And aircraft also have bulkheads, hatches, sometimes ladders. For a mariner to have to say "to your left as you look toward the sharp, pointy end" is a bit affected, IMO. Then again, the OP should go for a sail where they speak of a beam reach, broad reach, sheets, athwart...

I've also noticed when I travel, the people in a number of countries I visit are speaking funny languages (especially in Australia). Hey, ship happens...