The left-hand side of a vessel when facing forward (toward the bow). Port is marked by red navigation lights at night. The term replaced the older "larboard" to avoid confusion with starboard.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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MeridianA great circle on the earth's surface passing through both the North and South Poles.Nautical MileA unit of distance used in maritime and air navigation equal to approximately 1,852 metres or 1.151 statute miles.ParallelA circle on the earth's surface formed by the intersection of a plane parallel to the equator.Rhumb LineA line on the earth's surface that crosses all meridians at the same angle, appearing as a straight line on a Mercator projection chart.Speed Over GroundThe speed of a vessel relative to the earth's surface, as measured by GPS or other positioning systems.TransitThe passage of a vessel through a canal, strait, or narrow waterway.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026