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Yacht Abbreviations

The world of yachting is full of abbreviations. This glossary is a basic introduction to common organizational, vessel and regulatory abbreviations.

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What does M/Y stand for in relation to a yacht?

If you are new to the world of yachts and boating, you may have come across the term “M/Y” in reference to a certain vessel. If you are wondering what it means, you are not alone.

M/Y is an acronym often used in the yachting industry to refer to a motor yacht. A motor yacht is a type of yacht – a large boat usually designed for recreational cruising or racing, that is powered by one or more motors instead of sails.

The “M” in M/Y stands for motor, which indicates that the yacht is powered by an engine, rather than being propelled by wind power. The “Y” is shorthand for yacht, which is a term that encompasses a variety of watercraft designed for pleasure boating, including motor yachts.

M/Y can also be used to distinguish a powered yacht from a sailing yacht, which would be referred to as an S/Y. This is a helpful distinction for boaters and yacht brokers, who use it to narrow down their search options and better understand the specific type of vessel in question.

In addition to M/Y and S/Y, there are several other commonly used acronyms in the yachting industry. These include G/T (gross tonnage), L.O.A. (length overall), and B.O.A. (beam over all).

Buying or chartering a yacht can be a complex and exciting process. The use of technical terminology like M/Y, S/Y, and other industry jargon can be overwhelming for newcomers. However, it is important to understand these terms to better navigate the yachting world and make informed choices along the way.

So, the next time you come across the term M/Y, remember that it stands for motor yacht – a type of yacht powered by one or more motors – and is a popular vessel for cruising, racing, and pleasure boating.

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Yacht definitions: What is a yacht? And does it need to have sails?

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By far the most common question we get asked here at Motor Boat & Yachting is ‘how can you call that a yacht if it doesn’t have sails?’ Here we explain why a boat doesn’t need sails to be called a yacht...

What’s in a name? Quite a lot if you’re a yacht! Not only are the names of yachts a source of endless amusement, but by defining your boat as a yacht in the first place, you’re setting up certain expectations.

Yacht definitions: A brief history

Whilst boating for fun dates back to Ancient Egypt and possibly even further than that, the word yacht comes from the Dutch ‘jachtschip’, which means hunting ship. Jachts were originally a class of sailboat used in the 16th century to hunt down enemies of the Dutch Republic.

However by the 19th century the term ‘yachting’ had developed to mean recreational boating in general, and with the advent of steam boats, sails were no longer the only method of propulsion available to Victorian yachtsmen.

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In the early 20th century (1904 to be precise), our humble magazine was launched under its original title The Motor Boat , but by the 1950s the ‘& Yachting’ suffix had been added to refer to the general pastime enjoyed by motorboat owners. We even reviewed the occasional motorsailer for those who liked to enjoy the benefits of both power and sail.

Today’s Motor Boat & Yachting is dedicated purely to powered leisure vessels from 25-125ft with the occasional foray above and below that when interest dictates. Current editor Hugo Andreae insists that he is ‘terminology agnostic’ saying, “I’m not bothered whether people refer to their boats as yachts, cruisers, power boats or gin palaces just so long as they enjoy using them. But for the record my 22ft Karnic is definitely a gigayacht!”

Editor Hugo’s Karnic 2250 is his family’s pride and joy, but should it be called a yacht?

What makes a yacht, a yacht?

Some would argue that a yacht has to have sails, and as we’ve seen, that was originally the case, but we here at Motor Boat & Yachting beg to differ, as its common to refer to large motorboats as motoryachts, superyachts or even megayachts without any expectation that they would have sails.

Others assert that a yacht should have to have a cabin in order for it to be fully considered a yacht, or that it has to measure at least 10m in length. If that’s the case then some longer narrowboats could be technically considered as yachts, although you’d be hard pushed to find anyone who agrees with that definition.

The final test for something to be considered a yacht is harder to pin down, but it is generally accepted that all yachts have to have a certain aesthetic or architectural appeal in order to earn this haughty moniker.

The advent of internal combustion in the 19th Century allowed motor yachts, like this fine example from Camper & Nicholsons, to be launched. Photo: Getty Images

Whether a boat is worthy of being called a yacht is clearly subjective, but there’s one thing we won’t budge over – it certainly doesn’t have to have sails!

If it’s sailing yachts specifically that you’re interested in, you won’t find many of them here, but we can heartily recommend our sister titles Yachting Monthly and Yachting World , who know much more about them than we do.

Bigger yacht definitions: Superyacht, megayacht or gigayacht?

Beyond the simple term yacht, there are a few other yacht definitions worth clarifying. The most commonly used of which is superyacht .

The debate still rages over what constitutes a superyacht. Any pleasure yacht with a load line length of 24m or more (not length overall or waterline length as is often misquoted) and a gross tonnage of 80GT is classified as a Large Yacht under MCA coding rules, causing a number of additional regulations to kick in, most crucially the requirement for the skipper to hold a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. This is the closest thing to a technical definition of a superyacht.

At 180m Azzam is currently the largest yacht in the world, but an 183m gigayacht called REV is currently under construction in Norway. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

However, while this used to mean most leisure boats with an overall length (LOA) of 80ft or more fell into the Large Yacht category, yards have become so adept at designing bigger boats with a load line length of just under 24m that many craft with an LOA of 90ft or more still count as regular pleasure vessels.

For that reason some people prefer to use the simpler definition of a superyacht being any privately owned vessel with an LOA of 100ft or more. Even then some would argue that a true superyacht should be a custom built yacht of at least 35m or 120ft.

