The passage of a vessel through a canal, strait, or narrow waterway. Canal transits, such as through the Suez or Panama Canals, require advance booking, specific documentation, and compliance with the waterway authority's regulations.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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Rhumb LineA line on the earth's surface that crosses all meridians at the same angle, appearing as a straight line on a Mercator projection chart.Speed Over GroundThe speed of a vessel relative to the earth's surface, as measured by GPS or other positioning systems.StarboardThe right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward (toward the bow).SternThe rear-most part of a vessel's hull where the rudder and propeller are typically located.True NorthThe direction along the earth's surface toward the geographic North Pole, as opposed to magnetic north.WaypointA predetermined geographical position defined by latitude and longitude coordinates, used as a reference point for navigation and route planning.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026