This article is about a seafaring occupation. For other uses, see Boatswain (disambiguation).
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), bo's'n, bos'n, or bosun, also known as a deck boss, or a qualified member of the deck department, 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.
A boatswain (/ˈboʊsən/ BOH-sən, formerly and dialectally also /ˈboʊtsweɪn/ BOHT-swayn), bo's'n, bos'n, or bosun, also known as a deck boss, or a qualified...
Jacqueline Boatswain (sometimes credited as Jacqui Boatswain) [failed verification] is an English actress of Vincentian origin. She is best known for...
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including lifeboatman certification. The ship's boatswain, if carried, is typically a senior AB. The boatswain is in charge of the able seamen and ordinary...
The Boatswain Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary (variant: Baie Boatswain Migratory Bird Sanctuary) is a migratory bird sanctuary that extends between Nunavut...
of petty officer second class) and the rating of boatswain's mate, then combining the two—boatswain's mate second class (BM2)—defines both rank and rating...
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