Such is the inflationary pressure on yacht sizes and terminology that the term superyacht itself has begun to lose currency among the yachting elite. Owners of craft over 50m now use the term megayacht to categorise their larger vessels, while the lesser-spotted gigayacht is reserved for yachts over 100m.

Fewer than 100 gigayachts have been built to date, making this the rarest of rare breeds. That said with the world’s largest yacht now measuring over 183m, it’s surely only a matter of time before the 200m mark will be broken and yet another term will be needed. Got any suggestions? Drop us an e-mail: [email protected]

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Yachting and Boating Glossary of Terms

Which side is "Starboard"? Important yachting and boating terms, all in one place!

The yachting world is full of nicknames and jargon - it can be hard to understand some of the technical language used. Scroll down to read through some of the most popular sailing terms and what they mean! 

Aft deck . On motor yachts, the guest area closest to the back of the boat on the main level. Often the location of the main outdoor dining area. Aft cabin . Sleeping quarters beneath the aft or rear section of the boat (sometimes called a mid cabin when located beneath the helm) Alee . The side of a boat or object away from the direction of the wind. Aloft . Above deck in the rigging or mast. Amidships . In the center of the yacht Anti-fouling paint . A special paint applied to a boat's hull to prevent marine growth. APA . Advance Provisioning Allowance. The APA is money paid to a bank account for the Captain of the yacht to provision on the charterer’s behalf. Key provisioning is fuel, food, drinks, and port fees.  The Captain is obligated to keep all receipts and balance the account for the charterer. At the end of the charter, the Captain provides a full account of expenditures, and any amounts not used will be refunded. Apparent wind . The direction and speed of the wind as felt in a moving boat - the way it 'appears”. Astern . The direction toward or beyond the back of the boat (stern). Athwartships . Perpendicular to the yacht’s centerline. An 'athwartships berth,” means the bed is parallel to the yacht’s sides instead of to its bow and stern. This can create uncomfortable motion while you sleep. Aweigh . An anchor that is off the bottom. Antigua. North of Guadeloupe , a popular bareboating destination. Anguilla.   An exclusive destination in the Caribbean. 

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Backstay . Support for the mast to keep it from falling forward. Banyan.  A short period of rest, often a day or so, while on a charter Bareboat . A yacht that you charter and run yourself, without a crew. See our Bareboat Page . Base charter rate . The rate the charterer pays on a charter for the yacht and crew. The base rate does not typically include provisioning or other expenses such as food, fuel, dockage and tip. Beam . Measurement of a boat at its widest point. Also, a transmitted radio, sonar or radar signal. Bearing . Direction to an object from your current position. Bear off . To turn away from the wind. Beating . Sailing upwind. Berth .  1 - A cabin or other place to sleep aboard a boat. 2 - A  boat slip at a dock where the boat can be moored. Bermuda Triangle . A section of the North Atlantic Ocean off North America in which more than 50 ships and 20 airplanes are said to have mysteriously disappeared. Bermuda . A British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean known for its pink-sand beaches such as Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay. Bimini . A sun shade or rain cover that covers a portion of a yacht or boat. Blue Peter.   A blue/white flag that indicates the yacht is ready to sail Bow . Forward portion/front of a boat. Bowline. The most popular, and essential knot. It has many uses, and is easily 'broken' even when pulled tight.  Buoy (normally pronounced "boowie”, but sometimes "boy”). An anchored floating object that serves as a navigation aid or hazard warning.  BVI . The British Virgin Islands .  A major sailing and yachting area in the Caribbean, near the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico .

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Captain-only charter . A yacht that comes with a captain but no additional crew. The captain drives the yacht, and you take care of everything else, including cooking and housekeeping.  Often called Bareboat with Skipper Charter yacht broker . A person who specializes in booking personalized yacht vacations on behalf of clients. Also, the firm that person works for, as in Charter Yacht Broker Agency . See our article on why you should use a Charter broker . Charter terms . The contract under which you charter a yacht. There are different terms used in different parts of the world. Some give you everything on an all-inclusive basis, some give you all meals aboard, some give you no meals aboard, and so forth. Charter yacht . A yacht that is available for charter/rental. Cockpit . The outdoor area of a sailing yacht (typically in the stern) where guests sit and eat, and from where the captain may steer and control the boat. Commission . The fee a yacht’s owner pays to a charter broker for booking a charter. Note - the charterer does not pay the charter broker’s commission directly. Crew . The team that operates your charter yacht. The crew can include a captain plus any combination of: mate, deckhand, stewardess, engineer and chef. Some crew has additional skills such as wellness/massage therapy and scuba instruction . Crewed charter . The charter of a yacht that has a permanent crew aboard who run and manage all aspects of the yacht and charter. See more about Crewed Charter . CYBA . Charter Yacht Broker Association, one of the primary professional organizations for reputable charter brokers. Corsica.   A French island north of  Sardinia. Cuba . Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba , is a country comprising the island of Cuba as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos located in the Caribbean sea .

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Dead Ahead.   Right in front, just ahead. The direction you are sailing/cruising. Dinghy . A small boat that a yacht carries or tows. Used for transfers to and from shore, and short day cruises and, if powerful enough, water sports. Also typically called a tender on larger yachts. Displacement . The weight of water displaced by a hull. Also, a type of hull that smoothly displaces (pushes aside) water as opposed to tipping up and riding on top of it. Dodecanese .  The Dodecanese islands located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, are a group of Greek islands known for their medieval castles, beaches and ancient archaeological sites. Double cabin . A charter yacht cabin that includes a double bed to sleep two guests. Not to be confused with "twin cabin," which means a cabin with two twin-size beds. Draft . The depth of a yacht below the waterline, as measured vertically. It is important when navigating shallow water to assure the boat can pass.

