[Kristen]

Oooooh! This has to be one of my favorite posts yet! I love mnemonics – they just work for me as a learner. You can take the RED RIGHT RETURNING and flip it on its head and get “Even Red Left Port” which helps some people remember that here in the US (IALA-B) the Red marks are EVEN numbered.

Today, with modern electronic navigation we don’t often need to make corrections (or uncorrections) to headings like we used to; but when making True – Variation – Magnentic – Compass (TVMDC) adjustments when navigating I was always fond of TELEVISION MAKES DULL CHILDREN SATURDAY EVENING… which has aged better than the TRUE VIRTUE MAKES DULL COMPANIONS ADD WHISKEY… the way my mom taught me.

THOMAS GRAY is the godfather of navigation mnemonics. Here are a couple of his that still have value today.

1. Two Steamships Meeting:

When both side lights you see ahead,
Port your helm and show your RED.

2. Two Vessels Passing:

GREEN to GREEN or RED to RED,
Perfect safety-go ahead!

3. Two Steamships Crossing:

(NOTE-This is the position of greatest danger, requiring caution and judgment.)

If to your starboard RED appear,
It is your duty to keep clear;
To act as judgment says is proper:-
To port, or starboard, back, or stop her!

But, when upon your port is seen
A steamer’s starboard light of GREEN,
There’s not so much for you to do,
For GREEN to port keeps clear of you.

4. All Ships must keep a good Lookout, and Steam-vessels stop, &c.

Both in safety and in doubt,
Always keep a good lookout.
In danger with no room to turn,
Ease her! Stop her! Go astern.