Seamanship is
the art of operating a ship or boat. It involves topics and development of
specialised skills including: navigation and international maritime law; weather, meteorology and forecasting; watch keeping, ship-handling
and small boat handling; operation of deck equipment, anchors and cables; rope work 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; 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 mariner. However,
the practice of good seamanship should be the goal of all. The deep meaning of
the word seamanship derives from the word seaman & ship. Thus it is the
seaman who makes a good ship through his qualifications. Above all, Seamanship
means Safety onboard and this is managed through continuous training and
implementation of good working practices.
Often Seamanship is described as nothing but common
sense.