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e-boat . A boat or yacht powered entirely by electricity (no diesel motor or generator). See more on our Electric Boat Revolution page. Ease . To slacken (loosen) a rope/line. Eco . 1) the spoken term for the letter "E" 2) short for Ecological, eg. good for the environment. Eddy water . Area of calm sea. Electric generator. Equipment that burns fuel to provide electricity aboard when there are no electrical connections or sources.

Fathom . Depth measurement equaling six feet. Fethiye . Fethiye is a port on Turkey's southwestern Turquoise Coast First Mate . The second in command on the yacht Fleet . A group of yachts that are under management by the same company, called a fleet manager or  CA. Flank . The maximum speed of a ship Flotilla . A group of yachts cruising together. Flying bridge  (or Flybridge). A raised, second-story helm station (steering area) that often also has room for passengers, providing views and a sun deck. Furling . Rolling or folding a sail on its boom. Many charter yachts today are 'self-furling” which takes much of the work out of dropping the sails. French Riviera. A stretch of coastline in the southern part of France. The 'Riviera' doesn't have an official boundary, however, most locals say that from Toulon to the Italian border is considered the  'French Riviera'.  

Galley . The kitchen/cooking area on a yacht. Gulet . A type of motorsailer typically found in Turkey. Gulets originated from sponge boats, but now offer luxury crewed charters, normally with en-suite bathrooms, large deck space, and full service. See more about Gulet Charters . Gunwale  (Gun-ul). The upper edge of the side of a boat. Gybe . Also spelled jibe. To change the course of a boat by swinging a fore-and-aft sail across a following wind (eg the wind is blowing from behind the boat). Gocek.  A popular bareboating sailing destination in Turkey.  Gulf.  Is a sizable amount of the ocean that penetrates the land. See 'Mexican Gulf'. 

Halyard . Line (rope) used to hoist a sail. Harbour. An area designated for yachts to moor. Harbor fees . Charges paid by the yacht, and normally passed on to the charterer, for docking in certain harbors around the world. The rate depends very much on the season and attractiveness of the port. Harbormaster . The person at a harbor in charge of anchorages, berths and harbor traffic. Head . Toilet room. Heel . To temporarily tip or lean to one side. Monohulls heel more than catamarans. Helm . The steering wheel of the boat or yacht Hull . The structural body of the boat that rests in the water and is built to float.

'Inclusive” charter rate . The cost of a charter that includes nearly all expenses, including the yacht and crew, food, alcohol (within reason), fuel and dockage. Itinerary . The course a yacht intends to travel while on charter. The itinerary is normally planned in advance but should remain flexible depending on weather conditions and guest preferences. Idle. When the engines run on 'idle' this means the yacht is just ticking over. Often referred to in fuel rates "Rates include fuel with engines at idle" In Irons. A sailing word to describe a yacht losing her forward momentum when heading into the wind. The yacht becomes untearable as she loses her way.  Ischia.   Ischia is a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples , Italy, known for its mineral-rich thermal waters.  Inboard. When the engine is IN the yacht, as opposed to being attached to the stern - this would be called an OUTboard.  Inshore. Close or near the shoreline so line-of-sight sailing is possible.  Iron wind. Sailor's nickname to the engine.  

Jib . Triangular sail projecting ahead of the mast. Jibe . See gybe Jackeline's.  Lines that run from Aft > forward that your harness can be attached to in bad weather.  Jury rig (jerry-rig). A temporary fix to something which has broken on the yacht. 

Knot . A unit of speed equivalent to one nautical mile per hour. "We are cruising at 6 knots". See nautical mile. Kedge. A small anchor that can be thrown overboard to either change the direction of the yacht (pivot point) or to help anchor the yacht further in bad weather. Often used then yachts "raft up".  Ketch. A two-masted yacht.  Kicking strap. A name to the line that pulls the boom down to flatten the sail. 

Lee . The side furthest away from the wind.   Leeward . The side of an object that is sheltered from the wind. Often pronounced "loo ərd". Lee helm. In strong winds, the yacht can have a tendency to move to the lee without the rudder moving position.  LOA - Length Over All. The length of a charter yacht as measured from 'stem to stern”. This is important because yachts are usually charged a price by the foot for dockage at marinas. Luxury Yacht - a crewed charter yacht the strives to provide 5-star service to its charterers including cuisine, water sports, housekeeping, and navigation. See our  Luxury Yacht Charter Page. Lazy jack. A sail bag attached to the boom where the mainsail can fall into. Leech. The aft part of the sail.  Luff. The forward part of the sail.  Luffing up. Bringing the yacht into wind - moving the luff of the sail (the forward part of the sail called 'the luff' moves into the wind). 

