Know your Nautical terminology
Today I want to deal with a pet peeve of mine from reading lots of science and nautical fiction. That is, improper references to parts of a vessel and directions on said vessels. These errors occur most often in Space Opera and not at all in historical fiction. Writers of historical fiction know that their readers are knowledgeable on the subject and will spot errors.
abeam
On the beam, a relative bearing at right angles to the ship's keel.
afore
1. In, on, or toward the fore or front of a vessel.
2. In front of a vessel.
aft
1. Toward the stern or rear of a vessel.
2. The portion of a vessel behind the middle area of the vessel.
ahead
Forward of the bow.
aport
Toward the port side of a vessel.
astarboard
Toward the starboard side of a vessel.
astern
1. Toward the stern or rear of a vessel.
2. Behind a vessel.
Probably the worst offense is the missuse of 'aft' for 'stern'. Aft is a direction and NOT a place.
WWG1WGA
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)