this post was submitted on 27 May 2025
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[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 month ago (12 children)

No it is not. Port and starboard are only left and right if you are facing the bow. If you are facing the stern they are reversed (from your perspective). The reason why is to make sure there are unambiguous terms for turning a ship in order to navigate and avoid collisions.

Btw the same rule applies to airplanes. If you are flying and have another airplane flying towards you both pilots must turn starboard to avoid a crash.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (10 children)

Pilot here. We just say left and right and don't bother with port and starboard.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

Usually you also know in which direction is front on a plane lol

On a ship it might get more confusing sometimes, so I see the reason there at least somewhat

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