Mainsail . The largest regular sail on a sailboat. Main salon . the primary indoor guest area on a yacht’s main deck. Make fast . To secure a line. Marina . A place where yachts dock and receive services such as provisioning, water and fuel.  Typically marinas offer protection from bad weather, and have hundreds of slips for yachts of various sizes.  Slips are rented long term or by the day. Mast . Vertical spar that supports sails. Master cabin . Typically the best/largest cabin onboard any charter yacht. Megayacht . A large, luxury motoryacht. No hard and fast definition, but normally crewed luxury yachts 100 feet or longer. Similar to Superyacht. Midships . Location near the center of a boat. Monohull . A yacht with one hull, as opposed to a multihull or catamaran that has pontoons.  While most motor yachts are monohulls, the term typically refers to sailing yachts. Motorsailor . A yacht built to sail and cruise under power with equal efficiencies, such as a Gulet.  They typically look like sailing yachts, but have strong engines and are often skippered like they are motor yachts. Motoryacht . A yacht whose primary form of propulsion is engines. Multihull . A yacht with more than one hull - typically a catamaran (two) or trimaran (three). They can be either powerboats or sailboats. MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association - originally the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (pronounced 'Mee ba”). An international yacht brokers' association based in the Mediterranean, one of the primary professional organizations for reputable charter brokers.   MYBA Contract . A contract used for luxury yachts, that has become the standard in the Mediterranean and many other parts of the world.  Offers protections for charterers in case of cancellation and clearly states the legal rights of all parties to the charter.

Nautical mile . A distance of 6,076.12 feet or 1,852 meters, which is about 15 percent longer than a statute mile. Equivalent to one minute of latitude on a navigation chart. See our Charter Distance and Cost Calculator here . Navigation. All activities that produce a path Nautical. Anything relating to the sea or yachts.  Narrows. A narrow part of a navigable waterway.  Nautical chart. 'Maps' designed specifically for sea navigation.  Nun. Navigational, cone-shaped buoy (in IALA A = port in IALA B = starboard)

Outboard . An engine that is outside the boat (normally attached to the stern), as is commonly seen on tenders, dinghies, and smaller speed boats. Owner-operator . A person who owns and skippers a charter yacht, instead of hiring a captain to perform charters for guests.

Painter. The rope used to tie the dinghy or tender up to the boat. Passarelle . The passageway you walk on from the dock to the yacht. Often incorrectly called a gangplank. Personal flotation device (PFD). A safety vest or jacket capable of keeping an individual afloat. Pitch . The theoretical distance a propeller would travel in one revolution. Also, the rising and falling motion of a boat's bow and stern. Planing hull . A boat hull designed to ride on top of the water rather than plowing through it. Port (direction). The left side of a boat when facing the bow. Signified by Red. The opposite side from Starboard.  Trick to remember - 'After a party, there’s no red port left'. Port (place). A marina harbor or commercial dock for boats. Port (drink). A strong, sweet, typically dark red fortified wine, originally from Portugal. (Well not exactly a nautical term, but lots of yachties like a good port after dinner!) Power catamaran . A multihulled powerboat with two identical side-by-side hulls. Characterized by excellent fuel mileage and less rolling in the water than a monohull powerboat. Power cruiser . A motor yacht with overnight accommodations, typically up to 40 feet long. Preference sheet . A questionnaire that guests fill out before a crewed charter. It alerts the crew to allergies and medical conditions, as well as to preferences for types of food, wine and service. As such, it is an invaluable document for the crew to plan the charter and assists greatly in customer satisfaction. Private yacht . A yacht that is not available for charter. Provisioning sheet . A questionnaire that guests fill out before a bareboat charter. It tells the management company what foods and other supplies you want to have to wait for you when you arrive for your vacation.  It’s not mandatory, as many bareboaters prefer to provision themselves when they arrive. Pullman berth . A twin-size bed that is atop another bed, in bunk-bed fashion, that adds additional sleeping accommodation to the yacht.  It often 'pulls” out of the wall when needed. Pump toilet . A marine toilet that requires the user to pump a handle to flush.

Reach . To sail across the wind. Regatta . A boat race, often with classic yachts. See more on our regatta charter guide . RIB (acronym for Rigid Inflatable Boat). An inflatable boat fitted with a rigid bottom often used as a dinghy or tender. They are great for shallow water and landing on sandy beaches. Rope . A cord used to moor or control a yacht. Note: experienced sailors always refer to ropes as lines. Runabout . A kind of small, lightweight, freshwater pleasurecraft intended for day use.

Sailing yacht . A yacht whose primary method of propulsion is sailing. Nearly all sailing yachts have engines in addition to their sails. Sedan cruiser . A type of large boat equipped with a salon and a raised helm or bridge. Semi-displacement hull . A hull shape with soft chines or a rounded bottom that enables the boat to achieve minimal planing characteristics (see Planing hull).  This increases the top potential speed of the yacht. Schooner . A large sailboat with two or more masts where the foremast is shorter than aft mainmast. Skippered bareboat . A bareboat that has been chartered with a skipper, but no other crew. The skipper’s responsibility is navigating the boat and assuring the safety and wellbeing of the charterer.  The skipper may cook and provision, but this is not a requirement. Also known as a captain-only charter or skipper-only charter. Sky lounge . The indoor guest area on the bridge deck of a luxury motor yacht. Often less formal than the main saloon, and sometimes ideal for cocktail parties, happy hour or children’s activities, especially if the weather is not perfect. Starboard . The right side of a boat when facing the bow. Opposite of Port. Stabilizers . A feature that helps to prevent a Motoryacht from rolling too drastically, especially in bad weather, greatly improving the comfort of the guests. The most advanced form is a zero-speed stabilizer, which works both underway and at anchor. Stem . The most forward section of the hull. Stern . Aft (back) portion of a boat. Swim platform . The space at the back of the yacht from which you typically can go swimming or board a dinghy. Lately, these have become entire pool/beach areas on some of the larger luxury yachts.

Tack (sail). The lower corner of a sail. Tack (sailing). Each leg of a zigzag course typically used to sail upwind. Tandem charter . A charter that includes more than one yacht. Tender . A boat that a yacht carries or tows used for transfers to and from shore, and short day cruises and watersports. Also sometimes called a dinghy. Transom . The rear section of the hull connecting the two sides. True wind . The direction and velocity of wind as measured on land, distinct from apparent wind which is how it appears on a moving yacht. Twin cabin . A yacht cabin that features two twin beds, often best suited for children or friends.

