Nautical Misnomers that drive me crazy

Working aboard boats in Puget Sound, I hear lots on the radio. This is but a short list of Nautical Misnomers that ticks me off:

Slack Tide … there is no such thing. Current turns to slack, while tides reaches a stand.

Over and Out … you are one or the other, but never both.

Placing “THE” before a boat name …. it’s “Diligence,” not “The Diligence”

Any CB lingo …10-4 Good Buddy, and no, I don’t have my ears on.

Incessant hailing … If the party you are trying to reach doesn’t respond, chances are they are not there.

Calling on Ch 16 to tell someone their fenders are out … maybe they just want to look like rubes.

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This post was written by Richard Rodriguez, Rescue Tug Captain, and US Coast Guard approved instructor for License Training. You can read more of his articles at the BitterEnd of theUPDATE:

Updated: February 5, 2026 (Originally published February 25, 2008)

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