NMEA 0183 is a special language that electronic devices like GPS and chartplotters use to talk to each other. It's like when you and your friend use a secret code to communicate, but instead of just silly words, it's information like your location on a map or the time you left home.
Every piece of information in NMEA 0183 has its own special name, and they are organized in a certain order so that different devices can understand each other no matter what brand they are.
For example, one set of words might tell a GPS device to send out your location, while another set of words might ask a chartplotter to display that location on a map.
Using NMEA 0183 is important because it makes it easy for different devices to work together to help you navigate safely on the water. It's like having a team of friends who all speak the same language and know how to help each other.