Boatswain
The boatswain aboard a US merchant ship stands cargo watch as freight is lowered into an open hatch, c. 1981 | |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Bosun Deck Boss Chief rate |
| Department | Deck department |
| Licensed | No |
| Requirements | Typically, able seaman certificate |
| Watchstanding | |
| Watch (at sea) | On smaller vessels (varies) |
| Watch (in port) | On smaller vessels (varies) |
A boatswain (/ˈboʊsən/ BOH-sən, formerly and dialectally also /ˈboʊtsweɪn/ BOHT-swayn, is the most senior rate of the deck department and is responsible for the components of a ship's hull. The boatswain supervises the other members of the ship's deck department and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Additional duties vary depending upon ship, crew and circumstances. The name is also known as bo's'n, bos'n, bosun, deck boss, a qualified member of the deck department or the third hand on a fishing vessel.