V-berth . A bed or berth located in the bow that has a V-shape. VAT . Value-added tax (TVA in France). A tax sometimes charged to charter guests who book boats in certain nations, most often in Europe. VAT can add 20 percent or more to your bill. Very happy . The state that most charterers are in the majority of the time they are aboard their yacht! VHF . Very high frequency; a bandwidth designation commonly used by marine radios. VICL . Virgin Islands Charter League, an organized group of charter yacht owners in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Membership in this group indicates a yacht owner’s willingness to be part of the larger charter community and to follow its standards. VIP cabin . Typically the second-best cabin onboard any charter yacht.

Waterline . The intersection of the hull and the surface of the water. Waypoint . The coordinates of a specific location. Weigh . To raise the anchor. Windlass . Rotating drum device used for hauling line or chain to raise and lower an anchor. Windward . The side of a boat or object that is facing or being hit by the wind - the windy side. Windward Islands .  The Windward Islands are the southern, generally larger islands of the Lesser Antilles, within the West Indies Wet head . A bathroom that serves as both the toilet/sink area and the shower compartment, meaning the sink and toilet get wet when you use the showerhead.

Yacht . A sailing or motor yacht designed for pleasure boating that typically ranges from 40 to 100+ feet long. Yachting . The experience of being on a yacht. Yaw . To veer off course.

Zero-speed stabilizers . The most sophisticated type of motor yacht stabilizers that keep the yacht from rolling both underway and at anchor, significantly improving their comfort.

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Superyacht Training

Yachting Terms Cheat Sheet for Yachting Newbies

Getting to grips with yachting terms can be quite imtimidating if you’ve never had any contact with boats or yachts and are generally new to the yachting world so we developed this cheat sheet for you. There will be quite a few terms you will learn during your journey, but there are some basics you’re expected to know before setting foot on deck.

Parts of the Yacht

Aft deck : deck located at the rear of the boat

Stern/Aft : back of the boat

Bow : front of the boat

Port : left side of a yacht

Starboard : right side of a yacht

Sun deck : the usually upper deck of a ship that is exposed to the most sun

Bridge/Wheelhouse : the bridge of a ship is the room or platform from which the ship can be commanded

Lazarette : A storage space in a boat’s stern area

Passerelle : The passageway you walk on from the dock to the yacht. Often incorrectly called a gangplank.

Rooms On Board

Crew quarters : where the crew sleep

Galley : kitchen

Head : bathroom/toilet

Saloon/Salon : living room

Staterooms/Cabins : guest bedrooms

Additional cheat sheet Terms

Aloft:  Above deck in the rigging or mast.

Berth:  typically is what your bed is called, and sometimes cabins are also referred to as ‘berths”, hower

To Berth : is also when you’re referring to parking the boat. “To berth” means to moor or dock a ship. The parking spot itself also happens to be called a berth. Confused yet?

Bearing:  Direction to an object from your current position.

Buoy:  (normally pronounced “boowie”, but sometimes “boy”). An anchored floating object that serves as a navigation aid or hazard warning.

Dinghy : A small boat that a yacht carries or tows. Used for transfers to and from shore, and short day cruises and, if powerful enough, water sports. Also typically called a tender on larger yachts.

Fenders : inflatable bumper usually placed between yacht and dock to prevent damage

Helm : steering wheel

Heel:  To temporarily tip or lean to one side. This most often happens when changing directions.

Knots per hour : a measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour

Line : rope used aboard a vessel

LOA  (Length Over All): the length of the yacht from bow to stern in feet or meters

M/Y : commonly used in yachting to indicate a Motor Yacht

S/Y : commonly used in yachting to indicate a Sailing Yacht

Under Way : when the yacht is in motion

Watch : A division of crew into shifts

Weigh : To raise the anchor

The amount of terms you have to get used to may seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll very soon get to grips with them! If you have questions about yachting and, or yacht life aboard a luxury yacht, get in touch with us or consider buying our Ultimate Guide to Yacht Life that will give you a great intro and all the basics to start a career on a luxury yacht over and above this short cheat sheet.

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1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
• Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
• RYA Power Boat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course
• RYA Competent Crew Certificate
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

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Marine And Boat Acronyms And Abbreviations

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Many initials, abbreviations, and acronyms in boating articles are confusing. Here is a list of marine abbreviations and their definitions.

When a reader wrote in a while back complaining that the many initials, abbreviations, and acronyms in electronics articles nowadays leaves him baffled, we set about clearing things up.

Below is a list of acronyms we've been guilty of using in the past. If there are other marine abbreviations you need an explanation for, or some you think we should include, email us and we'll do our best to answer or get them on the list. [email protected]

ACR: An automatic charge relay is a one-way gate for voltage that allows the second battery in a system to be charged when the motor is feeding the system via the alternator without having to select "both" on your battery selector switch.

AIS: Automatic Identification System (displays real-time ship and marine traffic positions). For more on AIS see, "Collision Avoidance 2.0 ".

APP: Not strictly an acronym, but shorthand for application (for mobile phones and tablets). Download the free BoatUS App .

