Seamanship
[1] The Oxford Dictionary states that seamanship is "The skill, techniques, or practice of handling a ship or boat at sea.
"[2] It involves topics and development of specialised skills, including navigation and international maritime law and regulatory knowledge; weather, meteorology and forecasting; watchkeeping; 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; survival at sea and search and rescue; and 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 seafarer.
[3] Oil tankers and gas carriers can be somewhat complex due to the hazardous nature of their cargoes, and therefore a greater degree of seamanship may be necessary for some vessel types compared to others.
[5] Seamanship skills apply to the safe use of different types of lifting gear, whether for cargo operations or for bringing on stores, supplies and provisions.
[6] These example Derricks, Union purchase arrangements, midship or aft cranes, heavy lifting gear, rigging other sheer legs etc.
[10] Navigation and seamanship also involves a working knowledge of correct marine communications and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
[12] A fundamental skill of professional seamanship is being able to manoeuvre a vessel safely with accuracy and precision both at sea and also in port and during pilotage.
[13] Unlike land based vehicles, a ship afloat is subject to the forces of the water in which it floats, as well as the resistance and effects of marine weather.
[13] Ship-handling in coastal areas may involve arriving and departing a berth, anchorage or buoy, maneuvering in confined channels and harbours and in proximity to other ships, whilst at all times navigating safely.
In addition to being fully conversant with the principles of ship-handling, a good shiphandler or pilot will have developed their sense of 'situational awareness' to a point well beyond that of an ordinary member of a ship's crew; their reactions will appear to be instinctive, positive and at all times safe.
[13] These must also be combined with an understanding of a specific vessel's performance, including its propulsion and stopping distance to allow safe handling.
[16] Most commercial vessels in excess of size limits determined by local authorities are handled in confined areas by a maritime (or marine) pilot.
These pilots should be conversant with all types of vessel in their local waters and possess a good knowledge of the different propulsion systems, as well as handling ships of all sizes in all weather and tidal conditions.
This means that the master and crew should adhere to the pilot's orders in respect of the safe navigation of the vessel when in a compulsory pilotage area.
[17] Seamanship involves the correct and adequate maintenance of the ship’s structure and equipment to keep the vessel seaworthy.
[19] Seamanship also involves a working knowledge of the relevant wires, ropes, chains, shackles and slings onboard.
[15] Seamanship on some vessel types may involves being able to maintain and use marine cranes and lifting equipment if fitted on a ship.
Larger ship types usually have a crane for cargo operations and for bringing on stores, provisions and supplies for the crew.
[22] The STCW Convention requires that modern seafarers be familiar with emergency operations, including fire fighting.
[27] Officers and Masters must pass formal examinations to demonstrate their knowledge at various levels, in accordance with national laws and the STCW Convention.
Crew who have gained proficiency become "able seamen", "petty officers", "rated", or "mates" depending on the ship type and organisation.
