Boatswain
かんぱんちょう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
The boatswain oversees the ship's deck department, guiding and managing deckhands while handling tasks such as hull maintenance, cargo handling, voyage preparation, and safety inspections, serving as the leadership role for deck crew.
Description
The boatswain (bosun) acts as the leader in the ship's deck department, providing guidance and supervision to deckhands, and is responsible for planning and executing all deck-related tasks, including rope work, cargo handling operations, hull painting and rust prevention, maintenance inspections, and handling of life-saving equipment. During berthing and unberthing operations, they perform appropriate line handling and dynamic load management to ensure safe navigation and smooth cargo loading/unloading. Additionally, they adjust work procedures in response to changes in weather or voyage conditions and handle emergency troubleshooting. The boatswain collaborates with navigating officers and the captain, and participates in crew safety education, training, and maintenance schedule planning.
Future Outlook
With the globalization of the shipping industry, the number of ships remains stable, and demand for skilled deck crew is expected to continue. Advances in automation technology and labor reduction will increase the value of personnel with specialized skills and diverse qualifications.
Personality Traits
Cautious / Has cooperativeness / Has leadership / Physically fit / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
International voyages / Land-based work / Long-term sea duty / Night watches / Shifts
Career Path
Apprentice deckhand → Senior deckhand → Boatswain → Chief Mate (Navigating Officer) → Captain
Required Skills
Anti-corrosion painting work / Cargo handling operations / Inspection and maintenance of safety equipment / Inspection and operation of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment / Rope work / Ship radio communication
Recommended Skills
Crane operation / English communication (maritime field) / First aid / Welding and piping basics
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Work methods must be adjusted according to weather or ship type. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Mistakes in line tying or safety equipment inspections are not tolerated. |
| Communication Skills | Essential for giving instructions and coordinating with deckhands. |
| Initiative & Leadership | Need to proactively issue instructions and improvement suggestions. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Due to heavy labor and frequent long hours of standing work. |
| Planning & Organization | Necessary for safe and efficient work planning. |
| Problem Solving | Necessary for on-site troubleshooting. |
| Stress Tolerance | Must remain calm and respond even in bad weather or emergencies. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Essential for integrated team task execution. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Mainly standard procedure-based work with little creativity required. |
Related Qualifications
- Marine Special Radio Operator
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- Slinging Skills Training
- Small Vessel Operator's License
Aliases
- BOSUN
- Boatswain
Related Jobs
- Chief Engineer
- Deckhand
- Navigating Officer