Bosun Jobs in the Merchant Navy
The bosun is the senior deck rating who supervises the deck crew and organises maintenance and mooring.
What a Bosun does
The Bosun (Boatswain) is the senior deck rating and the link between the Chief Officer and the deck crew. The role covers organising and supervising deck maintenance, mooring and cargo-handling operations, and mentoring the ABs and OSs.
Certificates and requirements
- Extensive experience as an Able Seaman
- STCW Basic Safety Training and watchkeeping proficiency
- A valid medical certificate and strong deck-work and leadership skills
- Tanker familiarisation for tanker assignments
Which ships hire Bosuns
Bosuns are needed across the fleet, particularly on bulk carriers, tankers, and vessels with heavy deck and cargo operations.
Live Bosun vacancies
Looking for your next Bosun contract?
Submit your CV to Shiplo once and get discovered by shipping companies and RPSL crewing teams worldwide. Free for seafarers, always.
Submit your CV →Why Shiplo
Shiplo is a global maritime hiring network built by a former Chief Engineer. Instead of chasing the same opening across dozens of WhatsApp groups, you submit your CV once and let verified shipping companies find you - ranked by how recently you confirmed you're available.