BLIND PILOTAGE

An air mass that originates in the polar regions and is then modified by passing over a relatively warm ocean surface. It is characterized by moderately low temperature, moderately high surface specific humidity, and a considerable degree of vertical instability. When the air is colder than the sea surface, it is further characterized by gusts and squalls, showery precipitation, variable sky, and good visibility between showers.

A severe weather condition characterized by low temperatures and by strong winds bearing a great amount of snow (mostly fine, dry snow picked up from the ground). The National Weather Service specifies the following conditions for a blizzard: a wind of 32 miles per hour or higher, low temperatures, and sufficient snow in the air to reduce visibility to less than 500 feet; for a severe blizzard, it specifies wind speeds exceeding 4

A fee payable by the owner or operator of a ship for the services of a pilot. This fee is normally based on the ship's tonnage.

Very small, numerous, and uniformly dispersed water drops that may appear to float while following air currents. Unlike fog droplets, drizzle falls to the ground. It usually falls from low stratus clouds and is frequently accompanied by low visibility and fog.

The registration of ships in a country that offer favourable tax structures and regulations; also the flag representing the nation under whose jurisdiction a ship is registered. Ships are always registered under the laws of one nation but are not always required to establish their home location in that country. FOC states often offer low tax rates and their requirements concerning manning or maintenance are not stringent. The term always denotes registration of vessels in foreign nations.

A very fast sailing ship of the 19th century that had three or more masts, a square rig, a long, low hull, and a sharply raked stem.

1. Areas in which the services of a marine pilot are essential. 2. Waters in which navigation is by piloting. Also called PILOTAGE WATERS.

A Navigator, specially knowledgeable person qualified to navigate a vessel through difficult waters, e.g. harbour pilot etc.

1) A waypoint is a geographical place or mark recorded by an electronic navigation device. In the course of navigating a course the 'next waypoint' might be a place to turn the ship to a new course, a marked fishing spot or it could even be your destination. 2) In passage planning, a series of waypoints would be your course with turning points or points of interest. Used in GPS navigation.

A narrow passage or contracted strait connecting two bodies of water