Boatswain

Boatswain is an officer on board ship, who has charge of the boats, sails, rigging, cables, anchors, flags, and cordage. In the navy he is a warrant-officer, and is immediately under the navigating officer in some of these duties; he frequently examines the masts and yards, sails and ropes, to report on their condition and efficiency. He also keeps account of all the spare rigging, &c., and superintends the replacement of old by new. He assists in the necessary business of the ship, and in relieving the watch. The boatswain's mate assists in all these duties. See WARRANT-OFFICERS.