Seamanship

Seamanship is the art of operating a ship or boat.

It involves a knowledge of

• Navigation practices
• The rules and regulations of navigation
• Deck seamanship
• Marlinspike seamanship, including the use of line and knots
• Watchstanding
• Sails
• Engines
• Communications
• Weather
• Small boat handling

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.