Starboard Quarter
The rear right-hand section of a vessel when facing forward towards the bow.
The term “starboard quarter” is a specific navigational and positional reference used in maritime contexts to describe a particular area of a vessel. The word “starboard” originates from the Old English “steorbord,” meaning the side of the ship where the steering oar was traditionally located before the advent of centralised rudders. “Quarter,” in this context, refers to one of the four primary sections of a vessel when divided into fore (front) and aft (rear) halves, and port (left) and starboard (right) sides. Thus, the starboard quarter is the aft-most section on the right-hand side of the ship when facing forward towards the bow.
This area is of significant importance in nautical operations, particularly in navigation, communication, and collision avoidance. For example, when another vessel approaches a ship from its starboard quarter, it is crucial for the crew to identify this position accurately to follow the “rules of the road” at sea. Similarly, this term is often used when describing the location of damage, equipment, or activity on a vessel. For instance, a sailor might report, “The fishing net is tangled on the starboard quarter,” to indicate the precise location of the issue.
In addition to its practical applications, the starboard quarter is also a key reference point when giving way to other vessels, determining wind direction relative to the ship, or setting up navigational lights. On most vessels, the starboard side is marked with green lights, which extend to the starboard quarter, ensuring clarity in low-visibility conditions.
