Sailor
Three types of mariners, seen here in the wheelhouse of a ship: a master, able seaman, and harbour pilot. | |
| Occupation | |
|---|---|
Occupation type | Profession |
Activity sectors | Military and civilian |
| Description | |
| Competencies | Physical Stamina Mindset |
Fields of employment | Navy, Coast Guard, civilian companies and organizations |
Related jobs | Maritime |
A sailor, seaman, mariner, or seafarer is a person who works aboard a watercraft as part of its crew, and may work in any one of a number of different fields that are related to the operation and maintenance of a ship. While the term sailor has its etymological roots from sailing, that is a time when sailing ships were the main mode of transport at sea, it now refers to the personnel of all watercraft regardless of the type of vessel, boat or ship.[1] It encompasses people who operate ships professionally, be it for a military (navy) or civilian (merchant navy) or for sports or recreation. In a navy, there may be further distinctions: sailor may refer to any member of the navy even if they are based on land, while seaman may refer to a specific enlisted rank. Additionally, fisherman are seen as a distinct type of sailor, that is those engaged in fishing.
Sailors have existed from the earliest periods in history as people used boats for purposes such as maritime transport.[2][3] Professional sailors normally undertake training or other forms of education to develop their skills. Professional sailors are also governed by regulations, including the STCW Convention.[4]
- ^ "Definition of SAILOR". Merriam-Webster. 2024-08-05. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ Anderson, Romola; Anderson, R. C. (2003-09-01). A Short History of the Sailing Ship. Mineola, NY: Courier Corporation. ISBN 978-0-486-42988-5.
- ^ Abulafia, David (2019). The Boundless Sea. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-993498-0.
- ^ "International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978". International Maritime Organization. Retrieved 2025-05-03.