Know the difference between port and starboard

Do you know which way the boat should go if you are asked to steer towards port or starboard?

Life at sea and on the waterways is filled with expressions you never encounter when you have solid ground beneath your feet. The more time you spend on the water, the more of these maritime terms will pop up.

You do not need to know most of these words and phrases if you only plan to rent an electric boat for an hour and sail around the waterways. But then again, it can actually be a pretty big advantage to know the difference between starboard and port. These two terms are used to navigate the boat in the desired direction, much like we use right and left.

But how do you tell the difference between starboard and port? Here, we try to help you understand it better.

What are port and starboard, and why are they important?

Starboard and port are probably the most essential maritime terms.

For the inexperienced sailor, however, it can be difficult to tell the difference, just as it can be hard to understand why such complicated terms are necessary. Why call it starboard and port? Would it not be easier if we just called it right and left?

Most often, starboard, port, and other maritime terms are used on sailboats and ships. These are also vessels where the crew often has a lot of experience and therefore a deeper insight into sailing than people who do not sail as frequently.

Even so, knowing some of the terms, especially starboard and port, can be a huge advantage. It gives you knowledge of how to position yourself on the water and how to navigate around other boats and shipping traffic.

Why is it called starboard?

Starboard is a nautical term, meaning an expression related to sailing and seafaring.

The word originates from Old Norse (stēorbord in Old English), which was the language spoken during the Viking Age and the Middle Ages in Scandinavia and parts of the British Isles. The Vikings steered (stýri) their boats with steering oars (rudders) that were always attached to the right side (borð / board). The helmsman who held the steering oar stood on the starboard side.

Therefore, starboard means the right side of the ship or boat relative to the normal direction of travel. This means that when you are on board looking forward toward the bow, starboard is on your right side.

A related expression is starboard tack. Starboard tack means the wind is coming from the right. The term tack is only used in the context of sailboats, as it specifies where the boom is located, the boom being the horizontal mast extending from the base of the boat's main mast. The sail is attached to the boom, and it is the boom that controls the sail to the desired side of the boat. On a starboard tack (wind from the right), the boom is pushed over to port (left).

Why is it called a port

Port is likewise a word that comes from the nautical / maritime world. Since starboard is right, port covers the left side of the boat. When standing on the boat looking forward in the normal direction of travel, port is on your left hand.

Port was originally called larboard (from ladebord, meaning loading side). However, because starboard and larboard sounded far too similar when shouting commands across the deck in stormy weather or battle, the British Royal Navy officially replaced larboard with port in 1844.

Why "port"? Ships historically docked on their left side to prevent the steering oar mounted on the starboard (right) side from getting crushed between the ship and the pier. The left side was therefore the side facing the port.

Just as there is a starboard tack, there is also the expression port tack, which logically means the wind comes from the left side.

Port tack is also only used when talking about sailboats. It tells you that the boom is located on the right side (starboard), because the wind blowing from port (left) pushes the boom over to starboard.

What is a navigation light on a boat?

Navigation lights on a boat help other sailors see you and interpret the direction you are sailing. It is a practical tool to avoid collisions at sea and on rivers. Furthermore, having navigation lights on the boat is a legal requirement.

When setting up a boat, you must have starboard, port, and stern lights:

The colors of the lights can also help you remember the difference between starboard and port. A common memory trick goes: Starboard, right, always green.

Positioning on the water (Rules of the road)

Most people with a driver's license know which lane to stay in on the road, when to give way to other drivers, and when they have the right of way.

Having a trustworthy set of rules is essential if traffic is to flow reasonably smoothly. The same applies to boat traffic, where right of way rules also exist. Nautical right of way rules correspond to the traffic rules we know from driving (driving on the right side of the road, stopping at red lights, and so on). Basically, the rule of thumb is that the boat that can move out of the situation most easily must give way to the other. One of the right of way rules is that power gives way to sail. This means that all motor driven boats must yield to vessels under sail.

However, good seamanship dictates that smaller leisure craft should stay out of the way of large commercial vessels and ferries. This is an example of a situation where it is simply easier for a small boat to move than it is for a massive commercial ship.

Port gives way to starboard

Keep in mind that many people get their left and right mixed up, so not many untrained sailors are aware of these rules.

Other rules on the water

Besides knowing the difference between starboard and port, there are other rules worth knowing when heading out on the water. For instance, it is wise to familiarize yourself with traffic lights, signage, and local waterway regulations, such as those on the rivers and canals in Berlin, so you know how to navigate safely.

When sailing in Berlin, there are fundamental rules that must be observed to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone. Our experienced crew makes sure to explain all necessary rules so you can relax and enjoy the trip without worries. Whether you are new to the water or an experienced sailor, our goal is to create a safe, cozy atmosphere where everyone gets the most out of their boat trip on the water. We will guide you through all relevant rules so you can focus on having fun and enjoying the view.