A boatswain, often referred to as "bosun," is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship's deck and its equipment. This includes overseeing the crew in tasks such as handling sails, rigging, and line management, as well as maintaining the ship's safety gear. The boatswain also ensures that the deck is kept clean and organized, and communicates orders to the crew during operations. Overall, the bosun plays a crucial role in the ship's day-to-day functioning and safety.
The boatswain /BO'S'N
Boatswain's mate
A boatswain's pipe is a whistle previously used by boatswains' mates to pipe orders thorughout a ship, now used for the ceremonial piping onboard of visiting dignitaries.
The antonym of "boatswain," which refers to a ship's officer responsible for equipment and crew, could be "passenger." While the boatswain is actively involved in the operation and maintenance of the vessel, a passenger typically has no responsibilities related to the ship's management and is there primarily for travel or leisure. Another potential antonym could be "landlubber," denoting someone who is not accustomed to life at sea.
A boatswain's chair is a short board or other seating, secured in a bridle of ropes, used to hoist a man aloft or over the ship's side for painting and similar work.
Boatswain Mates are part of the Deck Division. They stand watches at the helm and lookouts. They are responsible for the outside of the ship. They also maintain the small boats and top side equipment as well as provide boat crews.
In Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," the character who believes the boatswain is more likely to hang than drown is Antonio. He expresses this opinion during a storm when the crew is struggling to manage the ship. Antonio's comment reflects his cynical view of authority and the harsh realities of survival at sea, suggesting that the boatswain, being a lower-ranking crew member, faces greater risks from the ship's leadership than from the sea itself.
The Boatswain's Mate was created in 1914.
Harry Boatswain died in 2005-08.
Harry Boatswain was born on 1969-06-26.
Boatswain was a Newfoundland dog, known for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty. Lord Byron was deeply attached to Boatswain and wrote a famous poem in his honor.
A boatswain bird is a tropical bird, Latin name Phaethon aethereus, often found far from land, whose call is said to resemble the whistle of a boatswain's pipe.