[Ted Davisson]

Greetings From New Orleanas ,
Just wanted to throw something out on the table for discussion , and something that I've often wondered about ; where and why did the nautical terms port & starb'd either evolve or orginate from ?? Over the many years I've been or both foreign and domestic vessels and inquireing from the respective Captains and Pilots on such vessels , I have never really gotton a good or legitamate answer . I've also made this inquirey to some of our " academy " boys whom have joined our pilot ranks in NOBRA , but unfortunately , they either missed that day or they were never exposed to that course . The best response I've received so far is that these terms evolved from the British Royal Navy , who at one time certainly did rule the seas and then as inland river navigation came into play these terms were brought into use or adopted on the river boats and rafts as well . Another answer that I received , was that in the early days of sailing vessels , there was no rudder amidship , on the stern of the vessel , but on the right side of the vessel was located and what was referred to as a " larbard " , and I am not real sure which nationality or language this came from , but was used to steer the sailing vessel . Possibly , the early Viking ships employed this device to steer their vessels , but I am not real sure on this either . Therefore , due to the position of the " larbard " on the right side of the vessel , these vessels had to consequently come alongside on the left side , and on the port side where the city or village was located . Thus , the left or " port side " of the vessel , was where the port of the respective village was and the two became one . Over the years , the term larbard , possibly by the English language was changed to starb'd and ultimately due to necessity and design changes with the aid of naval technology , the rudder came into existance and was placed amidship to accomodate landings on either side of the vessel . To take this thought a step futher , I was always of the opinion , that the old side wheel packets , had serious design flaws from the standpoint that , yes there was a rudder amidship , but for it to become really effective the vessel had to have what is referred to as " head way " , or actual movement through the water for the rudder to become effective . To my knowledge there were no " monkey " rudders on these side wheelers and although they could " twin screw " these packets , I would imagine that due to their size they were just not that effective in conditions of high wind or strong current . Also , having the paddlewheels on the out board sides of the steamber , it exposed them to the drift and snags in the river that of course would cause damage and excessive wear . Also , that would be an additional initial expense to have two wheels and two engines and imagine the additional maintenance on them as well ? Just food for thought folks and I would certainly appreciate your thoughts and comments .
As Always , Smoothe Sailing !
Ted Davisson