Understanding the Beaufort Scale

Understanding Navigation Zones for Recreational Boating in Spain

Demystifying Navigation Zones

Posted on July 3, 2023 | 4 minutes | 699 words

Maritime zones and boundaries are legal frameworks and demarcations established to define and govern the jurisdictional rights and responsibilities of coastal states and international entities in relation to the world’s oceans. These zones and boundaries are crucial for regulating various activities, including navigation, resource exploitation, conservation, and security, in order to maintain order and stability in maritime affairs. The maritime zones recognized under international law include internal waters, the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the continental shelf, the high seas and the Area. [Read More]

Automatic Identification System

A Primer on AIS

Posted on June 3, 2023 | 4 minutes | 778 words

Introduction Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a widely used technology in maritime navigation that enables vessels to exchange vital information with each other and with shore-based stations. AIS enhances situational awareness, aids in collision avoidance, and promotes safe and efficient navigation. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of AIS marine navigation, its benefits, and how to effectively utilize AIS on board of your vessel. Understanding AIS AIS is a transponder system that operates on VHF frequencies. [Read More]

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Understanding Boat Design Categories in Spain

A Guide to Safe and Suitable Boating

Posted on May 30, 2023 | 3 minutes | 628 words

When it comes to boating, safety should always be a top priority. Understanding the boat design categories is essential for ensuring that you choose the right vessel for your intended use and the prevailing conditions. In Spain, these design categories are classified based on the European Union’s Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) and provide valuable information about a boat’s seaworthiness, stability, and suitability for different environments. In this blog post, we will explore the boat design categories in Spain to help you make informed decisions and enjoy safe and enjoyable boating experiences. [Read More]

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Navigating the Seas of Maritime Acronyms, Abbreviations and Terms

A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on May 28, 2023 | 12 minutes | 2419 words

As with any specialized industry, the maritime world has its own language filled with acronyms and abbreviations that can be daunting to navigate for newcomers and even seasoned professionals. From maritime organizations and regulations to vessel classifications and safety procedures, understanding these acronyms is crucial for effective communication and safe operations at sea. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey to demystify some commonly used maritime acronyms, shedding light on their meanings and significance within the maritime domain. [Read More]

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Unveiling the Secrets of Seamanship

What It Takes to Become Great

Posted on May 27, 2023 | 4 minutes | 651 words

Introduction The deeper I’m getting into boating and nautical life the more interesting it becomes. Water has always been fascinating me. The other day I was thinking what it takes to become great at seamanship. Seamanship is an art that combines skill, knowledge, and experience to navigate and conquer the vast oceans. It is a discipline that demands respect for the sea, an unwavering commitment to safety, and a profound understanding of maritime principles. [Read More]

seamanship navigation sea situational awareness maneuvering

Understanding the Beaufort Scale

Decoding Wind Speeds

Posted on May 24, 2023 | 3 minutes | 607 words

Why Wind Matters In our ever-changing world, weather plays a significant role in our daily lives. Understanding the conditions and the impact of wind speeds is crucial, especially for those involved in maritime activities, aviation, outdoor sports, or even everyday life. One such tool that aids in comprehending wind speeds is the Beaufort Scale. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, significance, and application of the Beaufort Scale, shedding light on its usefulness in interpreting wind strengths. [Read More]

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Time to Get a Marine Radio

Lifelines on the Water

Posted on May 16, 2023 | 4 minutes | 770 words

I Love Radio I think I was 8 years or so when I started tinkering with radios. I would build transistor-based radio receivers and when I built a truly portable walkie-talkie, me and my best friend would spend hours talking over it. Radio is probably one of the greatest inventions of humanity. Why? Because radio has saved uncountable number of lives and has largely shaped the course of our history (especially during the WWII). [Read More]

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Let's Set Sails!

Welcome to Nautical Diary

Posted on May 14, 2023 | 1 minutes | 209 words

Welcome to Nautical Diary, a blog documenting my journey into boating. I believe that the best way to learn something is write about it. Only when we write we can see how deep our understanding is. I’m still very novice with boating. Last year about this time I got my first navigation license. Here, in Spain, this is the minimum license needed to operate a boat of up to 6 meters. [Read More]