The word port comes from the French "babord", and this derives from the Dutch "bakboord" formed by "bak" which means "rear" and "boord" which means "borda", a name that is due to the fact that in ancient times the pilot it was to starboard. When the word port is spoken, it is to make mention of the area or left side of a certain boat, ship or ship, located exactly looking from stern to prow and is illuminated with a red light.
The purpose of qualifying each zone or side of the boats from right to left is to avoid confusion when referring to them, and since each crew member who wishes to move freely to one side or the other, or if they wish to look forward or backwards, without having the confusion of where you are.
Other sources state that the term port derives from Old Norse, which was the language spoken by the Vikings, which was composed of the following way "bak" which refers to back and "borða" the name given to a wooden plate; that is to say, according to these port side it referred to "back rail".
In ancient times, in rowing ships there were no fixed rudders in the central rear area, therefore the so-called helmsman used an oar with a large blade in order to direct the ship. This was done by submerging the oar in the water on the starboard side, which he handled with his right hand, also turning his back to the port side, and it was thanks to this that his name and conception were given.
