The boatswain typically operates the ship's windlasses when letting go and heaving up anchors. Moreover, a boatswain may be called upon to lead firefighting efforts or other emergency …

Boatswain, ship’s officer responsible for maintenance of the ship and its equipment. Before the Royal Navy was established, the term boatswain was applied to the expert seaman on an …

BOATSWAIN definition: 1. the officer on a ship who is responsible for taking care of the ship's equipment 2. the officer…. Learn more.

The meaning of BOATSWAIN is a petty officer on a merchant ship having charge of hull maintenance and related work.

Jan 4, 2026 · boatswain (plural boatswains) A person aboard ship who is in charge of various maritime affairs. The officer (or warrant officer) in charge of sails, rigging, anchors, cables etc. …

BOATSWAIN definition: a warrant officer on a warship, or a petty officer on a merchant vessel, in charge of rigging, anchors, cables, etc. See examples of boatswain used in a sentence.

Usage Note: The word boatswain is pronounced as a single word with two syllables (b ō s ə n). People with sea legs have a long tradition of spelling the word as bosun, bo's'n, and bos'n to …