The world of maritime terminology is rich with history, and one of the most interesting terms from the past is larboard. While modern sailors and maritime professionals use port and starboard to refer to the left and right sides of a ship, respectively, larboard was once the common term for the left side. This topic explores the meaning of larboard, its origins, why it was replaced, and how it shaped modern nautical language.
Definition of Larboard
Larboard refers to the left side of a ship when facing forward, toward the bow (the front of the ship). It was the term commonly used before the word port became the standard.
The opposite of larboard is starboard, which refers to the right side of a ship. The two terms were essential for navigation and communication among sailors, ensuring that directions were clearly understood when giving commands on board.
The Origin of the Term Larboard
The word larboard has roots in Old English and Middle English. It likely comes from the Old English term là¦thbord or laddebord, which refers to the side of the ship where cargo was loaded. In early ship design, ships were commonly docked on their left side, making it the primary side for loading goods.
The term eventually evolved into larboard, combining ‘ladde’ (related to loading) and ‘board’ (meaning the side of the ship). This terminology was widely used in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in the British Royal Navy and commercial shipping.
Why Was Larboard Replaced?
Despite being used for centuries, larboard was eventually replaced by port due to a significant problem-confusion with starboard. The words larboard and starboard sound very similar, especially in the noisy environment of a ship, where strong winds, waves, and crew activity can make verbal communication difficult.
Imagine a captain giving an urgent command in rough seas, saying “Turn to larboard!â If a crew member misheard it as starboard, the ship could end up in a dangerous situation. To prevent such misunderstandings, the maritime industry decided to replace larboard with port, a term that was already informally used to refer to the left side where ships docked.
When Was Larboard Officially Changed to Port?
The change from larboard to port became official in the mid-19th century. The British Royal Navy formally adopted port as the standard term for the left side in 1844, and other navies and merchant fleets soon followed. By the late 19th century, the word larboard had mostly disappeared from common usage.
Why Was “Portâ Chosen?
The term port was chosen because it was already a widely understood term referring to the side of the ship that docked at ports. Historically, ships were designed to load and unload cargo from the left side, making the name port a logical choice.
Using port instead of larboard eliminated the risk of confusion with starboard, ensuring clearer communication between crew members.
The Importance of Port and Starboard Today
Today, the terms port and starboard are universally used in all maritime industries, from commercial shipping and naval operations to yachting and recreational boating. The distinction between these two terms is crucial for navigation, docking, and maneuvering at sea.
Unlike left and right, which can change depending on a person’s orientation, port and starboard always refer to fixed sides of the ship, no matter where someone is standing.
The Lasting Legacy of Larboard
Although larboard is no longer in use, its influence on maritime history remains. Some historical books, nautical charts, and maritime literature still reference the term. Additionally, in historical reenactments, museums, and maritime-themed novels, the word larboard is often used to reflect period accuracy.
Key Differences Between Larboard and Starboard
| Feature | Larboard (Now Port) | Starboard |
|---|---|---|
| Side of Ship | Left side | Right side |
| Origin | Old English là¦thbord (loading side) | Old English steorbord (steering side) |
| Replaced by | Port | Still in use |
| Reason for Change | Sounded too similar to starboard | No confusion |
Modern Nautical Terminology Related to Port and Starboard
Even though larboard is no longer in use, many related nautical terms are still relevant today:
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Port Light & Starboard Light – Ships have red navigation lights on the port side and green navigation lights on the starboard side to indicate direction at night.
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Hard to Port / Hard to Starboard – A command to turn the ship sharply in one direction.
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Portside Crew & Starboard Crew – Some ships divide duties by side, assigning crew members to specific areas.
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Port of Call – A place where a ship docks temporarily for cargo, fuel, or passenger exchange.
The term larboard, once used to describe the left side of a ship, was replaced by port to prevent confusion with starboard. This change, made official in the mid-19th century, greatly improved safety and communication at sea.
Although larboard is now an outdated term, its historical significance remains important in the world of maritime history. Today, sailors, captains, and maritime professionals use port and starboard as universal terms for navigation, ensuring clear and effective communication on ships worldwide.