Difference between port and starboard

Port and starboard are one of the most commonly used terms that new boaters encounter. But what is it and what is it used for? We explain what it means and the difference between port and starboard.

What is the difference between port and starboard?

Port side is the left side of a ship. Starboard is the right side of a ship. This is always seen in the normal direction of travel. So when you look aft on the ship, port and starboard remain the same side of the ship.

Red and green sides: port and starboard

Navigation lights are used to estimate the sailing direction of another ship in the dark. To do this, different colors of lights are used for different types of ships. What is the same for all ships (7 meters and above) is that port side is the red silk of the ship, and starboard is the green side of the ship. When a ship approaches in the dark and you see both red and green, she is coming right at you.

Important in priority rules

Port and starboard, in addition to being used aboard one's own vessel, is very important in the right of way rules. A rule of thumb is that a ship from starboard often goes ahead, basically just like on the road with a car from the right. So when sailing, it is important to take this into account.

History of port and starboard

The terms bakboord and stuurboord go back very far in the Dutch language and derive from Norwegian. When ships were still steered with a (oar), it was usually on the right side of the ship. Because the helm sat on the right side, they called this starboard. The helmsman's back (backen) was toward the left side of the ship. Therefore, they called this port side. These terms are still used today