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").

Why is it starboard and port?

The word 'starboard' is the combination of two old words: stéor (meaning 'steer') and bord (meaning 'the side of a boat'). 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.

Is starboard the front or back?

Stern: The stern is located at the back end of the ship, opposite from the bow. Forward: Forward on a ship means toward the direction of the bow. ... Port: Port refers to the left side of the ship, when facing forward. Starboard: Starboard refers to the right side of the ship, when facing forward.