Bakboord is the Dutch term for the port side of a ship or aircraft, referring to the left-hand side of the vessel when facing forward toward the bow. In nautical contexts, the opposite side is called stuurboord (starboard). The word originates from Middle Dutch bak (meaning "back" or "rear") and boord (meaning "board" or "side"), literally denoting the side of the vessel opposite the steering side.
In modern Dutch maritime practice, the terms bakboord and stuurboord are standardized by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and are used in navigation, shipbuilding, and seafaring communications. The English equivalents "port" and "starboard" derive from historical English ship terminology and are employed internationally, while bakboord remains the customary designation in Dutch-language contexts.
The concept of designating left and right sides of a vessel is critical for safe navigation, facilitating clear communication among crew members, between vessels, and with shore-based authorities. The designation of bakboord aligns with the globally recognized convention that the port side is marked by red lighting, while starboard is marked by green.