A young boy went on a field trip to Robben Island with his school class. He was very interested in the boat that would take them to the island, and once underway, he nagged the skipper to let him steer the boat for a while.

Skipper: "You don't know anything about boats, young man. How can I place all our lives in your inexperienced hands?"

Boy: "I often steer the boat when I go sailing with my father of his yacht, sir!"

Skipper: "Well, let's see how well your father has taught you, then. If I say 'port side', what do I mean?"

Boy: "That's easy! It means the left side of the boat."

Skipper: "And if I want you to steer slightly to the right, how would I tell you in proper nautical language?"

Boy: "You'd simply tell me to 'ease it to starboard', sir!"

Skipper: "If I said 'astern', what would I mean?"

Boy: "Backwards, sir!"

Skipper: "And straight?"

Boy: "Without ice!"