Starboard is the right side of a ship or boat when you're facing forward toward the bow (the front). If you're standing on deck looking toward where the boat is heading, starboard is always on your right, while port is always on your left.

Sailors use these special words instead of “left” and “right” because left and right change depending on which direction you're facing. If you're facing backward, your left becomes the ship's right. But starboard stays starboard no matter which way you turn. This precision prevents dangerous confusion when a captain shouts orders during a storm or when ships need to communicate clearly about which direction they're turning.

On modern ships, you'll see a green light on the starboard side at night and a red light on the port side, helping other vessels know which direction a boat is traveling.