What is a Bosun?
In the merchant navy, a bosun (also spelt boatswain) is a senior crew member responsible for supervising the deck crew and maintaining the ship’s equipment and facilities. The bosun is responsible for various tasks such as rigging, anchoring, and maintaining the deck and boats. The bosun also assists the deck officer in navigating the ship and ensuring safety procedures are followed.
A bosun typically works on merchant ships, including cargo ships, container ships, oil tankers, and passenger ships. In the merchant navy, a bosun is a crucial member of the deck department and is responsible for overseeing and performing various tasks related to the maintenance and operation of the ship. The bosun reports to the deck officer and works closely with other deck crew members to ensure the smooth operation of the ship.
Bosun Comand Hierarchy
In the merchant navy, the command hierarchy for a bosun is as follows:
Bosun: A bosun is responsible for supervising the deck crew and maintaining the ship’s equipment and facilities.
Deck Crew: The bosun is in charge of the deck crew, which includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
Deck Officer: The bosun reports to the deck officer, who is in charge of the deck department and the overall operation of the ship.
Therefore, the bosun is in charge of the deck crew and is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the ship’s deck while being supervised by the deck officer. The deck officer oversees the bosun and the deck crew and ensures the ship operates safely and efficiently.
How To Become a Bosun?
To become a bosun in the merchant navy, a person typically needs to follow these steps:
Education and Training: The first step to becoming a bosun is to complete a high school education and obtain a certificate of competency in maritime studies, such as the Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) certificate.
Sea Service: Next, the individual must gain sea experience working as a deckhand or able seaman. This typically involves working on ships for a minimum of two years, during which they can gain knowledge and skills related to the operation and maintenance of ships.
Advancement: After gaining sufficient sea experience, an individual can apply for a promotion to become a bosun. Some shipping companies may require additional training or certification, such as safety and emergency response training.
Certification: Finally, the individual may need to obtain a certificate of competency as a bosun, which is issued by a maritime regulatory authority.
It is important to note that requirements for becoming a bosun may vary based on the country and shipping company, and the individual should research and follow the specific requirements for their intended employer.
Skills and Attribute of Bosuns
A good bosun in the merchant navy should have the following skills and attributes:
Leadership: A good bosun should have strong leadership skills and be able to effectively lead and motivate the deck crew.
Communication: A bosun should have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to be able to effectively communicate with the deck crew, other departments, and superiors.
Technical Knowledge: A good bosun should have a strong understanding of ships, navigation, and maritime laws, as well as the ability to use navigation and communication equipment.
Problem-Solving: A bosun should be able to quickly identify and solve problems, make decisions and implement solutions under pressure.
Safety Awareness: A bosun should have a strong commitment to safety and be knowledgeable about safety procedures, maritime laws and regulations, and emergency response.
Physical Fitness: A bosun should be physically fit, as the job can be physically demanding and may involve working in adverse weather conditions.
Attention to Detail: A bosun should be meticulous and have a keen eye for detail to ensure the ship’s smooth operation and the crew’s safety.
Flexibility and Adaptability: A good bosun should be flexible and adaptable, as they may be required to perform various tasks in different circumstances and conditions.
Career Opportunities for Bosuns
Career Opportunities As A Bosun In the Merchant Navy
A bosun in the merchant navy has several career opportunities, including:
Promotion: A bosun can be promoted to higher-level positions in the deck department, such as a chief officer or master.
Specialisation: A bosun can specialise in a particular area, such as safety management or navigation, to advance their career and increase their expertise.
Shore-based Positions: A bosun can transition to a shore-based position in the maritime industry, such as a port manager, marine surveyor, or maritime consultant.
Training and Instruction: A bosun with experience and knowledge in maritime operations and safety can pursue a career in training and instruction, teaching future deck crew members and officers.
Entrepreneurship: A bosun with leadership skills and business acumen can start their own maritime business or consultancy.
It is important to note that career opportunities for a bosun may vary based on the individual’s experience, skills, qualifications, and the demands of the market and shipping industry.
Opportunities For Bosuns Beyond The Merchant Navy
A qualified bosun in the merchant navy has several career opportunities outside of the industry, including:
Offshore Oil and Gas: A bosun can work in the offshore oil and gas industry, where their maritime skills and experience can be applied to roles such as platform manager or marine coordinator.
Coastal and Inland Waterways: A bosun can work in the coastal and inland waterways industries, such as in river and canal transportation, where their maritime knowledge can be used in operations and safety management roles.
Port Operations: A bosun can work in port operations, where their experience in cargo handling and ship maintenance can be applied to roles such as terminal manager or operations supervisor.
Maritime Security: A bosun can work in the maritime security industry, providing security services to ships, ports, and offshore installations.
Maritime Law Enforcement: A bosun can work in maritime law enforcement, such as with coast guard agencies or port state control, where their knowledge of maritime laws and regulations can be applied to enforcement roles.
It is important to note that career opportunities for a bosun outside of the merchant navy may vary based on the individual’s experience, skills, qualifications, and the demands of the market and specific industry.
How Much Do Bosuns Make In The UK?
The salary of a bosun in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the size and type of shipping company, the individual’s experience and qualifications, and the market demands. On average, a bosun in the UK can expect to earn between £25,000 and £40,000 per year. It is important to note that this is just an estimate and salaries can vary widely based on the individual’s circumstances.
Become a Bosun In The UK
Here are a few ways someone could find opportunities to become a bosun:
Maritime Recruitment Agencies: Several maritime recruitment agencies specialise in placing candidates in the shipping industry, including positions as a bosun. These agencies can provide job listings, advice on qualifications and training, and support in finding the right position.
Shipping Companies: Shipping companies always need experienced and qualified deck crew, including bosuns. Candidates can search for job opportunities on the websites of shipping companies or through online job boards.
Professional Networking: Building a network of contacts in the maritime industry can provide opportunities for finding work as a bosun. This can be done by attending industry events, joining professional organisations, and connecting with industry professionals on LinkedIn.
Maritime Training Institutions: Maritime training institutions, such as colleges and universities, often have relationships with shipping companies and can provide job placement services and support in finding work as a bosun.
On-the-Job Training: It is possible to find opportunities to become a bosun by starting as an entry-level deck crew member and working your way up through on-the-job training and experience.
It is important to note that opportunities for becoming a bosun may vary based on the individual’s experience, skills, qualifications, and the demands of the market and specific industry.
