The concepts of port and starboard are undoubtedly the first terms sailors learn. But what exactly do port and starboard mean, and what is the origin of these two words in maritime vocabulary?
Sailors don’t speak like land dwellers. They like to have their own vocabulary. But beyond the poetry, this vocabulary is primarily a matter of safety. In the world of marine and pleasure boating, the terms “port” and “starboard” are essential for ensuring clear and effective communication on board boats. These terms help distinguish the sides of a boat and avoid confusion, especially during maneuvers at sea. Let’s discover their meaning, origin, the reason for the associated colors, and the differences in usage between the northern and southern hemispheres.
What Do Port and Starboard Mean?
Let’s get straight to our main question: What do port and starboard mean? “Port” and “starboard” are nautical terms that designate the left and right sides of a boat when looking forward (towards the bow). More precisely:
- Port: the left side of the ship.
- Starboard: the right side of the ship.
These terms are used to avoid ambiguities, unlike the terms “left” and “right,” which can vary depending on the orientation of the person on board the boat.
Origin of These Terms
The origin of “port” and “starboard” dates back several centuries and has its roots in Nordic and Germanic languages.
- Port: This term comes from the Dutch “bakboord,” where “bak” means “back” and “boord” means “side.” The captain, usually standing on starboard, faced forward and had his back to port.
- Starboard: This term comes from the Dutch “stuurboord,” where “stuur” means “rudder” and “boord” means “side.” Historically, ships were steered with a rudder oar on the starboard side.
These terms have been adopted by many navies around the world for their clarity and efficiency.
Why Red and Green?
The colors red and green are used to identify the port and starboard sides of ships, respectively.
- Red for Port: The left side (port) is always marked in red.
- Green for Starboard: The right side (starboard) is always marked in green.
These colors are also used for channel markers. They are used on navigation lights, visible at night or in low visibility conditions, to clearly indicate the direction of the ship and avoid collisions. The international standard stipulates that the lights must be visible over an angle of 112.5 degrees from the bow of the ship, allowing for easy determination of the position and course of another vessel.