What does a Boatswain do?
A boatswain, commonly known as a bosun, is responsible for maintaining and repairing a ship’s equipment and overseeing the deck crew. They play a vital role in ensuring a ship is well-maintained and able to function properly. Bosuns are in charge of managing and directing deck operations, including cargo handling, mooring and anchoring the vessel, and supervising the crew’s safety. They are also responsible for ensuring that all safety procedures and regulations are followed, including the proper use of safety equipment. In addition, a boatswain is accountable for maintaining all equipment and machinery on the deck, such as ropes, chains, winches, and cranes.
Our Boatswain job description includes the Boatswain responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
Boatswain Example
Our Job Advertising Packages
Choose the best package, edit the advert and post your job!
| Starter | Premium | Corporate | National | Branded | Resourcer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reed | ||||||
| Indeed Sponsored | ||||||
| Monster | ||||||
| Google Jobs | ||||||
| Glassdoor | ||||||
| LinkedIn Jobs | ||||||
| Totaljobs | ||||||
| Jobsite | ||||||
| Guardian Jobs | ||||||
| CV-Library | ||||||
| Industry boards | ||||||
| CV Targeting* | ||||||
| many more | ||||||
| £99 | £199 | £329 | £349 | £399 | £599 | |
| Job Advert Package + Flat Fee Recruitment Services | ||||||
| CV Filtering | ||||||
| Video Interviewing | ||||||
| Interview Scheduling | ||||||
| £799 | £799 | £929 | £949 | £999 | £1199 | |
If you need an example job description for a Boatswain download the one below, alternatively we have many other Transportation and Logistics job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.
What does a Boatswain do?
A Boatswain (sometimes referred to as a Bosun) is an experienced deck-hand who is responsible for the smooth running of a ship. Working with the Captain and crew, the Boatswain is in charge of the maintenance and repair of all the vessel’s equipment and machinery, as well as the rigging, mooring and launching of boats. The Boatswain is also responsible for the safety of the crew and passengers onboard, carrying out safety drills and monitoring safety equipment. The Boatswain will also supervise the loading and unloading of cargo and supplies, as well as making sure that the ship is properly stowed and maintained. In addition, the Boatswain will lead, train and manage a deck crew, ensuring that the ship is operated in a safe and efficient manner.
Boatswain Role Purpose
The purpose of a Boatswain (sometimes spelled Bosun) is to be responsible for the equipment, supplies, and crew of a ship. The Boatswain is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship, including rigging, anchors, cables, and deck maintenance. They also supervise the loading and unloading of cargo, the maintenance of the ship's hull, and the upkeep of the vessel's safety equipment. The Boatswain is also responsible for ensuring that the crew performs their duties and follows orders.
Boatswain Role
A Boatswain (pronounced 'bosun') is a member of ship's crew responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of the vessel, its rigging, and its equipment.
Boatswain Duties
- Plan and coordinate activities of crew on board a ship
- Maintain safety regulations and emergency procedures
- Check supplies and equipment
- Carry out repairs and maintenance of the vessel
- Supervise and train the crew
- Ensure compliance with maritime laws and regulations
- Conduct drills and exercises
- Monitor navigation systems and equipment
Boatswain Requirements
- Carry out maintenance and repair of ships equipment
- Operate deck machinery and navigation equipment
- Maintain the ship's external surfaces and equipment
- Supervise the loading and unloading of cargo
- Organise the working of deck crew and maintain discipline
- Plan, organise and monitor the work of crew members
Boatswain Skills
- Leadership
- Organisation
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
- Knowledge of safety regulations
Boatswain Personal Traits
- Leadership
- Organisational skills
- Ability to react quickly and calmly
- Knowledge of marine operations
How to write a Boatswain Job Advert
Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.
A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.
Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.
How to write a Boatswain Job Description
To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.
Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Boatswain Job Specification
The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.
Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Boatswain Job Specification
When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:
Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.
Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.
Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.
The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.
Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth.
Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources.
Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.
Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.
Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.
How to Hire a Boatswain
Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV
