Coxswain

[2] In 1724, a "cockswain" was defined as "An officer of a ship who takes care of the cockboat, barge or shallop, with all its furniture, and is in readiness with his crew to man the boat on all occasions."

When the term "cockboat" became obsolete, the title of coxswain as the person in charge of a ship's boat remained.

In a race setting, the coxswain is tasked with motivating the crew as well as steering as straight a course as possible to minimize the distance to the finish line.

In World War I, the term was also used to refer to a chief petty officer who was in charge of steering airships operated by the Royal Naval Air Service.

For larger vessels such as a destroyer, frigate or the Harry DeWolf-class ships (AOPVs), a coxswain holds the rank of chief petty officer 1st class (CPO1).

For Kingston-class coastal defence vessel, a coxswain usually holds the rank of petty officer 1st class (PO1) or CPO2.

An advancement to boatswain's mate second class requires that the individual qualify as and maintain certification as a coxswain.