awareness.

View term

Distanza libera a poppa

The available unobstructed distance behind the vessel, critical for manoeuvring astern.

View term

Effetto cuscino riva

Hydrodynamic phenomenon where water pressure between a vessel and a nearby bank creates a cushion, pushing the bow away from the bank.

View term

Effetto di risucchio riva

Hydrodynamic phenomenon where a vessel navigating close to a bank experiences a suction force pulling the vessel toward the bank due to water velocity difference.

View term

Effetto superficie al vento

The influence of the ship’s exposed surface area above the waterline, causing increased drift or leeway under wind pressure.

View term

Errore di deviazione rotta

The perpendicular distance between a vessel's actual position and the planned track line, used for navigation accuracy.

View term

Errore giroscopico

An inaccuracy or malfunction of the ship’s gyro compass, resulting in incorrect heading information displayed to bridge equipment.

View term

Fermare i motori principali

Engine telegraph order to cease all propulsion; used when vessel is to remain stationary or fully secured at berth.

View term

Fissaggio posizione satellitare

A position determined using satellite navigation signals, typically from systems like GPS or GLONASS, used for precise ship positioning.

View term

Fissaggio posizione terrestre

A position established by bearings or distances to known land features or aids to navigation, not using satellites.

View term

Gestione delle risorse di plancia

The effective use and coordination of all available bridge resources—personnel, equipment, and information—to ensure safe navigation and vessel operation.

View term

Guasto del riferimento rotta

A malfunction or loss of accuracy in the ship’s heading reference system, such as gyro or magnetic compass, affecting navigation and safe maneuvering.

View term

Imbarco pilota in porto

The procedure for safely boarding the harbour pilot at sea or at the entrance of the port using a pilot ladder or launch.

View term

Indietro lento

Engine telegraph order instructing propulsion at the lowest possible speed astern, used for delicate reversing or while manoeuvring in tight spaces.

View term

Limite di Velocità in Porto

The officially published maximum speed permitted for vessels within a designated harbour or port area, set by local authorities to ensure safety of navigation and infrastructure.

View term

Linea di accostata

A track line shown on chart or radar which, when crossed, indicates the precise moment to start the wheel-over so that the intended new course is met accurately.

View term

Linea di distanza elettronica

A digital tool on radar/ECDIS allowing navigators to set and measure a precise distance from own ship to a selected point or target.

View term

Linea di indice parallelo

A radar-derived reference line drawn parallel to the vessel's intended track, used to monitor cross-track error by keeping a chosen land echo or seamark at a constant offset.

View term

Linea di rilevamento elettronica

A digital navigational tool on ECDIS or radar for plotting and monitoring bearings to fixed or moving targets, improving situational awareness.

View term

Manuale di Plottaggio Radar

A publication or onboard manual containing standardized instructions, techniques, and worksheets for manually plotting radar targets to assess collision risk and avoidance actions.

View term

Margine di pescaggio dinamico

An additional draught margin included to account for dynamic effects such as squat, trim, and vessel movement in shallow waters.

View term

Margine effetto squat

The additional draught margin applied to account for the increased draught of a vessel due to the squat effect in shallow water.

View term

Metodo dell’indice parallelo

A radar navigation technique in which fixed radar echoes are kept on predetermined parallel lines to verify the vessel remains on its planned track without constant position fixing.

View term

Molla la cima di dritta

Mooring command to release or cast off the starboard (right) mooring line or cable.

View term

Molla tutto

Final order to release all mooring lines, allowing the vessel to depart from berth.

View term

Monitoraggio integrità posizione

Continuous verification of the reliability and accuracy of the ship’s position as provided by navigation systems.

View term

Offset dell’Eco Radar

The adjustment of the radar image to compensate for systematic error or offset, ensuring true target positions correspond to their charted locations and improving navigation accuracy.

View term

Piano assegnazione rimorchiatori

A detailed arrangement indicating the number, type, and position of tugs assigned to assist a vessel during berthing, unberthing, or transit in restricted waters.

View term

Piano di passaggio con pilota

A detailed route plan, prepared jointly by the master and pilot, outlining intended track, waypoints, speed, and manoeuvres for the pilotage operation.

View term

Plottaggio Radar Automatico

The process by which radar targets are tracked and collision risk assessed automatically by ARPA systems, displaying real-time information on target movements and CPA/TCPA.

View term

Posizione di timoneria d’emergenza

A dedicated station—usually aft in the steering gear room—used to control the ship’s steering in the event of bridge steering failure.

View term

Posizione Rimorchiatore di Poppa

The designated location of a tug at the stern of a vessel, used to provide pulling or braking force during manoeuvring, berthing, or unberthing operations.

View term

Posizione Rimorchiatore di Prua

The assigned and maintained location of a tug at the bow of a vessel to provide pushing, pulling, or steering assistance during berthing, unberthing, or manoeuvring in confined waters.

View term

Presa pilota attiva

An active data connection port on the bridge that provides real-time navigational data from the ship's ECDIS or AIS system for the pilot’s portable unit.

View term

Procedura di trasferimento del timone

The standardised method for transferring control of the ship’s steering from one helm station or operator to another, ensuring continuous and safe steering.

