Port vs Starboard
Difference, Examples & Quiz
What's the difference? Which one is correct?
Definition: Port refers to the left side of a ship when facing forward. It is indicated by a red light at night and is used for navigation and communication purposes.
Usage: Port is used to indicate the direction or location of something on a ship, such as port side, port bow, or port stern.
- 1. The captain ordered the crew to turn the ship to port.
- 2. The cargo was loaded onto the ship through the port side.
- 3. The port light was visible from a distance, guiding other vessels.
Definition: Starboard refers to the right side of a ship when facing forward. It is indicated by a green light at night and is used for navigation and communication purposes.
Usage: Starboard is used to indicate the direction or location of something on a ship, such as starboard side, starboard bow, or starboard stern.
- 1. The helmsman steered the ship to starboard to avoid a collision.
- 2. The starboard anchor was dropped to secure the ship in the harbor.
- 3. The starboard watch was responsible for monitoring the ship's starboard side.
Port and starboard are nautical terms used to refer to the left and right sides of a ship, respectively.
Port vs Starboard: 5 Quizzes
1. What is the left side of a ship called?
2. What is the right side of a ship called?
3. Which side of a ship is indicated by a red light at night?
4. Which side of a ship is indicated by a green light at night?
5. Which side of a ship is typically used for docking?
FAQs
What is Port?
Port refers to the left side of a ship when facing forward.
What is Starboard?
Starboard refers to the right side of a ship when facing forward.
Why is Port called Port?
Port is called so because ships used to dock on the left side to unload cargo, and the left side was known as the 'port side'.
Why is Starboard called Starboard?
Starboard is called so because it was the side where the steering oar or 'starboard' was mounted in old sailing ships.
Which side is safer, Port or Starboard?
Both Port and Starboard have their own safety considerations, and it depends on the specific situation and circumstances.