"Bosuns: The Lost Art of Mentorship"

11/12/2024

By Ben Willoughby

The Bosun holds one of the most influential roles on board. They are the bridge between the bridge team and the deck team, responsible for not just the operation and maintenance of the vessel but also for shaping the next generation of yacht crew.

Yet, in recent years, the role of the Bosun seems to have lost its heart. The mentorship and teaching that once defined the position have taken a backseat to ego, self-promotion, and complacency.

Today’s deckhands—eager, green, and brimming with potential—are left without the guidance they need to develop into confident, capable crew members. Instead of nurturing their growth, many Bosuns are stuck in a cycle of delegating tasks without explaining the why, shutting down questions, and undervaluing the curiosity and ambition that junior crew bring to the deck.

Where Are the Teachers?

It’s hard to come by these days—a senior crew member who will truly empower and mentor a junior crew member. Leadership is about creating an environment where your team feels safe to grow, explore, and even make mistakes under your guidance.

A Bosun, more than any other role, should be a teacher. Whether it’s showing a green deckhand how to splice a line, caulk a seam, whip the end of a rope, varnish a rail, or maneuver a tender with confidence, teaching these skills is fundamental. This is how you shape not just a competent crew member but a future leader.

Junior crew need space to grow and explore. They need room to make mistakes and learn from them—without fear of harsh judgment or humiliation. And they need guidance that is patient, clear, and constructive.

Perhaps I feel this so deeply because I’ve always been a teacher at heart. But to me, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching a deckhand gain confidence and master a skill they never thought they could achieve. This is the essence of leadership: giving your team the tools they need to succeed and then stepping back to let them shine.

The Power of Empowerment

When Bosuns create opportunities for their crew to grow—whether through hands-on tasks, leadership exercises, or real-world problem-solving—the results are transformative. Junior crew develop not just skills, but also confidence in their ability to handle the demands of yachting.

Imagine the pride a deckhand feels after successfully leading the deck team for a day, docking a tender in a tricky marina, or completing a perfectly varnished cap rail. These moments don’t just build individual crew members—they strengthen the entire team.

Bosun for a Day - A Practical Learning Opportunity

One of the most effective ways to mentor junior crew is by giving them the chance to step into the Bosun's shoes—literally. Assigning a deckhand to take on the role of Bosun for a day allows them to:

1. See the Bigger Picture: Managing the team and balancing responsibilities gives them insight into how their tasks fit into the overall operation of the yacht.

2. Make Decisions: Allowing a deckhand to make real-time decisions, with the Bosun shadowing them, teaches them critical thinking and leadership skills.

3. Build Confidence: Knowing they can handle the responsibilities of leadership instills a sense of pride and prepares them for future opportunities.

For this exercise to be truly effective, the Bosun should Shadow, Don’t Interfere. Let the deckhand lead, making their own choices and solving problems, stepping in only if necessary to prevent serious issues.

These opportunities are invaluable for junior crew members, but they are sorely lacking on many yachts today. Too often, deckhands are relegated to repetitive tasks without ever being trusted to take on more responsibility.

Ego-Driven Leadership: A Growing Problem

Ego has become a major obstacle in yachting leadership. Too many Bosuns are caught up in showcasing their own achievements—whether it’s their tickets, their material possessions, or their perceived authority. This ego-driven mindset stifles the team dynamic and leaves little room for collaboration or teaching.

The problem is twofold:

1. Delegation Without Development: Tasks are handed out without explanation or guidance, leaving junior crew feeling like cogs in a machine rather than valued team members.

2. Dismissal of Fresh Perspectives: New crew often bring fresh energy and ideas, but these are frequently dismissed as naïve or unimportant.

Leadership isn’t about showing how much you know—it’s about using your knowledge to empower others.

A Legacy of Leadership

True leadership isn’t about how much you’ve achieved—it’s about how much you’ve helped others achieve. A Bosun’s legacy is measured by the crew they’ve shaped, the skills they’ve imparted, and the confidence they’ve inspired.

Imagine a yachting industry where every Bosun took pride in being a teacher. Where junior crew felt empowered to grow, and teams worked not just with efficiency but with purpose and passion. That’s the kind of industry we should be striving for.

So to every Bosun out there: step up, teach, mentor, and inspire. Your crew—and the future of yachting—depend on it. Always, Ben.