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.