AWA: Anchor Watch Alarm

CPA: Closest Point of Approach, the predicted minimum distance between your vessel and a target on radar or AIS if you both continue at present course and speed

DSC: Digital Selective Calling (allows a distress signal to be sent from a VHF)

DSM: Digital Sounder Module, also called a black box in some cases, a microprocessor dedicated to interpreting and improving sonar displays on your fishfinder

EBL: Electronic Bearing Line, bearing to a target as displayed on a radar screen OR Exposed Location Buoy if you're talking aids to navigation

EPIRB: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (used to alert services in an emergency)

IP: Internet Protocol, just a name for how devices speak to each other

LED: Short for Light Emitting Diode, a form of semiconductor that gives off light when an electrical current is applied. Far more efficient than incandescent bulbs, they also have a longer lifespan (when fed proper voltage) because there's no filament to break or burn up. For more on LED lighting for your boat see, "Let There Be LEDs ".

LCD: Liquid crystal display, just another way of making images appear on a screen

MFD: Multifunction display. Your chartplotter, can do more than show you charts, hence the "multi" part

MFI: Depending on where you see it, it could be Made for Apple (iPhone, iPad, etc) or Multi-port fuel injection, if you're talking engines

MMSI: Maritime Mobile Service Identity (the number that identifies your boat. Important in an emergency. Register your MMSI number here .

MOB: Man Overboard

NMEA: National Marine Electronics Association

PLB: Personal Locator Beacon (portable transmitter capable of sending an emergency distress signal)

RTE: Route, in shorthand, or Radar Target Enhancer if you are being fancy with your radar reflector

VHF: Very High Frequency, the designation for the frequency bandwidth that marine radios operate on. Specifically from 156-163 MHz. Distinct from UHF (Ultra High Frequency) where cordless phones and baby monitors work

VRM: Variable Range Marker, the rings on a radar display that indicate distances from your vessel at the center.

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What is MV, MT, SS, FV Ship Prefix Meaning?

The same name can be used by different shipowners and sometimes it causes some confusion when two ships with the same names are sailing in the same waters or staying in the same port.

From the legal part, this problem was solved a long time ago and all ships are registered and have their unique IMO number, call sign, and MMSI or Maritime Mobile Service Identity number.

Why Different Ship Prefixes Used?

Nowadays, anyone can find ship details and even ship particulars online and identify the purpose of the ship if needed. Back in the early days, it was common to use prefixes to ship names as abbreviations or full transcripts.

When the telegraph was the primary communication method, the length of the message was critical and could significantly save time and money. Imagine yourself as a Captain and you need to inform your owners that “Motor Vessel Anna has Estimated Time of Arrival to Port of Calais 25th October 1200 Local Time”. Looks pretty long, but it could be easily shortened to “MV Anna ETA Calais 25 October 1200LT”.

Now communication is performed by e-mails, but abbreviations are in use not only because of maritime traditions, but also to simplify communication.

For merchant fleet seafarers, the practical side of the prefixes was to identify ship propulsion as it could have a direct influence on the rules applied at sea regulated by COLREG . For example, “MV” or motor vessel gives way to “SY” a sailing yacht , and “SV” a sailing vessel.

What Differs Between These Ships?

Modern ships are most commonly called motorized, but there are only three prefixes used, “MV” for motor vessels, “MT” for motor tankers , and “MS” for motor ships.

By learning other prefixes, you can easily notice the evolution of shipbuilding, marine engineering , and ship propulsion.

The most noticeable prefixes are such as “SS” for a screw steamship and “PS” for a paddle steamer. Both are powered by steam engines and use propellers or paddle wheelers accordingly. Nuclear power is also used as a source for propulsion and this type of ship starts with the prefix “NS” or nuclear ship.

However, in real life, the list of prefixes of modern ships continues with prefixes reflecting the purpose of the vessel and extends with new types of ships .

A special place should be given to FV or fishing vessels. This type of ship has its own place in COLREG and may be involved in operations and must be given way.

The vast majority of prefixes are used by passenger ships, gas carriers, and offshore vessels. Here is a full list of prefixes used in the merchant fleet.

FAQs about Ship’s Prefixes

Can two ships have the same name, and if so, how is this confusion managed.

Yes, two ships can have the same name. Confusion is managed by unique identifiers like the IMO number, call sign, and MMSI.

What is the importance of ship prefixes and how are they used in modern shipping?

Ship prefixes identify a ship’s propulsion method and purpose. They’re used for efficient communication and preserving maritime traditions.

How does the ship prefix system identify different types of propulsion systems and vessel purposes?

The ship prefix system denotes the propulsion type and purpose of a ship. For instance, “MV” denotes a motor vessel, “FV” a fishing vessel.

Why are ship prefixes still in use even though we have advanced communication methods?

Ship prefixes concisely indicate a ship’s propulsion type and purpose, respect maritime traditions, and guide seafarers with COLREG rules.

Can you provide examples of some ship prefixes and their meanings in the modern merchant fleet?

Examples: “MV” is Motor Vessel, “MT” is Motor Tanker, “MS” is Motor Ship, “FV” is Fishing Vessel, “NS” is Nuclear Ship, “AHT” is Anchor Handling Tug. For more examples, refer to the extensive list in the original article .

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About the author

I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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What does M/Y stand for?

M/y stands for motor yacht.

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Nautical terms explained

The acronyms and abbreviations of yacht regulations, regulators, associations, classifications and designations can look like alphabet soup to the owner moving into the world of large yachts. This handy guide to nautical terms can be your decoder.

AIS (Automatic Identification System) – Automatic near-shore tracking system required on vessels of more than 300GT. It supplements radar by tracking a vessel’s position, course and speed to be shared with other vessels via ECDIS and AIS base stations.

APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) – A deposit paid by a charterer to cover expenses not included in a charter fee, such as fuel, food, beverages, mooring fees, visa fees, harbour fees, park fees and taxes. In the event of cancellation of a charter the APA is refundable.

BV (Bureau Veritas) – See Classification Societies.

COFR (Certificate of Financial Responsibility) – Applies to vessel operators who have demonstrated their ability to pay for clean-up and damage costs as required by the Oil Pollution Act. Vessels greater than 300GT powered by fuel oil are required to comply with the COFR regulations to operate in US waters.

Classification Societies – Publish class rules and technical requirements in relation to design, construction and survey of ships and has the authority to apply those rules; verifies compliance during construction and periodically through a classed ship’s life; publishes a register of classed ships; and is authorized by a flag administration as defined by SOLAS and listed in the IMO database. See Who’s Who of Classification Societies.

CSO (Company Security Officer) – Required for ISPS. The person ensuring that a ship security assessment is carried out; that a ship security plan is developed, submitted for approval, and thereafter implemented and maintained; and who liaises with port security officers and the ship (on board) security officer.

DPA (Designated Person Ashore) – Required for ISM to provide a link between the yacht’s owner and those on board at the highest level of management. The DPA monitors the safety and pollution-prevention aspects of the yacht’s operation and ensures adequate resources and shore support are supplied. The IMO sets minimum education standards for this position.

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display Information System) – Alternative to paper charts. Required by IMO and SOLAS beginning in mid-2012. Vector charts are the chart databases for ECDIS.

EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) – Transmits the device’s position at 406MHz to satellites for rescue purposes. They are part of the GMDSS protocol.

Flag state – The sovereign territory where a vessel is registered. Each state has a designation authority that inspects and certifies its vessels. For example, US-flagged yachts are under control of the United States Coast Guard.

GMDSS (Global Marine Distress and Safety System) – A radio-based communications protocol mandated by IMO to increase safety and improve rescue operations. Equipment requirements are based on area of operation rather than tonnage. It also mandates a redundant means of signalling distress. Vessels under 300GT are exempt. A GMDSS operator license is required.

GT (Gross Tons) – Generally expressed as ‘gross registered tons’ before 1994, it is a function of the cubic volume of all enclosed spaces from keel to funnel expressed in tons, with 100 cubic feet equalling a ton. It is a capacity index for determining manning, safety and other requirements governed by IMO. GT is not the ship’s displacement.

IMO (International Maritime Organisation) – The United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.

ISM (International Safety Management) A SOLAS requirement adopted by all flag states for all yachts in commercial service. It has 13 points for operation of the yacht and contingency plans for emergencies.

ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) – Establishes protocols for risk assessment and security threats in ports and mandates formal security plans by both the port state and visitors to the port state.

LRIT (Long Range Identification and Tracking) – IMO requires all passenger ships and all cargo ships on international voyages to report their positions to their flag administration at least four times a day. This is generally done automatically via satellite service providers.

LY2 (Large Yacht Code 2) – Now superseded by LY3 of the MCA, LY2 sets safety and pollution prevention standards appropriate for pleasure or sport yachts over 24m or 150GT in commercial use and carrying no more than 12 passengers. It establishes an upper limit for governance by this code at 3,000GT and easier parameters for short-range yachts (within 60 miles of the coast).

MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) – This not only covers oil spills but also pollution from chemicals, garbage and sewage and completely bans discharge in some areas.

MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) – Implements the UK government’s maritime safety policy in the UK and among its Red Ensign partners to prevent the loss of life on the coast and at sea.

MLC (Maritime Labor Convention) – Eestablishes UN rules concerning the safety and well-being of seafarers, including yacht crew.

NOA (Notice of Arrival) / NOD (Notice of Departure) – Electronic advance notice to port states of arrival of ships from foreign ports. Typically applies to vessels over 300GT or recreational vessels over 45m. Each country establishes its own NOA and NOD.

NOx (Nitrous Oxide) – Amounts of this exhaust gas are regulated by MARPOL Annex VI, as it creates acid rain. Emission standards apply to engines greater than 130kW. It also establishes Emission Control Areas with stricter guidelines. The Baltic and North Seas were the first such control areas, with North America and the US Caribbean phasing in from 2010 to 2014.

NTVRP (Non Tank Vessel Response Plan) – For vessels operating in US waters of 400GT or larger. This is a written plan to reduce risk and mitigate damage for an oil spill. Similar to MARPOL regs for Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP).

Port state – The sovereign territory a vessel is visiting.

Port state control – Control via inspection of a foreign-flagged vessel voluntarily docked in another sovereign state’s waters. When flag states fail to remove substandard vessels from commerce, port state control can, enforcing rules adopted by the IMO. Inspections for compliance with safety and environmental standards are carried out by a Port State Control Officer (PSCO) who must be able to communicate with the crew in English.

PSCO (Port state control officer) – Carries out port state control inspections in accordance with the Paris MoU and/or by the maritime authority of the port state and acts under its responsibility.

PYC (Passenger Yacht Code) – A relatively new Lloyd’s Register classification alternative to SOLAS for yachts in private or commercial service carrying between 13 and 36 passengers created to override compliance with some SOLAS passenger ship requirements. PYC does not cover sailing yachts.

Red Ensign – A flag that originated in the 17th century as a British ensign flown by the Royal Navy and later by the British Merchant Navy. It is currently the civil ensign of the UK.

Red Ensign Group – The group of flag states that fly the Red Ensign. It comprises of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey), and UK Overseas Territories (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena, and the Turks Caicos Islands) all of which operate shipping registers. Yachts flying the Red Ensign are regulated by the MCA.

SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) – This international treaty adopted after the Titanic disaster requires flag states to ensure their ships comply with safety standards for construction, equipment and operation. While its navigation chapter applies to all vessels, it general does not apply to pleasure yachts not engaged in trade. If engaged in trade and over 500GT, then regulations apply.

SOx (Sulphur Oxide) – An air pollution factor created from burning high sulphur fuels. It combines with NOx to form acid rain and its reduction in exhaust gases is mandated by use of low sulphur fuels.

SSO (Ship Security Officer) – Required for ISPS. This crew member is responsible for the on-board security plan and all security equipment.

** STCW (Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)** – Referred to as ‘STCW 95’, it formalizes experience and training requirements for crew. It is almost identical to US Coast Guard regulations. Mariners on yachts under 200GT operating within 200 miles offshore are exempt, except if they make foreign voyages.

USCG (United States Coast Guard) – Responsible for operations and regulations as they relate to yacht safety for US-flagged vessels and vessels operating in US waters.

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We've got 1 shorthand for motor sailing yacht  »

What is the abbreviation for motor sailing yacht  , looking for the shorthand of motor sailing yacht this page is about the various possible meanings of the acronym, abbreviation, shorthand or slang term: motor sailing yacht ., possible matching categories:.

Couldn't find the full form or full meaning of motor sailing yacht?

Maybe you were looking for one of these abbreviations:.

MOTM - MOTN - MOTO - MOTO GP - MOTOA - MOTORCYCLES - MOTORSHIP - MOTOS - MOTOUSE - MOTP

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The most fabulous yachts to charter this summer

There are an estimated 6,000 superyachts — vessels that are more than 100 feet long — at sea in 2024

As summer reaches its peak across the Northern Hemisphere, it’s hard to imagine a better way of spending a vacation than channeling your inner ship captain and sailing across the ocean.

In recent years, yacht companies have reported a boom in sales — far from the decline that many in the industry feared, due to both the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic realities of the Russia-Ukraine War.

“I spent my days [in 2020] doing worst-case scenarios and drawing up the budgets to go with them,” Giovanna Vitelli, chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti, the world’s largest yacht manufacturer, told the Economist in 2023.

Instead, her company reported a 23% growth in production value in 2023 —a reality that is not unique to just one yacht manufacturer. The luxury yacht market is expected to grow in value from $7.67 billion in 2023 to $17.33 billion by 2032, according to a recent report from Fortune Business Insights .

Analysts attribute the ships’ rise in popularity to the increasing number of extremely wealthy individuals . Yachts have long been considered a status symbol — a reality that has only increased as wealth becomes concentrated in the hands of a small group of high status individuals .

There are an estimated 6,000 superyachts —vessels that are more than 100 feet long — at sea as of this year. This is nearly quadruple the number of yachts seen in the ocean just three decades ago, according to Bloomberg .

Aside from an increase in popularity, the yacht industry has seen other changes in recent years. Increasingly, those in the market for a luxury ship are turning to alternate means of powering their vessels, as critics point to the excess emissions traditional yachts produce simply for recreational use.

In their 2024 report, Fortune Business Insights highlighted the growing trend of electrification as a significant area of growth in the coming years.

“A tough regulatory environment for traditional yachts and rising fuel prices will pave the way for the solid growth of electric yachts in the future,” the report reads. “Huge investments from various manufacturers and government support measures will accelerate the demand for electric yachts.”

Read on to learn more about the most luxurious yachts available for chartering in 2024.

Carinthia VII

Originally constructed in 2002, the award-winning Carinthia VII was recently remodeled and reimagined specifically for private charters. The 319-foot ship spans six decks and can accommodate up to 12 guests in eight staterooms. Among the ship’s amenities are two bars, a fully equipped gym and an outdoor projection screen that allows for an “immersive cinematic experience like no other.” The cost of chartering the Carinthia VII is $1,525,700 during both the winter and summer seasons.

The Lady S yacht boasts a number of exciting water toys, including jet skis, water skis, wakeboards and kayaks for athletic guests on the 305-foot ship. For those who prefer more indoor-oriented activities, however, you can also catch a film on the ship’s IMAX Dolby cinema — the first of its kind on any yacht in the world. Accommodating 12 guests, in seven cabins, the cost of chartering the Lady S begins at $1,743,328 a week.

The interior of the Ahpo yacht seems more reminiscent of a luxury hotel than a simple ship. Accommodating 16 guests and 36 crew members, the vessel features a full-size gym, a winter garden and a spa complete with a Himalayan salt sauna. The 378-foot long yacht was first manufactured in 2021 by the German shipyard Lürssen. Excited sailors can charter the Ahpo from superyacht broker Edmiston, beginning at $2,833,376 a week.

500EXP Para Bellum

This 154-foot-long yacht can accommodate up to 12 travelers in its six cabins, along with up to 10 crew members. The ship was specially designed to enable “guests a 360-degree experience and relationship with the sea” through its unique stern and sundeck that allow travelers to safely stand “almost at sea level,” according to its Italian manufacturer San Lorenzo . Interested travelers can rent the ship for $359,609 a week.

The Renaissance

The Renaissance lives up to its grandiose name by going beyond traditional private yachts and bridging the gap between a personal vehicle and a full-on cruise ship. The 367-foot long ship features five decks and can accommodate 36 guests in 19 cabins. The Renaissance’s amenities include a 19-seat movie theater, a sushi-bar, and a full spa deck featuring a wellness area, plunge pools and a hair salon. The cost of chartering the ship from Burgess Yachts ranges from $3,269,280 to $3,814,160 a week.