What Side Of A Boat Is Starboard?

Last Updated on August 19, 2022

If you’ve ever been on a boat, then you know that there are certain terms and words that are associated with boating. One of those terms is “starboard.” But what does that mean? And which side of the boat is it on?

Actually, The right side of a boat is called the starboard side. This comes from the old days of sailing when ships were steered with a large oar on the right side of the ship. 

The person steering the ship would call out “starboard” to let other sailors know they should move over to that side so they could help push or pull the boat in that direction.

What Side of A Boat Is Starboard?

Starboard is the right side of a boat when you are facing the front. This is because when boats were first designed, they were meant to be steered with a rudder at the back.

Therefore, the right side was the front of the boat, and the left side was the back. Over time, this convention has become standard, and now everyone refers to the right side of a boat as the starboard side.

Starboard is also the term for the right side of an aircraft when you are facing the front. This is because early aircraft were designed to be flown using a joystick, which was typically located on the right side of the cockpit.

Therefore, the right side was considered the front of the aircraft, and the left side was considered the back. This convention has also become standard, and now everyone refers to the right side of an aircraft as the starboard side.

In both cases, the terms “right” and “left” are used in a relative sense. That is, they are based on the perspective of the person who is facing the front. Therefore, if you are facing the front of a boat or aircraft, the starboard side will be on your right.

What Is the History Named Starboard?

It’s named starboard because historically, the steering oar (the large oar used to steer boats) was placed on the right-hand side of the vessel.

Starboard comes from the Old English word for steer board, which was the side of the ship on which the steering oar was placed. Over time, the term came to be used more generally to refer to the right-hand side of anything.

Nowadays, when you hear someone say “starboard,” they’re usually referring to the right side of a boat. So if you’re ever out on the water and someone yells “starboard,” be sure to move to the right!

What’s the Other Side of The Boat?

The left side of a boat is called a port. This is because when boats were first designed, they were made to dock on the left side of a harbor. This made it easier for people to get on and off the boat.

Over time, this tradition has stuck, and even though most boats today are not docked in harbors, the left side is still called port.

The port side of a boat is also the side that has the red navigation light. This is because when boats are approaching each other, the red light on the port side of one boat should be visible from the starboard side of the other boat.

This helps to prevent collisions between boats. So remember, when you’re referring to the left side of a boat, be sure to call it port!

What Should Do to Avoid a Collision?

In order to avoid collisions, vessels must give way to boats on their starboard side. This rule is called the “stand-on” rule. The stand-on vessel is the one that has the right-of-way, and the give-way vessel is the one that must yield.

There are some exceptions to this rule, however.

• If the stand-on vessel is a sailing vessel, it must give way to any vessel that is not under command, restricted in its ability to maneuver, or engaged in fishing.
• In addition, the stand-on vessel must give way to any vessel that is crossing its path from behind and is unable to change course in time to avoid a collision.
• Finally, the stand-on vessel must give way to a vessel that is in distress and is unable to avoid a collision.

If two vessels are approaching each other head-on, they must both take evasive action to avoid a collision. The vessel that is on the starboard side must give way to the vessel on the port side.

Moreover, If two vessels are crossing paths, the vessel on the starboard side must give way to the vessel on the port side.

In all of these cases, it is important for both vessels to take early and decisive action to avoid a collision. The best way to avoid a collision is for both vessels to keep a sharp lookout and be aware of the other vessel’s position, course, and speed at all times.

If a collision cannot be avoided, the vessel that is at fault will be liable for damages. The number of damages will depend on the severity of the collision and the type of damage that is caused.

In some cases, the vessel at fault may also be liable for any injuries that occur as a result of the collision.

Final Thoughts

The word “starboard” comes from the Old English words stær and bord, which mean “steer” and “border.” The starboard side of a boat is the right-hand side when you are looking at the front of the boat. This term was first used in the 9th century AD by Norsemen who sailed along the British coastline.

The port side of a boat is the left-hand side when you are looking at the front of the boat. This term originated with Mediterranean traders in around 1300 AD.

Today, starboard still refers to both sides of a ship, but it is most commonly used to describe the right-hand side. In order to avoid confusion, maritime law states that vessels must give way to boats on their starboard side.