Port vs. Starboard: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Port refers to the left side of a ship when facing forward, while Starboard denotes the right side.
Key Differences
Port and Starboard are nautical terms used to describe the orientation of a ship or boat. Port indicates the left side when one is facing the bow (front), while Starboard refers to the right side. These terms help in avoiding confusion that can arise from using left and right, which change based on direction one is facing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Historically, Port was known as 'larboard', which could be easily confused with Starboard during communication over the noise of the sea. Thus, the term Port, which derives from the practice of docking ships on the left side, became standard. Starboard comes from the Old English term 'steorbord', referring to the side where the ship's steering paddle was placed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
The importance of Port and Starboard is crucial for navigation and maritime safety. Knowing the difference helps in understanding sailing rules, especially when navigating crowded or complex waters. Port is typically marked with a red light and Starboard with a green light on ships to aid in night navigation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
In the context of aircraft, Port and Starboard also maintain their meanings. The terms are used to describe the left and right sides of the aircraft, respectively, when facing the front. This usage underscores the influence of maritime language on other transportation sectors.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Understanding the distinction between Port and Starboard is fundamental in the maritime and aviation industries. It facilitates clear communication and enhances safety by providing unambiguous references to the sides of vessels or aircraft.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
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Port and Starboard Definitions
Port
The left side of a ship or boat facing forward.
The captain instructed to move the cargo to the port side.
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Dec 01, 2023
Starboard
The right side of a ship or boat when facing forward.
Look starboard! There's a pod of dolphins swimming.
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Dec 01, 2023
Port
A place where ships dock and transfer people or cargo.
They arrived at the bustling port early in the morning.
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Dec 01, 2023
Starboard
Used to indicate a direction relative to a vessel.
The captain ordered a course change two degrees to starboard.
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Dec 01, 2023
Port
A place on a waterway with facilities for loading and unloading ships.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Starboard
Derived from steering side of old ships.
In ancient times, the starboard was the primary side for steering ships.
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Dec 01, 2023
Port
A place along a coast that gives ships and boats protection from storms and rough water; a harbor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Starboard
The righthand side of a ship, boat or aircraft when facing the front, or fore or bow. Used to unambiguously refer to directions according to the sides of the vessel, rather than those of a crew member or object.
I see another vessel off the starboard side.
We're on starboard tack, so the other boat has to give way.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Port
The left-hand side of a ship or aircraft facing forward. Also called larboard.
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Oct 19, 2023
Starboard
(nautical) One of the two traditional watches aboard a ship standing a watch in two.
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Oct 19, 2023
Starboard
To put to the right, or starboard, side of a vessel.
To starboard the helm
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Starboard
That side of a vessel which is on the right hand of a person who stands on board facing the bow; - opposed to larboard, or port.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Starboard
Pertaining to the right-hand side of a ship; being or lying on the right side; as, the starboard shrouds; starboard quarter; starboard tack.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
An opening, as in a cylinder or valve face, for the passage of steam or fluid.
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Oct 19, 2023
Starboard
To put to the right, or starboard, side of a vessel; as, to starboard the helm.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A hole in an armored vehicle or a fortified structure for viewing or for firing weapons.
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Oct 19, 2023
Starboard
The right side of a ship or aircraft to someone facing the bow or nose
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Oct 19, 2023
Starboard
Referring to the side with green navigational light.
At night, the starboard light guides sailors through dark waters.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Starboard
Right side of an aircraft facing the front.
The emergency exit is located on the starboard side of the plane.
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Dec 01, 2023
Port
To turn (a craft) or make a shift to the port side
Port the helm.
Ported sharply to avoid a shoal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(Computers) To modify (software) for use on a different machine or platform.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
To hold or carry (a weapon) diagonally across the body, with the muzzle or blade near the left shoulder.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A place on the coast at which ships can shelter, or dock to load and unload cargo or passengers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
The left-hand side of a vessel, including aircraft, when one is facing the front. Used to unambiguously refer to directions relative to the vessel structure, rather than to a person or object on board.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(rowing) A sweep rower that primarily rows with an oar on the port side.
Each eight has four ports and four starboards.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
An opening or doorway in the side of a ship, especially for boarding or loading; an embrasure through which a cannon may be discharged; a porthole.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A space between two stones wide enough for a delivered stone or bowl to pass through.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(computing) A logical or physical construct in and from which data are transferred. Computer port (hardware)
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(computing) A female connector of an electronic device, into which a cable's male connector can be inserted.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
Something used to carry a thing, especially a frame for wicks in candle-making.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(archaic) The manner in which a person carries himself; bearing; deportment; carriage. See also portance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(military) The position of a weapon when ported; a rifle position executed by throwing the weapon diagonally across the front of the body, with the right hand grasping the small of the stock and the barrel sloping upward and crossing the point of the left shoulder.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(computing) A program that has been adapted, modified, or recoded so that it works on a different platform from the one for which it was created; the act of this adapting.
Gamers can't wait until a port of the title is released on the new system.
