"Boxing the Compass"

In addition to some very basic ship-board terminology, we also take a look at

the compass.
Everyone knows that a compass points to "north"- magnetic north in the case of a
standard (ie magnetic ie not a gyroscopic) compass. It was during the early part of the
20th century that mariners began to use degrees instead of points. There is even
a Gaelic language equivalent provided.
Anyone reading (English) documents may run into difficulty over the difference
between "helm" and "rudder" orders: yes, it was 100% correct for the Officer of the
Watch to order Hard a starboard!!, and the boat would turn to port.

Basic Terminology

The Basics
Bow: the forward end of the ship.
Stern: the after end of the ship.
Amidships: the middle portion of the ship.
Starboard: the right-hand side of the ship (while looking forward).

 Port: the left-hand side of the ship (while looking foward).

The Compass

"The Points of the Compass"

"Boxing the Compass" was a basic skill of any sailor, being the ability to repeat
all 32 points of the compass (in 1/4 points). A "point" is in fact 11 1/4 degrees,

the modern compass being divided into 360 degrees, 0 (or 360)
being North, 90 East,
etc.

Bearings
Using points of the ship as reference: