 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.