Which instrument points to magnetic north?
AnswerA compass
A magnetic compass aligns with Earth's magnetic field.
Travel · Facts & stats
Nautic facts & stats
7 fact-checked facts about nautical navigation, seamanship and maritime history, each with the reason behind it. 5 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
What is the rear of a ship called?
AnswerThe stern
The stern is the back of a vessel.
Going deeper
A fathom, used for water depth, equals how many feet?
AnswerSix
One fathom is six feet.
What does the Beaufort scale measure?
AnswerWind force
The Beaufort scale rates wind force from 0 to 12.
'Mayday' comes from which French phrase?
AnswerM'aider (help me)
It derives from French 'venez m'aider.'
Expert level
What was the old nautical term for the port side of a ship?
AnswerLarboard
'Larboard' was replaced by 'port' to avoid confusion with starboard.
What does the Plimsoll line on a ship's hull show?
AnswerThe maximum safe loading depth
The Plimsoll (load) line marks how deep a ship may safely sit.
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