NM stands for nautical mile, a unit of length equal to 1,852 meters. It is based on the circumference of the earth, representing one minute of latitude. Navigators rely on this unit because it translates directly to coordinates on a nautical chart, simplifying distance and speed calculations.
Heard on the job
The pilot station is about four NM from the outer sea buoy.
Insider tip
Never use statute miles on the water. One NM is about 1.15 land miles, so confusing the two will throw off your arrival time and fuel calculations.
Also heard as
- nmi