Seamanship

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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
Sailing
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.