Boats come in many styles and shapes, but the names of the different parts remain consistent. Every boat operator should know the following terms and definitions.
- Bow: Front of a boat
- Stern: Rear of a boat
- Starboard: Right side of a boat
- Port: Left side of a boat
- Hull: Body of a boat
- Gunwale: Upper edge of boat’s side (generally pronounced gunnel)
- Cleat: Metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened
- Propeller: Rotates and powers a boat forward or backward
- Navigation lights include all-round white light and red and green sidelights
