Senior unlicensed deck rating responsible for the upkeep of deck equipment, mooring gear, and supervision of the deck crew.
In practice
The bosun's responsibilities extend to pre-arrival and pre-departure mooring stations, where they typically take charge of the fo'c'sle or poop deck party. They inspect mooring lines for wear and replace defective equipment before it becomes a hazard. Under MLC 2006 requirements, seafarers must not be assigned duties they are not trained or competent to perform, and the bosun plays a key role in identifying and mentoring junior ratings. A competent bosun is often regarded as the backbone of an efficient deck department.
Regulatory detail & full definition
The bosun (boatswain) is the senior unlicensed rating on the deck department, occupying a supervisory position between the officers and the general seamen. Under the direction of the chief mate, the bosun allocates daily work to the deck crew, organises maintenance routines, and ensures that mooring gear, rigging, deck machinery, and hull paintwork are kept in serviceable condition. The role demands broad practical knowledge of seamanship, rigging, and deck operations acquired over many years of sea service.
The bosun's responsibilities extend to pre-arrival and pre-departure mooring stations, where they typically take charge of the fo'c'sle or poop deck party. They inspect mooring lines for wear and replace defective equipment before it becomes a hazard. Under MLC 2006 requirements, seafarers must not be assigned duties they are not trained or competent to perform, and the bosun plays a key role in identifying and mentoring junior ratings. A competent bosun is often regarded as the backbone of an efficient deck department.