When two ships approach each other bow-on (that’s the front of the ship), each will see the red running light to their right. Which if my spatial reasoning hasn’t failed me, means that they’re on the left (port) side of the ship.
Red Right Return actually refers to returning to harbor or marina. The red channel navigation markers and lights will be on your right.
And not quite; the boat mounted lights indicate to the other boat who has right of way.
For two powerboats crossing, the one on the right has right of way, and they will see (are given) a green light on the other boat.
While the other sees red, like a matador’s cape, which tells it to yield. (which doesn’t work for bulls and just makes them angry because they are color blind)
If you always say left before right you can remember that port and starboard is the same order. I’ll say to myself in my head “left right, port starboard” whenever I need to remind myself.
Nah, that’s what I thought, but then I think about it a bit harder and I convince myself it’s backwards lol. Maybe the left = 4 letters and port = also 4 letters fact someone else mentioned will work for my adhd brain
I was once on a boat where that stairs thingy was on its left side. The port is where you get on the boat, and the stairs thingy is how you get on the boat. The stairs thingy is on the left, so port is left. Works every time.
I give you my permission to use this mnemonic device however you see fit. You’re welcome.
I can never remember which is which. Is there some easy way to recall which is left and which is right?
(Same goes for red and green light on the sides.)
“left” and “port” have the same number of letters. Conveniently, they’re also the same direction (while facing forward on the boat).
Thx that works
“Is there any red port left?” - helps remember red light is left and green light is right, as well.
Probably only works if you know port wine is a thing though.
That’s pretty cool.
I like this one!
“Red Right Returning”
When two ships approach each other bow-on (that’s the front of the ship), each will see the red running light to their right. Which if my spatial reasoning hasn’t failed me, means that they’re on the left (port) side of the ship.
RRR… Catchy. Thx
Red Right Return actually refers to returning to harbor or marina. The red channel navigation markers and lights will be on your right.
And not quite; the boat mounted lights indicate to the other boat who has right of way.
For two powerboats crossing, the one on the right has right of way, and they will see (are given) a green light on the other boat.
While the other sees red, like a matador’s cape, which tells it to yield. (which doesn’t work for bulls and just makes them angry because they are color blind)
Port ----- starboard
Left ----- right
I always remember that port is short, left is short, in terms of letter length.
Red ----- green
Also!
If you always say left before right you can remember that port and starboard is the same order. I’ll say to myself in my head “left right, port starboard” whenever I need to remind myself.
Nah, that’s what I thought, but then I think about it a bit harder and I convince myself it’s backwards lol. Maybe the left = 4 letters and port = also 4 letters fact someone else mentioned will work for my adhd brain
I was once on a boat where that stairs thingy was on its left side. The port is where you get on the boat, and the stairs thingy is how you get on the boat. The stairs thingy is on the left, so port is left. Works every time.
I give you my permission to use this mnemonic device however you see fit. You’re welcome.