this post was submitted on 27 May 2025
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[–] Phoenicianpirate@lemm.ee 9 points 2 months ago (2 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.

[–] captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works 5 points 2 months ago (3 children)

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

[–] doktormerlin@feddit.org 4 points 2 months 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

[–] Flickerby@lemm.ee 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Have you seen the Nathan Fielder special The Rehearsal up on HBO? It's specifically about pilots and how to potentially reduce airplane crashes

I taught flight school at a busy uncontrolled airport for 2 years.

[–] Phoenicianpirate@lemm.ee 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)
[–] captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

But yes, in the semi-rare event you find yourself approaching another aircraft of the same maneuverability head-on, you are to both avoid the collision by turning right.

[–] Phoenicianpirate@lemm.ee 1 points 2 months ago

I saw a training video about that, that's how I know.