Aft: generally anything astern of the z-axis mid-line of a vessel; diminutive of the word after. Bow: the forward section (or fore) of a ship. Stern: the rear section (or aft) of a ship. Port (side): the left side of a ship from the perspective of a person standing on board and facing the bow of the ship on the bridge. Starboard: the right side of a ship from the perspective of a person standing on board and facing the bow of the ship on the bridge.