View term

Profondità di progetto del canale

The minimum depth of a navigational channel as determined and maintained by authorities for safe passage of vessels, referenced to chart datum.

View term

Pronti i motori principali

Order for main engines to be ready for immediate use, typically before departure, arrival, or manoeuvring.

View term

Punto di inizio accostata

The charted position at which the rudder is first applied to initiate a planned course alteration so that the vessel follows the intended turning track.

View term

Punto di Segnalazione VTS

A specifically designated geographical position where a vessel is required to contact and report to the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) with position, status, and intentions.

View term

Punto di variazione rotta

A precisely charted position where a ship is required to change its course, usually as part of a passage plan.

View term

Quaderno manovre di plancia

A logbook kept on the bridge for recording all manoeuvring orders, engine telegraph movements, helm commands, and critical events during a vessel's navigation and docking.

View term

Raddrizza la rotta

Helm order given to check the vessel’s swing and prevent further turning, typically after a large rudder movement.

View term

Registrazione audio plancia

Continuous audio recording of all conversations and alarms on the bridge as mandated by SOLAS for investigation and safety compliance.

View term

Riduci le cime a una

Order to reduce the number of mooring lines on each bollard to one, preparing the vessel for departure.

View term

Rotta Acque Profonde

A route within defined limits in deep water that is charted and designated for the passage of vessels requiring deep draught, providing safe clearance from underwater hazards.

View term

Rotta effettiva

The actual path of a vessel over the ground, as determined by position fixes, regardless of set or drift.

View term

Sbarco pilota in porto

The controlled process by which the harbour pilot safely leaves the vessel after completing the inbound or outbound passage.

View term

Scala pilota pronta

A pilot ladder correctly secured and deployed over the ship’s side, ready for safe boarding or disembarkation of the pilot as per SOLAS standards.

View term

Scambio comandante-pilota

A formal communication process between the ship’s master and the pilot to share essential navigation information, plans, and local hazards before pilotage.

View term

Segnale di acque sicure

IALA buoyage mark indicating there is navigable water all around the mark.

View term

Sistema di Segnalazione Obbligatoria

A regulatory system requiring vessels to provide voyage information at specified locations or intervals, typically enforced by local or international authorities for traffic monitoring and safety.

View term

Sistema globale di navigazione

A satellite-based navigation system such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou, providing worldwide position, navigation, and timing services to vessels.

View term

Spazio libero aereo

The vertical distance from the waterline to the highest point of the vessel, used to determine safe passage under bridges or overhead obstacles.

View term

Spazio libero sotto ponte

The vertical distance between the lowest part of the bridge span and the highest point of the vessel, ensuring safe passage.

View term

Spazio sotto chiglia

Vertical distance between the lowest point of a vessel’s keel and the seabed referenced to chart datum; the key safety margin preventing grounding.

View term

Stima dell’angolo di deriva

The calculated or visually assessed angle between a vessel’s heading and actual course over ground, caused by wind or current.

View term

Tabella di avanzamento e trasferimento

A manoeuvring aid providing predicted advance (distance along original track) and transfer (lateral distance) for specific speeds and rudder angles to plan safe turns.

View term

Tasso di Virata

The speed at which a vessel changes its heading, typically measured in degrees per minute and displayed on the bridge instrument panel.

View term

Timone al centro

Helm order to bring the rudder to the midships (zero angle) position, aligning with the vessel’s centerline.

View term

Traccia effettiva

The actual path a vessel follows over the ground, as recorded by position fixes, often used interchangeably with course made good.

View term

Turno di guardia in plancia

A continuous period during which designated officers and crew maintain vigilance and operational control on the bridge to ensure the vessel’s safe navigation.

View term

Tutto a dritta

Helm order instructing the rudder to be put fully to starboard (right) for maximum turning effect.

View term

Tutto a sinistra

Helm order instructing the rudder to be put fully to port (left) for maximum turning effect.

View term

Variazione bussola magnetica

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north, affecting compass readings on board ships.

View term

Velocità di recupero ancora

The speed at which the anchor cable is hauled in, usually measured in meters per minute, to control anchor recovery.

View term

Velocità minima di breakout

The lowest speed required to break the anchor free from the seabed and commence recovery.

View term

Velocità minima di governo

The lowest speed at which the vessel maintains effective steering control, typically specified by the vessel’s maneuvering data.

View term

Visualizzazione carta vettoriale

An electronic navigational chart presented in vector format, enabling interactive layers and detailed, scalable map features for navigation and route planning.

View term

Visualizzazione sovrapposizione radar

The presentation of radar information directly on the electronic chart display, enabling visual correlation of radar targets with charted features.

View term

Zona di Divieto di Sorpasso

A defined sector of a channel or waterway where overtaking by vessels is prohibited for safety reasons, often due to restricted width or high traffic density.

View term

Zona di Precauzione

A defined area where vessels must navigate with particular caution, often due to traffic convergence, hazards, or complex navigation conditions. Special rules or recommendations may apply.

View term

Zona imbarco pilota

A designated area, marked on charts, where the pilot boards or disembarks from a vessel, usually at port approaches or fairway entrances.

View term

Zona Traffico Costiero

A coastal area, adjacent to the landward side of a traffic separation scheme, intended for use by vessels not using the main traffic lanes, such as local or smaller craft.

View term