What term is used for the left side of a ship?

• A. Starboard
• B. Port
• C. Bow
• D. Stern

Answer: (B)

In nautical terms, directions on a ship are defined from the perspective of someone aboard facing forward toward the bow. The left-hand side is called the port side. The opposite side is starboard (the right side), while the bow is the front and the stern is the rear. The term port has historical roots tied to docking and loading on the harbor side of a ship. Because the left side is port, it uniquely fits the description in the question, making it the correct term. The other terms describe different sides or ends of the vessel.