What is Port Side on a Boat?
If you’re a beginner sailor, it can be confusing to navigate a boat, especially when it comes to identifying the different sides – one of the essential things to know is the port side of a boat.
In this new-to-sailing guide, we will outline what the port side is on a boat and how it is different from the starboard side, why it is important to know the port side of a vessel and we also provide you with four easy ways to remember the port side of a powerboat or sailing yacht.
Contents:
- What is Port Side, and How is it Different from Starboard?
- How to Identify the Port Side of a Boat
- Why is it Important to Know the Port Side of a Boat?
- 4 Easy Ways to Remember the Port Side of a Boat
Which side of a boat is port – quick summary
Sometimes, people find it difficult to understand which side is the port side of a boat. To eradicate this confusion, our article describes 4 easy ways to remember the port side on a boat. When facing the bow, the port side of a boat is the left-hand side, while the starboard side is the right-hand side. Knowing the port side is the left side of a boat is important for navigation, docking, and communication. Easy ways to identify the port side of a boat include looking for the red navigation light, checking the compass needle’s orientation, and remembering that “port” has four letters like “left.” Understanding the port side helps ensure safety and prevents confusion on the water.
What is Port Side, and How is it Different from Starboard?
The port side of a boat is the left-hand side of the vessel when you are facing the bow (front) of the boat. It is called a port because it was historically the side where boats would dock at ports and the name has stuck ever since!
In contrast, the starboard side is the right-hand side of the boat when facing the bow. These sailing terms are standardised across the globe and are used by sailors and harbour masters to avoid confusion.
How to Identify the Port Side of a Boat
Now that you know what the port side of a boat is, there are a number of easy tell-tale signs to look out for when identifying the port of a boat.
Look for the red navigation light
When on a boat at night, look for the red navigation light. This light is placed on the port side of the boat, and the green light is placed on the starboard side.
Check the compass
If you’ve bought a new boat that has a compass or just has one to hand, the north-facing end of the needle points towards the magnetic north pole. The east end of the needle points to the east, and the west endpoints to the west.
The side of the boat where the needle points is the starboard side, and the opposite side is the port side.
Look for the word “Port”
One way to identify the port side is to look for the word “port” inscribed on the boat. The word “port” has four letters, just like the word “left”, so if you can remember that “port” is on the left side of the boat, you’ll always know which side is which.
Why is it Important to Know the Port Side of a Boat?
Knowing the port side of a boat is an essential part of sailing and if not remembered correctly, it can potentially lead to dangerous situations.
Navigation
When navigating waterways, it’s important to know which port side of a boat is to ensure you stay on the correct side of the channel. In many countries, vessels are required to keep to the right side of the channel, and knowing which side is the port, will help you navigate safely.
Docking
When docking your boat, it’s essential to know which the port side of a boat is to ensure you approach the dock or marina correctly. If you approach from the wrong side, you could damage your new boat or the dock.
Communication
When communicating with other sailors or the coastguard, it’s crucial to use the correct terms to avoid confusion. If you don’t know which the port side of a boat is, you could end up giving the wrong information, leading to potential accidents.
4 Easy Ways to Remember the Port Side of a Boat
If you’re new to sailing, there are a lot of things to remember which is why we’ve created a list of 4 easy ways to remember the port side of a boat.
- Look for the red navigation light
- Check the compass for the side the needle is pointing
- Remember the word “port” has four letters, just like the word “left”
- Use the phrase “red port wine” to associate the colour red with the port side
Knowing the port side of a boat is crucial for navigating, docking, communicating with other sailors, and in emergency situations. By using the tips mentioned above, you can easily identify the port side of a boat and avoid confusion.
Remember, the port side is always the left-hand side of a powerboat or sailing yacht!
