EU Boatmaster (Flanders) key terms

The European Code for Inland Waterways: a set of harmonised traffic rules adopted on many European inland waterways, covering right of way, lights, signs and signals that skippers must follow.

The rule determining which vessel may proceed first when two vessels meet or cross. On inland waterways it depends on vessel type, direction relative to the current, and the side of the fairway.

The part of a waterway that is navigable and intended for vessel traffic, often marked by buoys, beacons or bank signs. Staying within it keeps the vessel clear of shoals and works.

A board or mark on the bank or on a bridge that gives orders, prohibitions, warnings or information to traffic, such as no overtaking, speed limits or one-way passages.

The system of floating marks that indicates the edges of the fairway, hazards, channels and special areas. Lateral marks show the port and starboard sides of the navigable channel.

The suction and repulsion forces felt when a vessel moves close to a bank in shallow or narrow water. The bow is pushed away from the bank while the stern is drawn toward it.

The reduction in under-keel clearance and the change in trim a moving vessel experiences in shallow or confined water. Squat increases with speed and can cause grounding.

Changes in steering, resistance and wave pattern when a vessel operates where the water depth is small relative to its draught. The vessel responds more slowly and squat becomes significant.

The point about which a vessel appears to rotate during a turn. When going ahead it lies forward of midships; when going astern it moves aft, which explains the stern's swing.

The sideways force produced by a propeller, especially when going astern, caused by the direction of rotation and the hull shape. It strongly affects how the stern swings during berthing.

A mooring rope led fore or aft along the hull to stop the vessel moving lengthwise. It is used to hold position and to warp a vessel alongside or off a quay.

Securing a vessel to the bank, quay, pontoon or buoy using ropes and appropriate knots. Correct mooring allows for water-level changes and passing traffic without parting lines.

A person who has fallen into the water from the vessel. The crew must immediately alert others, mark the position, stop the vessel safely and recover the person without striking them with the propeller.

A ring-shaped flotation device thrown to a person in the water to keep them afloat and mark the position. It should be stowed where it can be reached instantly from the helm.

A jacket or vest worn by a person to keep them afloat and support the head in the water. It must fit properly, be in good condition and be worn on deck when conditions require.

A practised procedure for bringing a person back on board after falling into the water, including approach, securing the casualty and lifting them safely without capsizing the vessel.

The three elements needed for a fire: fuel, oxygen and heat. Removing any one of them extinguishes the fire, which is the basis for choosing the correct extinguishing method.

A grouping of fires by the material burning, such as solids, flammable liquids, gases or electrical equipment. The class determines which extinguishing agent is safe and effective.

A portable appliance that discharges a stored extinguishing agent onto a fire. It must be the right type for the fire class, within its inspection date and used from a safe distance.

The international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, setting out steering, sailing, lights and sound-signal rules. They apply on sea waters and are reflected in inland rules in many respects.

The vessel required to keep clear of another under the collision regulations. It must take early and substantial action and, where required, indicate its manoeuvre by sound or light signal.

The vessel that has the right to keep its course and speed while another must keep clear. It must still act if a collision risk becomes apparent and the give-way vessel does not respond.

A short or prolonged blast from the vessel's whistle used to indicate manoeuvres, warn of danger or attract attention. The pattern and length of the blast carry a specific meaning.

A day signal made from balls, cones, cylinders or diamonds hoisted in a set arrangement to show a vessel's status, such as being at anchor, aground or restricted in its ability to manoeuvre.

A lamp showing a prescribed colour and arc, such as sidelights, masthead light or sternlight, so other vessels can identify a vessel's type and heading at night or in poor visibility.

A numbered scale from 0 to 12 describing wind strength from calm to hurricane, based on observable effects on the sea surface and on how the wind is felt on board.

The atmospheric pressure measured in hectopascals or millibars. A falling reading often warns of approaching bad weather, while a rising reading usually indicates improving conditions.

A change in wind direction, often following a front or shower. It can catch a sailing vessel aback or push a moored boat onto a bank, so it must be watched closely.

The regular rise and fall of water level caused mainly by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Tidal range affects under-keel clearance, mooring lines and bridge clearance.

The horizontal movement of water caused by the tide, flowing in a direction and at a speed that change through the tidal cycle. It affects course made good and berthing.

The reference level from which water depths on a nautical chart are measured, usually close to the lowest predicted tide. Depths shown are therefore minimum values.

The vertical distance between the lowest point of the hull and the bottom of the waterway. It must be calculated from charted depth, tide height and vessel draught.

The vertical distance between the waterline and the upper edge of the deck at side. It indicates how much reserve buoyancy remains and how well the deck is protected from water.

The distance between the centre of gravity and the metacentre of a vessel. A small positive value gives a slow, comfortable roll; a large value gives a stiff, rapid roll.

The watertight volume of the hull above the waterline that can still be flooded before the vessel sinks. It is reduced by leaks, open hatches and excess weight on deck.

A pump that removes water that has collected in the lowest part of the hull. It must be kept clear of debris and tested regularly so it works when a leak occurs.

The tank, lines, filters and connections that supply fuel to the engine. It must be free of leaks, fitted with a shut-off valve and checked for water and contamination.

A switch that disconnects the battery from the electrical circuit. It prevents accidental starting, protects against short circuits and must be opened before work on the electrical system.

The international convention for preventing pollution from ships, covering oil, noxious liquids, sewage, garbage and air emissions. It sets limits on what may be discharged and where.

Equipment that filters oil from bilge water so the cleaned water can be discharged within legal limits. The separated oil is retained on board for delivery to a reception facility.

The practice of sorting, storing and landing ship-generated waste according to the rules instead of throwing it overboard. It includes keeping a record of discharges and deliveries.

The licence issued by the competent authority that authorises a person to command a vessel on specified waterways. It is granted after training and examination and must be carried on board.

The official document recording a vessel's identity, owner, dimensions and other particulars. It proves the vessel's nationality and must be kept on board and kept up to date.

A document confirming that a vessel meets the required construction, equipment and safety standards after inspection. Its validity is limited and it must be renewed periodically.