Bosun / Boatswain

The bosun is the working foreman of the deck. The Chief Officer decides what needs doing and the bosun makes it happen. You allocate the deckhands each morning, check their work, and step in when a job needs a more experienced pair of hands. On most yachts between 40m and 90m you are the most senior crew member who still spends the whole day outside, in overalls, with a sponge, a drill or a line in your hand.

Much of the role is about the guest experience. You run tender operations, launch and recover the water toys, organise beach setups and lead mooring and anchoring stations alongside the officer on the foredeck. You also own the exterior finish. That means teak care, stainless, varnish touch ups, gelcoat and paint repairs, and knowing which products are safe on which surfaces. Owners and charter guests notice a dull rail or a stained deck long before they notice anything else.

Behind the scenes you manage deck stores, keep the maintenance log for tenders, toys and deck equipment, and train junior crew in safe working practices. You are often the link between the deck team and the bridge, so good judgement and calm communication matter as much as skill. Many bosuns are studying for their Officer of the Watch ticket, and a strong season in the role is the usual stepping stone to the bridge.