The latest port of the database software is the worst since we made the changeover.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A set of files used to build and install a binary executable file from the source code of an application.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A type of very sweet fortified wine, mostly dark red, traditionally made in Portugal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(nautical) Of or relating to port, the left-hand side of a vessel when facing the bow.
On the port side
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
To turn or put to the left or larboard side of a ship; said of the helm.
Port your helm!
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(military) To hold or carry (a weapon) with both hands so that it lays diagonally across the front of the body, with the barrel or similar part near the left shoulder and the right hand grasping the small of the stock; or, to throw (the weapon) into this position on command.
Port arms!
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
To adapt, modify, or create a new version of, a program so that it works on a different platform. Porting (computing)
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
To carry or transfer (an existing telephone number) from one telephone service provider to another.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A dark red or purple astringent wine made in Portugal. It contains a large percentage of alcohol.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A place where ships may ride secure from storms; a sheltered inlet, bay, or cove; a harbor; a haven. Used also figuratively.
Peering in maps for ports and piers and roads.
We are in port if we have Thee.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
In law and commercial usage, a harbor where vessels are admitted to discharge and receive cargoes, from whence they depart and where they finish their voyages.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A passageway; an opening or entrance to an inclosed place; a gate; a door; a portal.
Him I accuseThe city ports by this hath entered.
Form their ivory port the cherubimForth issuing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Port
An opening in the side of a vessel; an embrasure through which cannon may be discharged; a porthole; also, the shutters which close such an opening.
Her ports being within sixteen inches of the water.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A passageway in a machine, through which a fluid, as steam, water, etc., may pass, as from a valve to the interior of the cylinder of a steam engine; an opening in a valve seat, or valve face.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
The manner in which a person bears himself; deportment; carriage; bearing; demeanor; hence, manner or style of living; as, a proud port.
And of his port as meek as is a maid.
The necessities of pomp, grandeur, and a suitable port in the world.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Port
The larboard or left side of a ship (looking from the stern toward the bow); as, a vessel heels to port. See Note under Larboard. Also used adjectively.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
To carry; to bear; to transport.
They are easily ported by boat into other shires.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
To throw, as a musket, diagonally across the body, with the lock in front, the right hand grasping the small of the stock, and the barrel sloping upward and crossing the point of the left shoulder; as, to port arms.
Began to hem him round with ported spears.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Port
To turn or put to the left or larboard side of a ship; - said of the helm, and used chiefly in the imperative, as a command; as, port your helm.
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
(computer science) computer circuit consisting of the hardware and associated circuitry that links one device with another (especially a computer and a hard disk drive or other peripherals)
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
Transfer data from one computer to another via a cable that links connecting ports
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
Turn or go to the port or left side, of a ship;
The big ship was slowly porting
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
Carry or hold with both hands diagonally across the body, especially of weapons;
Port a rifle
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Oct 19, 2023
Port
A virtual point for connecting devices or networks.
The technician configured the router's port to improve the network.
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Dec 01, 2023
Port
A sweet, red wine, often served as a dessert wine.
After dinner, they enjoyed a glass of vintage port.
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Dec 01, 2023
Port
Referring to the left-hand side of an airplane.
The engine on the port side requires maintenance.
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Dec 01, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can Port and Starboard be used in aviation?
Yes, they refer to the left and right sides of the aircraft, respectively.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
What is Port in maritime terms?
Port refers to the left side of a ship when facing forward.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
How are Port and Starboard indicated at night?
Port is indicated with a red light, and Starboard with a green light.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
What does Starboard mean?
Starboard is the right side of a ship facing towards the bow.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Why are these terms used instead of left and right?
To avoid confusion, as left and right can change based on the observer’s direction.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
What is the origin of the word Starboard?
It comes from the Old English 'steorbord', meaning the steering side of a ship.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
In which direction does a ship turn if it goes to Port?
Turning to Port means the ship moves to its left.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Are Port and Starboard universal in sailing?
Yes, these terms are internationally recognized in maritime navigation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Is there a color associated with Port in maritime lights?
Yes, Port is associated with the color red.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
What color is associated with Starboard?
Starboard is marked with the color green.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Do rowboats use Port and Starboard?
Yes, these terms apply to all watercraft, including rowboats.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Do these terms have any historical significance?
Yes, they reflect historical practices and the evolution of maritime language.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Are Port and Starboard used in space travel?
Yes, these terms are also adopted in space travel for orientation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
How do sailors remember these terms?
Some use mnemonics like 'Port' has the same number of letters as 'left'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can Port refer to anything other than a ship's left side?
Yes, it also refers to a harbor or a type of wine.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
What does turning to Starboard indicate?
It means the ship is moving to its right.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Is Starboard used in any context outside of navigation?
Primarily, it is a navigational term but may be used metaphorically in other contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
How do Port and Starboard aid in maritime safety?
They provide clear, unambiguous communication about direction and location on a vessel.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Are there any common errors in using Port and Starboard?
Mistaking one for the other can happen, especially with beginners in sailing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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