What is close aboard for ships and boats?

• A. Port and Starboard
• B. Alongside and Over the Side
• C. Abeam
• D. Astern

Answer: (B)

Close aboard describes being in very close proximity to another vessel, within reach from the rail or with lines easily exchanged. The most precise way to express that proximity is being directly alongside the other vessel or right over the side of your own vessel, where contact or line handling is practical.

Being alongside means you’re running adjacent to the other vessel at the same level, so you can pass lines or assist with boarding or transfer. Over the side means you’re at the rail or even a bit beyond, ready to take a line or receive a line while staying in close reach.

The other terms describe direction or position relative to your own vessel, not the critical close-quarters distance. Port and starboard point left or right; abeam is perpendicular to the bow along the side but doesn’t specify how close you are; astern is behind.