Right at sea is fixed by the bow. Starboard is the right side of a ship when facing forward.

The term comes from the old steering oar that was mounted on the right side of early vessels. Starboard is associated with the color green in navigation lights and in lateral buoyage systems in many parts of the world. All helm orders and collision-avoidance language use starboard and port rather than right and left.

Confusing starboard with port is a basic and dangerous error. Training drills the distinction until it becomes automatic. The corresponding left side is port.

• Right side of the ship when facing forward
• Associated with green navigation lighting
• Used in standard helm and traffic language
• Opposite of port