| ALB | All weather lifeboat |
| AIS | Automatic Identification Systems |
| ARPA | Automatic radar plotting aid |
| BHP | Broken Hill Proprietary ( Billiton) |
| dB | Decibels |
| DSC | Digital Selective Calling |
| DTI | Department of Trade and Industry |
| DfT | Department for Transport |
| FLIR | Forward looking Infra Red |
| FM | Frequency Modulated |
| GLA | General Lighthouse Authorities |
| GPS | Global Positioning System |
| ISPS | International Ship and Port Facility Security Code |
| IMO | International Maritime Organisation |
| ILB | Inshore lifeboat |
| IRH | Inshore rescue hovercraft |
| KHz | Kilohertz ( radio frequencies) |
| MCA | Maritime and Coastguard Agency |
| MDHB | Mersey Docks and Harbour Board |
| MGN | Marine Guidance Note |
| MRSC | Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre |
| Mhz | Megahertz ( radio frequencies) |
| MV | Motor Vessel |
| NFFO | National Federation of Fishermens Organisations |
| n.m. | Nautical mile ( 1852 metres) |
| OREI | Offshore Renewable Energy Installation |
| RACON | Radar Beacon |
| RAF | Royal Air Force |
| RIB | Rigid Inflatable Boat |
| RNLI | Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
| RYA | Royal Yachting Association |
| SAR | Search and Rescue |
| SOLAS | Safety of Life at Sea |
| THLS | Trinity House Lighthouse Service |
| TI | Thermal Imaging |
| TV | Television |
| UHF | Ultra High Frequency |
| UK | United Kingdom |
| µsecs | Microseconds |
| VHF | Very High Frequency |
| VTS | Vessel Traffic Services |
| WTG | Wind Turbine Generator |
