Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Seamanship

Seamanship is the art of operating a ship or boat.

It involves a knowledge of

and other subjects.

Progression in Seamanship

In the days before mechanical propulsion, a sailor was expected to be able to "hand, and reef, and steer." Training is more formal in modern merchant marines and navies, but still covers the basics.

On a man o'war, the bosun, or boatswain, is the petty officer responsible for managing the handling of the ship.

The quartermaster is responsible for maintaining the helm of a man o'war.