Sailors have many unique terms and phrases that they use while aboard ships. One of these is the term “starboard”, which refers to the right side of a ship. So when a sailor calls out “starboard”, they are indicating that something needs to be done on the right side of the vessel.
Why is the right side of a ship called starboard?
The word “starboard” dates back to the Old English “steorbord”, which literally meant the side of a ship that the steering oar was attached to. In old sailing ships, the steering oar was placed over the right side at the back of the vessel. Since the steering oar was on the right side, that side became known as the steerboard or starboard side. This tradition has continued even though ships no longer use steering oars.
History of the term starboard
As mentioned, the origins of the term starboard trace back centuries in maritime history. Some key facts about the history and usage of the term include:
- The Old English term “steorbord” first appeared around the year 1300. This referred to the right side of a ship which had the steering board or oar.
- The spelling evolved over the centuries from “steorbord” to “stearboard” to eventually “starboard” by the 1700s.
- While ships had traditionally been steered with a steering oar on the right side, the 14th century saw the introduction of the first dedicated rudders mounted on the stern.
- Despite the advent of stern-mounted rudders, the right side continued to be known as the steerboard side which became standardized as “starboard”.
- The opposite side of a ship became known as larboard or port from the Old English term meaning the loading side where cargo was loaded.
- By the 19th century “port” replaced “larboard” as the term for the left side to avoid confusion with starboard.
- Starboard continues to be universally used today to refer to the right side of a vessel while facing forward.
So while the steering mechanisms of ships have evolved over the centuries, the traditional term starboard has remained firmly attached to the right side.
How is starboard used on ships?
On modern ships, starboard continues to be vital nautical terminology with several key uses, including:
- Navigation and directional instructions – starboard is used to indicate the right side of the ship such as when leaving or approaching a dock.
- Safety warnings – crew will call out starboard to designate something occurring on the right side such as another vessel.
- Location designation – starboard is used to identify parts of the ship on the right side such as starboard aft or starboard bow.
- Emergency response – damage control teams are directed to starboard sections during emergencies such as fires or flooding.
- Maneuvering orders – the bridge uses directions such as “turn starboard” to command course changes.
Starboard remains one of the most frequently used terms onboard ships. Crew have starboard memorized since instantly knowing left from right is critical for safe operations.
Examples of using starboard
- “Starboard side clear!” – a lookout confirming the right side of the ship is clear of obstructions when departing a berth.
- “Starboard fifteen degrees.” – a helm order from the bridge to turn the ship to the right.
- “Starboard direction!” – gunners rotating naval guns to aim toward the right side.
- “Starboard bow on fire!” – a crew member calling out a fire on the front right side of the ship.
Starboard vs. port
Starboard is directly opposite of the term “port” which refers to the left side of a ship. Here are some key differences between starboard and port:
| Starboard | Port |
|---|---|
| Right side | Left side |
| Green colored navigation lights | Red colored navigation lights |
| Odd numbered lifeboats | Even numbered lifeboats |
These terms are so ingrained in maritime culture that they are second nature to crew. In times of emergency or complex maneuvers, shouting starboard or port conveys essential information in the shortest possible way.
Starboard on boats and ships
The starboard side can be found on all types of vessels including:
- Military ships – Warships from aircraft carriers to submarines use starboard and portside designations.
- Commercial ships – Container ships, tankers, and cargo freighters adhere to the same port and starboard directions.
- Passenger ships – Cruise liners divide boarding locations and lifeboat drills between port and starboard.
- Fishing boats – Fishing vessels have equipment and crew tasks assigned to port and starboard.
- Recreational boats – Powerboats, sailboats, yachts and other pleasure craft are designed and operated using the two directional terms.
Even small vessels like rowboats, kayaks, and rafts often use starboard and port for paddling direction. Starboard is also used extensively on ship simulators and virtual vessels in maritime training programs and marine video games.
Examples of starboard on different vessels
- Aircraft carrier – “Starboard aircraft elevator jammed.”
- Cruise ship – “Starboard mooring lines secure.”
- Submarine – “Flooding reported in starboard forward torpedo room.”
- Sailboat – “Turn starboard and come about to heading 210.”
Other nautical terms for right
While starboard is by far the most commonly used maritime term for the right side of a vessel, sailors may occasionally use other traditional terms including:
- Steerboard side – An archaic variant of starboard recalling the steering oar origins.
- Helm’s a-lee – Original way of ordering the helm over to the lee side, meaning what became the starboard side.
- Right side – Less formal but still understandable reference to starboard.
- Dexter side – Rarely used formal name meaning the right-hand side.
However, starboard remains the primary standard term used by navies, merchant fleets, and recreational boaters worldwide.
Starboard facts
Some additional useful facts about starboard include:
- Green colored running lights are displayed on the starboard side of vessels at night.
- Starboard is associated with odd numbers – starboard lifeboats are odd numbered.
- Knots in a line thrown across a ship’s deck will be pulled to the starboard side.
- The left side of an aircraft is referred to as the port side for consistency.
- Starboard has the same origins as the word “steer” and the rudder position “starboard helm”.
- Many onboard directional signs, gauges, and controls will be labeled with S for starboard.
Importance of starboard
Knowing starboard vs. port is absolutely essential for sailing and working aboard ships. Some key reasons include:
- Safety – Confusion between left and right can lead to accidents and collisions.
- Communication – Starboard is used on bridges, between crew, and in emergencies.
- Navigation – Helmsmen are ordered to turn starboard or port to change heading.
- Seamanship – Much of the ocean-going world is oriented around starboard and port.
- Standardization – Using starboard is universally understood around the world.
Starboard continues to be one of the most vital and enduring maritime terms, essential for proper piloting, safety, and communication aboard all vessels on the seven seas.
Conclusion
For centuries, starboard has designated the right side of ships dating back to the steering oar roots of nautical directionals. This fundamental maritime term remains absolutely vital for modern seamanship and ship operations. Starboard provides a clear, universal delineation between left and right that is essential for navigation, vessel maneuvering, crew communication, and emergency response. Though ships have evolved, starboard persists as critical nautical vocabulary.