What is the right of a boat?

If another vessel is approaching you from the port — or left — side of your boat, you have the right of way and should maintain your speed and direction. 2. If a vessel is aiming to cross your path and they’re on your starboard — or right — side, they have the right of way.

What is the driver’s side of a boat called?

The front of any boat is called the “bow”, the back of a boat is called the “stern”, the right side of the boat (sitting in the drivers seat looking right) is called the “starboard” side, the left side is called the “port”.

What are all the parts of a boat called?

Every boat operator should know the following terms and definitions.

  • Bow : Front of a boat.
  • Stern : Rear of a boat.
  • Starboard : Right side of a boat.
  • Port : Left side of a boat.
  • Hull : Body of a boat.
  • Gunwale : Upper edge of boat’s side (generally pronounced gunnel)
  • Cleat : Metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened.

Where is the starboard side?

left side
When looking from the bow to the stern, the port lies on the right side while the starboard side lies on the left side. In nautical terms, the bow or fore lies at the forward of the ship, while the stern or aft is the rear portion.

Do you pass a boat on the right or left?

You should pass at a safe distance to the port (left) or starboard (right) side of the other boat. If a safe route exists, you should always attempt to pass the boat on the starboard side.

Is port Left or right?

Which side of a ship is port? Port is the left hand side of a ship.

Why do boats pass on the right?

Most sailors were right handed, so the steering oar was placed over or through the right side of the stern . 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”).

What are the holes on the side of my boat for?

A limber hole is a drain hole through a frame or other structural member of a boat designed to prevent water from accumulating against one side of the frame, and allowing it to drain toward the bilge. Limber holes are created in between bulkheads so that one compartment does not fill with water.

What is the front end of a boat called?

The front end of the ship is the bow. When you move toward the bow, you are going forward, when the vessel is moving forward, it is going ahead. When facing toward the bow, the front-right side is the starboard bow and the front-left side is the port bow.

What is the front end of a ship called?

bow
the part of a ship or boat that floats on the water. The front part is called the bow and the back part is called the stern.

Why do boats have steering on right side?

Why Boat Steering Wheels Are Placed on the Right Side This set of guidelines maintains that all boats should keep to the right of oncoming traffic. Therefore, having steering wheels on the right side of the vessel makes it easier for operators to keep an eye on nearby boats.

What is a hole in a boat called?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Hawsehole is a nautical term for a small hole in the hull of a ship through which hawsers may be passed. It is also known as a cat hole.

What is the hull on a boat?

The body of a boat is called its hull. At the upper edges of the boat’s hull are the gunwales. The gunwales provide extra rigidity for the hull. Most boats are also equipped with navigation lights.

Is Port Left or right?

What is aft in ship?

The forward of a ship is just as it sounds: It’s the most forward side, at the front of a cruise ship, facing the bow. The rear of a ship, at the direction of a ship’s stern, is called the aft. And what’s wedged in between the forward and the aft of a ship is commonly dubbed midship.

What does a single white light mean on a boat?

Powerboat A: When only a white light is visible, you may be overtaking another vessel. Give way to either side.