seamanship

Seamanship is the art of operating a ship or boat.

It involves a knowledge of a variety of topics and development of specialised skills including:

• Navigation and international maritime law;
• Weather, meteorology and forecasting;
• Watchstanding;
• ship-handling and Small boat handling;
• operation of deck equipment, anchors and cables;
• Ropework and line handling;
• Communications;
• Sailing;
• Engines;
• execution of evolutions such as towing;
• Cargo handling equipment, dangerous cargoes and cargo storage;
• Dealing with emergencies; and
• Survival at sea and Search and Rescue.
• Fire fighting.

The degree of knowledge needed within these areas is dependent upon the nature of the work and the type of vessel employed by a mariner. However, the practice of good seamanship should be the goal of all.