what is a bosun

A bosun, also known as a boatswain, is a member of the deck department on a ship or yacht. They are responsible for supervising the unlicensed deck crew, planning and assigning work to the deck crew, and ensuring the safety and security of the premises. The main duties of a bosun revolve around the deck area of the ship, and they are involved in the maintenance of the ships exterior, including cleaning, varnishing, and carpentry. They also oversee the use of toys and tenders, and they are generally the main tender driver. A bosun must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to manage the decks conditions, analyze weather inconsistencies, and geographical positioning. They must be able to work for extended hours, multitask, and perform various tasks under minimal supervision. To become a bosun, one must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, two years of marine experience, and relevant certifications. The average salary of a bosun is $69,177 per year.