What are the international hand signals used at sea?

Hand signals are an essential part of communication at sea. They support spoken commands and radio messages, and they become especially important when wind, engine noise or distance makes verbal communication difficult. During docking, anchoring or line handling, they allow the skipper and crew to coordinate cleanly without shouting.

Hand signals are valued because:

• they work without words
• they are clear and standardised
• they prevent misunderstandings
• they improve safety during manoeuvres
• they remain visible at night when used with a flashlight

Many of these gestures originate from professional maritime practice but are now common on charter yachts as well.

Useful hand signals on board

1. Stop
   Flat hand raised forward.
   Meaning: stop immediately, hold position.
2. Slow down
   Palm facing down, gently pressing downward.
   Meaning: move carefully or reduce speed.
3. Pull the line
   Hand making an inward pulling motion.
   Meaning: take in or tighten the line.
4. Ease the line
   Hand opening outward with a small releasing motion.
   Meaning: reduce tension or let the line out.
5. Line secured
   Closed fist shown clearly.
   Meaning: the line is fixed and secured.
6. Start engine
   Circular motion with the index finger.
   Meaning: start the engine.
7. Stop engine
   Hand drawn horizontally across the neck.
   Meaning: shut the engine down.
8. Come on board
   Arm bent with the hand drawing inward.
   Meaning: the person should board the yacht.
9. Step back / keep distance
   Arm extended outward with a gentle pushing motion.
   Meaning: move away or keep safe space.
10. Propeller warning
    Finger pointed down, drawing a small circle.
    Meaning: propeller in motion, do not enter the water.

Signals used during docking

Docking often relies heavily on hand signals because the skipper may not see the bow or the exact distance to the pier.

Bow to port or starboard
Arm extended left or right.
Meaning: guide the bow in that direction.

Distance to the pier
Hand showing small gaps with fingers or palm.
Meaning: one metre, half a metre, or “almost there”.

Soft contact expected
Flat hand making a gentle touching motion.
Meaning: prepare for controlled contact with the dock.

Why hand signals matter

Hand signals avoid the misunderstandings that wind and noise often create. They give the skipper clear visual information, and they help the crew move confidently during a manoeuvre. Even guests can benefit from recognising simple gestures, especially when assisting on deck.

For anyone on board, hand signals turn complex manoeuvres into smooth, coordinated actions. They are simple, universal and one of the most reliable communication tools at sea.

Possible destinations for your next charter trip

Yacht charter in Turkey

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Yacht charter in Croatia

Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Croatian coast with our exclusive yacht charter service. From picturesque fishing villages to vibrant coastal cities, Croatia offers a variety of destinations waiting to be explored. Our top-notch sailing yachts are ready for your unforgettable sailing adventure, whether on an elegant sailboat or a luxurious motorboat. Experience the freedom of the sea and the fascinating history along the Adriatic coast with our premium yacht charter in Croatia. Hire a yacht in Croatia-Hire a boat from Split-Discover Croatia with a catamaran charter

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Yacht charter in Greece

Experience the ultimate sailing adventure with our yacht charter service in Greece. Dive into the turquoise waters of the Aegean and discover the countless islands and bays that this fascinating country has to offer. From luxurious catamarans to classic sailing ships, our fleet of high-quality luxury yachts is ready for you. Enjoy unforgettable moments on board as you experience the beauty and charm of Greece from the water.-Request a yacht charter in Greece -Hire a catamaran and explore Greece

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Yacht charter in Italy

Your dream holiday begins with the organisation of your yacht charter and consists of finding the perfect offer for you, whether motor yacht, sailing yacht, catamaran or gulet, we offer you a large selection that meets your wishes and ideas. Discover your dream yacht for yourself on our portal! We will also be happy to advise you and recommend the ideal yacht charter for your needs. If the yacht of your dreams is not listed on the website, we also have other alternative offers. Due to the large number of sailing yachts, motorboats and catamarans, we can only offer a fraction of the charter yachts we offer online.

In order to find the ideal yacht for you, we only need the most important factors such as the size of your travel group, your approximate budget, your preferred destination and the desired travel time. We will then send you a suitable selection of yacht charters and fulfill your wishes so that you can embark on your dream trip. Enjoy unforgettable experiences on your luxury yacht charter holiday, tailor-made for you at Best Choice Yachting.

At Best Choice Yachting - Yachtvermietung, our goal is to exceed our customers' expectations. The experiences of our delighted customers last a lifetime. You are welcome to read some of our customers' reviews. Yachts are our passion and we have made this passion our job. That is why we are convinced that we can offer you the best luxury yacht charter experience in various countries.

Most Popular Yacht Charter Questions

How much does it actually cost to charter a yacht?

The price of a yacht charter depends on the yacht’s size, build, destination, and season. Smaller motor yachts may start around €1,000–€2,500 per day, while a high-end superyacht can exceed €100,000 per day. These prices generally include the yacht, crew, and standard onboard services, but exclude costs such as fuel, provisioning, and marina fees.

Where is the cheapest country to charter a yacht?

Countries like Turkey, Croatia, and certain parts of Greece offer some of the best value in the yacht charter market. Their lower operating costs and competitive fleets make them attractive without sacrificing service or destination quality.

How much to charter a yacht in Europe?

In Europe, prices range from about €3,000 per week for smaller sailing yachts to well over €250,000 per week for luxury superyachts. The Mediterranean is the top choice, with peak prices in July and August due to high demand.

How much is 3 days on a super yacht?

Three days aboard a superyacht can range from €50,000 to €500,000, depending on the yacht’s size, design, and the cruising area. These rates typically do not include extras such as fuel, berthing, or gourmet catering.

How much to hire a yacht for a day?

Daily yacht rental starts at around €1,000 for smaller vessels and can exceed €50,000 for top-tier luxury yachts. Prices vary by yacht type, location, and whether the booking is during high or low season.

What is a charter on a yacht?

A yacht charter is the rental of a yacht for a fixed period, ranging from a day to several weeks. It may be crewed, offering full-service luxury, or bareboat, giving you full control of the vessel. Most charters come with tailored itineraries for a completely private travel experience.

What is the difference between a charter yacht and a private yacht?

A charter yacht is available for hire by guests for short-term use, often fully crewed and equipped for hospitality. A private yacht is owned by an individual or entity for personal use and is not regularly available for commercial charter.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Croatia?

Small yachts in Croatia can start at €500 per day, while larger, crewed yachts range from €5,000 to €20,000 per day. A week yacht charter usually offers better value, especially outside of the peak summer season.

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