How Do You Remember Starboard And Port Side?

How do you memorize port and starboard?

When remembering which is port and which is starboard, you only have to know one of them, as you will then know the other by default. If you can remember that ‘port’ and ‘left’ are the same because they have the same number of letters, then by default you can work out that ‘starboard’ means ‘right’.

How do you know which side is port and starboard?

The port side is the side of the vessel which is to the left of an observer aboard the vessel and facing the bow, that is, facing forward towards the direction the vehicle is heading when underway, and the starboard is to the right of such an observer.

Why is it called port side and starboard side?

When looking forward, toward the bow of a ship, port and starboard refer to the left and right sides, respectively.Sailors began calling the right side the steering side, which soon became “starboard” by combining two Old English words: stéor (meaning “steer”) and bord (meaning “the side of a boat”).

What does red right return mean?

Federal Lateral System
The expression “red right returning” has long been used by seafarers as a reminder that the red buoys are kept to the starboard (right) side when proceeding from the open sea into port (upstream). Likewise, green buoys are kept to the port (left) side (see chart below).

What are the 4 sides of a boat called?

Now let’s learn the words for the front, rear, left and right sides of the boat.

• The front of a boat is called the bow, while the rear of a boat is called the stern.
• When looking towards the bow, the left-hand side of the boat is the port side.
• And starboard is the corresponding word for the right side of a boat.

What’s the difference between port and starboard?

Simply put, port is the left side of the ship and starboard is the right side of the ship.

Why is port red and starboard green?

Along with the port and starboard nautical terms, colours are also used to aid in navigation especially during night manoeuvres. Red is the international convention for the port side, while green is the colour for the starboard side. This is common on aircraft and helicopter vessels.

What side do you pass an oncoming boat?

1. If another vessel is approaching you from the port — or left — side of your boat, you have the right of way and should maintain your speed and direction. 2. If a vessel is aiming to cross your path and they’re on your starboard — or right — side, they have the right of way.

What is the bow of a boat?

Bow : Front of a boat. Stern : Rear of a boat. Starboard : Right side of a boat. Port : Left side of a boat.

What is the back of a boat called?

Stern: The back of the boat is called the stern. Sternlight (all-round light): The light affixed to the stern of a boat that shines 135 degrees is called a sternlight. Transom: The vertical section at the stern that houses the boat’s motor is called the transom.

What was the poop deck on a ship?

stern deck
Thus the poop deck is technically a stern deck, which in sailing ships was usually elevated as the roof of the stern or “after” cabin, also known as the “poop cabin”. On sailing ships, the helmsman would steer the craft from the quarterdeck, immediately in front of the poop deck.

Why is left called port?

The left side is called ‘port’ because ships with steerboards or star boards would dock at ports on the opposite side of the steerboard or star. As the right side was the steerboard side or star board side, the left side was the port side.

What does a black buoy mean?

Black lettering on the buoy or sign gives the reason for the restriction, for example, SWIM AREA. Danger: A white buoy or sign with an orange diamond warns boaters of danger – rocks, dams, rapids, etc. The source of danger will also be lettered in black.

What do yellow buoys mean?

For those who are paddling or boating on intercoastal waterways, yellow buoys are used to designate a channel. When someone sees a yellow square, this is a sign that they need to keep the buoy to the port side. On the other hand, yellow triangles should stay to the starboard side of the boater.

What does a black and white striped buoy mean?

obstruction to navigation
Inland Waters Obstruction Markers: These are white with black vertical stripes and indicate an obstruction to navigation. You should not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore.

What does red on deck mean in boating?

Red on Deck is the side half of the boat/deck that is confronting the bow.

What is it called when a ship comes into port?

dock. verb. if a ship docks, it arrives at a dock.

What is the gunnel of a boat?

gunwales
Pronounced, “Gunel” it’s the upper edge of a boat. In most modern saltwater fishing boats such as bay boats, center console boats, flats, or skiffs, gunwales have dual purposes.

Where can you find the maximum horsepower for your boat?

The boat’s capacity plate will list the maximum horsepower for your boat and can usually be found located near to the helm, steering area, and in full view of the captain. This what a capacity plate looks like (image credit boaterexam.com) and where you can find it on a typical boat.

Can the maximum person capacity of a vessel be exceeded?

When manufacturers determine maximum person capacity of a vessel, they calculate it by assuming the weight of each person at around one hundred and fifty pounds. Never load more than the listed maximum person capacity, even if each of the passengers weigh well under the manufacturer’s guideline.