Nautical English: essential vocabulary for yacht work

My English was terrible when I started as a stew. I learned the hard way, making mistakes in front of guests. I wish someone had given me this basic vocabulary list before I set foot on a boat.

Why is English essential?

English is the universal language of the nautical sector. According to job offers on Yemplea, even on Spanish-flagged yachts with local crew, guests are usually international. Without functional English, your employment options shrink dramatically.

Deck vocabulary

• Bow / Stern: Front / Back of the vessel
• Port / Starboard: Left / Right side
• Fender: Protective bumper
• Mooring line: Docking rope
• Anchor: Ground tackle
• Winch: Mechanical line puller
• Tender: Small auxiliary boat
• Gangway: Boarding ramp
• Cleat: Line securing fixture
• Draft: Depth below waterline

Interior / Service vocabulary

• Galley: Kitchen
• Cabin / Stateroom: Guest room
• Head: Bathroom on board
• Salon: Main living area
• Laundry: Washing area
• Turn-down service: Evening bed preparation
• Provisioning: Food and supply purchasing
• Crew mess: Crew dining area

Safety vocabulary

• Life jacket / PFD: Personal flotation device
• Fire extinguisher: Firefighting equipment
• Man overboard (MOB): Person fallen into water
• Muster station: Emergency meeting point
• Mayday: Distress call
• EPIRB: Emergency position indicating radio beacon
• Life raft: Inflatable survival craft

Useful phrases on board

• "Permission to come aboard?" — Requesting to board
• "All hands on deck" — All crew to the deck
• "Stand by" — Ready / waiting
• "Make fast the lines" — Secure the mooring ropes
• "Secure the tender" — Tie down the dinghy

How to improve your nautical English

Beyond general English courses, practice with yachting videos on YouTube, read publications like The Superyacht Report and, above all, work with international crews. Check our nautical training section for maritime English courses. Immersion is the best teacher.