A bosun, also known as a boatswain, is a member of the deck department on a ship. The bosun is responsible for supervising the deck crew of the vessel and overseeing the planning, scheduling, and assigning of work to the deck crew. The main duties of a bosun revolve around the deck area of the ship, and they play a crucial role in ensuring that the ship is seaworthy. Some of the specific responsibilities of a bosun include:
-
Mooring/Anchoring: The bosun plays a crucial role in efficient operations of the vessel from the time when the mooring lines are laid out on deck prior to reaching port, right to the time when the ship is cast off.
-
Tender Driving: The bosun is generally the main tender driver and is responsible for organizing deck operations and supplies, as well as storage and use of toys and tenders.
-
Inspection: The bosun inspects the ships equipment and facilities to ensure the safety and security of the premises.
To become a bosun, one typically works their way up through the ranks from deckhand, then lead deckhand if they have been working on superyachts, and this takes a few years. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required, along with two years of marine experience. Having relevant certifications is a plus, and a bosun must possess communication, multitasking, organization, and time management skills. The average salary of a bosun is $69,177 per year, equivalent to $33.26 an hour.
