What does "outboard" indicate?

The term "outboard" refers to a direction that is away from the centerline of the ship and towards the sides. When a vessel is maneuvered or when observing equipment and personnel on board, areas or items that are positioned outboard are located towards the hull’s sides. This terminology is commonly used in maritime contexts to describe where objects, crew members, or operations are located relative to the vessel's centerline, which aids in navigation, safety, and operational communication. Understanding this concept is crucial for various aspects of ship handling and navigation, particularly when it comes to maintaining awareness of positions and movements in relation to the vessel’s structure.