Yes the 'bow' is the front of the boat and the back of the boat is called the 'stern'. bow is in the front its the ponity part of the boat, the stern is all of the back of the boat.
It depends on the Situation, in a Crossing situation where there are 2 vessels crossing each other, the vessel which has the other vessel on her starboard side shall give way and avoid an alteration...
I would say its not a huge deal to say either. I have heard many a ship/boat operators, Masters, Commanding Officers, Skippers and whatnot refer to themselves affectionately as a "Ship driver" or a...