Module 1 - Nautical Terms
Below Decks
What you will learn
Identify the usual functions of the saloon, galley, heads, berths and chart table and use those terms in an onboard briefing.
Below-deck names help crew locate accommodation, equipment and the navigation area quickly, though the exact layout varies by vessel.
The saloon is the main living area below deck. The galley is the kitchen. The heads is the toilet/bathroom. Berths are the sleeping areas — they may be in the forecabin (forward cabin), quarter berths (aft), or in the saloon itself.
The chart table is the navigation station where charts are plotted. Many modern yachts have electronic chart plotters here alongside traditional paper charts.
Give a new crew member a useful orientation
Before departure, show the crew the companionway, saloon, galley, heads, berths and navigation area, then point out the vessel-specific location of safety equipment and seacocks.
1. Name the space
Use the nautical term and a plain-language description together.
2. Show the route
Make sure the crew can reach the space safely with the vessel moving.
3. Add the exception
Explain that layouts and equipment positions differ between yachts, so this boat's briefing is authoritative aboard.
Sense check: Knowing the word 'galley' is useful only if the learner can also find the galley and move around it safely on the actual vessel.
Common mistake or limitation
- The heads is the marine term for the toilet compartment; the word does not tell you how many compartments the vessel has.
- A chart plotter at the chart table is a navigation aid, not proof that a route or position is safe; keep appropriate independent checks.
Recap
- The saloon is the main living space, the galley is the cooking area and the heads is the toilet compartment.
- A berth is a sleeping place; forecabin and quarter berth describe common locations.
- The chart table is a navigation work area, but its equipment and layout vary by vessel.
Optional quick check
Section 5 of 8
A skipper asks you to stow a pilot book at the chart table. Where should you take it?
Continue studying Nautical Terms
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 1. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.