Module 1 - Nautical Terms
What Are the Front and Back of a Boat Called? Bow, Stern, Fore and Aft
The front of a boat is the bow. The back of a boat is the stern. Anything towards the bow is described as forward or fore; anything towards the stern is aft. The midpoint of the vessel is amidships.
These terms are used constantly in Day Skipper theory, marina instructions, pilotage notes, and safety briefings. For example, a crew member asked to move forward should go towards the bow, while equipment stowed aft is towards the stern.
The bow typically has a pointed shape to cut through waves. On a yacht the deck area at the front is the foredeck. The stern may include the cockpit, bathing platform, boarding ladder, pushpit, or dinghy davits depending on the boat.
- Bow — the front of the vessel
- Stern — the back of the vessel
- Forward / Fore — towards the bow
- Aft — towards the stern
- Amidships — the middle of the vessel
| Term | Meaning | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Bow | Front of the boat | The bow points towards the vessel's heading |
| Stern | Back of the boat | The cockpit and boarding platform are often near the stern |
| Forward / Fore | Towards the bow | Move forward, foredeck, forestay |
| Aft | Towards the stern | Aft cabin, aft locker, move aft |
| Amidships | Middle of the vessel | Often used for balance, stowage, or deck position |
Common questions
What is the front of a boat called?
The front of a boat is called the bow. Moving towards the bow is described as moving forward or fore.
What is the back of a boat called?
The back of a boat is called the stern. Anything towards the stern is described as aft.
Is fore the same as the front of a boat?
Fore means towards the front of a boat, or towards the bow. The bow is the actual front end of the vessel.
Is aft the same as the stern?
Aft means towards the back of the boat. The stern is the actual back end of the vessel.
What does fore and aft mean on a boat?
Fore means towards the front or bow of the boat. Aft means towards the back or stern of the boat.
Optional quick check
Section 1 of 8
A crew member is told to move aft. Tap where they should go.
Keep revising this topic
Continue with terminology practice
Use the revision module to connect these terms to the rest of the syllabus and check your understanding.