Q: Was a boatswain until recently the oldest rank in the Royal Navy? ¶
A: Yes, and its origins can be traced back to the year 1040.
Q: Was a boatswain in charge of a ship's anchors? ¶
A: Yes, and cordage, colours, deck crew and the ship's boats.
Q: Is a boatswain also a third or fourth mate? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Are boatswains able to integrate their seafarer skills into supervising and communicating with members of deck crew with often diverse backgrounds? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Is a boatswain well versed in the care and handling of lines? ¶
A: Yes, and has knowledge of knots, hitches, bends, whipping, and splices as needed to perform tasks such as mooring a vessel.