Port designates the left-hand side of a ship or boat when looking toward the front. It is a fixed structural reference that never changes regardless of which way a crew member faces. Using a fixed term prevents dangerous confusion during navigation and damage control. It is traditionally marked with a red navigation light.
Heard on the job
Keep the helm steady and watch for that buoy coming up on the port side.
Insider tip
Remember that port and left both have four letters, and port wine is red, matching the port navigation light.
Do not mix it up with
- Starboard: Port is the left side facing forward, while starboard is the right side.