Boatswain

Boatswain

The boatswain aboard a US merchant ship stands cargo watch as freight is lowered into an open hatch, c.1981
General
Other names	Bosun Deck Boss Chief rate
Department	Deck department
Licensed	No
Requirements	Typically, able seaman certificate
Watchstanding
Watch (at sea)	On smaller vessels (varies)
Watch (in port)	On smaller vessels (varies)

A boatswain (/ˈboʊsən/ BOH-sən, formerly and dialectally also /ˈboʊtsweɪn/ BOHT-swayn), bo's'n, bos'n, or bosun, also known as a deck boss, or a qualified member of the deck department, is the most senior rate of the deck department and is responsible for the components of a ship's hull. The boatswain supervises the other members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Additional duties vary depending upon ship, crew, and circumstances.