It involves a knowledge of
Progression in Seamanship In the days before mechanical propulsion, a sailor was expected to be able to "hand, and reef, and steer." Training is more formal in modern merchant marines and navies, but still covers the basics. On a man o'war, the bosun, or boatswain, is the petty officer responsible for managing the handling of the ship. The quartermaster is responsible for maintaining the helm of a man o'war.
In the days before mechanical propulsion, a sailor was expected to be able to "hand, and reef, and steer." Training is more formal in modern merchant marines and navies, but still covers the basics.
On a man o'war, the bosun, or boatswain, is the petty officer responsible for managing the handling of the ship.
The quartermaster is responsible for maintaining the helm of a man o'war.