What does a ship "listing starboard" mean?

When a ship is described as "listing starboard," it indicates that the vessel is tilted or leaning towards the right side. This term comes from the traditional nautical terminology where the right side of a ship when facing forward is called the starboard side, while the left side is called the port side. Listing can occur due to various reasons such as uneven weight distribution, flooding on one side, or external forces acting on the ship.

This tilt can impact the ship's stability and navigation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and ensuring safety on board. Therefore, recognizing the particular direction of the list is crucial for crew members who must respond accordingly to address any issues that could exacerbate the listing situation.