The right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward (toward the bow). Starboard is marked by green navigation lights at night. The term originates from the Old English "steorbord," referring to the steering side of early vessels.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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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.True NorthThe direction along the earth's surface toward the geographic North Pole, as opposed to magnetic north.WaypointA predetermined geographical position defined by latitude and longitude coordinates, used as a reference point for navigation and route planning.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026