In the context of vessels such as ships, boats or aircrafts, the term 'Board' refers to the action of stepping onto, climbing onto, or entering such a vessel for purposes such as travel, inspection, or operation. This process involves physically moving from a dock, platform, or other form of land onto the vessel itself, typically using a ramp, gangway, ladder, or stairs. The boarding process may also include procedures such as checking tickets or identification, safety briefings, and finding designated seating or cabins.
'Board' in this context can also refer to the side of a vessel. This side can be distinguished as either the starboard (right) or port (left), based on the direction faced by someone standing at the stern (rear of the ship) and looking towards the bow (front). The board side can reflect various elements of the vessel including its design, construction, and docking arrangements.
Example
1. The captain was the last one to board the ship after ensuring all passengers were safely on deck.
2. The crew needed to board the yacht quickly before the oncoming storm.
3. Upon seeing sharks in the water, the swimmers were instructed to immediately board the boat for safety.
4. As part of their morning routine, the sailors would board the fishing vessel at sunrise to prepare for a day at sea.
5. Upon rescue, stranded rafters were helped to board the coast guard's boat from the right board or side due to the heavy waves.
Interesting fact
Fun Fact: Did you know the term "boarding" in maritime terminology refers to the act of entering a vessel? However, it's not just as simple as walking into a house. In the olden days of naval warfare, it was a strategic, aggressive, and even acrobatic move meant to overwhelm the enemy. Moreover, an interesting fact involves the specific side of the vessel used for boarding, which is commonly referred to as the "starboard." The word "starboard" itself has a fascinating backstory - it comes from the old Norse term "stýri," which means a steering paddle, and "borð," which translates to the side of a ship. Traditionally, the steering paddle was placed on the right side of the vessel, which eventually came to be known as the starboard side. Now, isn't that a good, solid, fun fact about boarding and starboard!