DICTIONARY OF

Nauscopy 232 Naval Court
Nauscopy. Art of discovering the approach of a distant ship to the land.
Nausea. Sea sickness. Originally meant 'ship sickness'.
Naut. Depth unit of 1000 fathoms. Used only in cable laying work.
Nautical. Pertaining to ships, seamen or navigation.
Nautical Almanac. Annual volume, published by the Admiralty, giving astronomical
information essential to navigation. First issued 1767.
Nautical Astronomy. Astronomy as applied to navigation.
Nautical Day. Day, formerly used at sea, commencing with Sun's noon transit. Abolished in
Merchant Navy, January 1, 1925, but abolished in Royal Navy several years before.
Nautical Distance. Length of rhumb line intercepted by two positions.
Nautical Dromometer. Early 19th century towed log invented by
Benjamin Martin.
Nautical Mile. Length of arc of F of meridian in latitude of position of measurement. Value
varies between 6046.4 ft. in Equator and 6107.8 ft. at Poles. A standard of 6080 ft. (1853.18
m), correct for Lat. 48°, is used in log registrations and practical navigation. The
International Nautical Mile = 1852 metres, correct for Lat. 44 ½ °. Sea Mile.
Nautical School. Educational establishment in which navigation, seamanship and other
subjects connected with shipping are I taught.
Nautical Tables. Book containing tabulated data - arithmetical, geometrical, astronomical
and geographical—for use in navigation.
Nautical Twilight. Interval between Sun being 6° below visible horizon and 12° below it.
Horizon is sufficiently distinct for sextant use, and bright stars are observable.
Nautilus Propeller. Water jet discharged astern from a submerged orifice for propelling
purposes in a boat. Is uneconomical in use but is retained in some lifeboats where risk of
propeller being fouled is likely to arise.
Nautophone. Electrically-operated instrument that sounds a high note as a fog signal.
Naval. Pertaining to ships, or to a navy.
Naval Architecture. Science and practice concerned with design, building and fitting of
ships, and with the investigation of the forces acting upon them in a seaway, and in specific
circumstances.
Naval Cadet. Student for officer rank in Royal Navy.
Naval Court. Consists of three to five officers of R.N., consular officers, or masters of
British ships. Convened abroad only by an officer commanding H.M. ship or by Consul,
when necessary to investigate charges against master, officer or seaman of a British ship;
when a British ship is lost or abandoned; when interests of owner make it advisable.