Navy boat crew Most Navy boats have permanently assigned crew s . Crew size varies depending on the type of boat , but typically consists of the coxswain , engineer , and bowhook and sometimes a sternhook and boat officer . All must be qualified swimmers . The boat crews represent their vessel and should for that reason take pride in their appearance and that of their boat . The efficiency and smartness of a ship ' s boats and boat crews reflect the standards of the ship . Clean white uniform s can be hard to maintain on some ships , but custom dictates that every day the ship ' s laundry wash and press a uniform for each member of the duty boat ' s crew . Ship regulations frequently require crew members to wear sneakers . This is a safety factor , but it also keeps the boats themselves looking good . Coxswain . The coxswain is in charge of all personnel and equipment in the boat . Subject to the orders of the Officer of the Deck ( OOD ) and the senior line officer embarked , a coxswain otherwise has full authority and is responsible for the boat ' s appearance , safety , and efficient operation . The crew and passengers ( including embarked troops ) are required to cooperate fully with the coxswain . In fulfilling his or her responsibilities , the coxswain must be familiar with all details relating to the boat ' s care and handling . Equally important , the coxswain must be able to instruct the crew in all aspect of the general service and drills . The coxswain is also responsible for the appearance and behavior of the crew . Engineer . The engineer must see that the engine is in good condition and ready to run . Only the engineer should work on the engine . The engineer may also perform the duties of the sternhook . Bowhook . The bowhook handles lines forward when the boat is coming alongside a pier or ship . The bowhook also tends fenders and forward weather cloths ( canvases spread for protection against the wind ) . In an open boat , the bowhook usually sits on the forward thwart ( cross seat ) on the starboard side , outboard . In bad weather , she or he may move to the lee side . The bowhook faces the bow and serves as a lookout . If the boat is decked over , the bowhook stands on the starboard after deck facing forward . When the boat approaches the landing , the bowhook should be ready to spring ashore with the painter ( length of line secured to the bow of the boat for towing or making fast ) and take a turn on the nearest cleat . When the boat approaches a ship " s side , the bowhook should be in the bow with the boathook , ready to snag the boat line and make it fast . The bowhook should always have a fender ready to drop over the side if a bump is unavoidable . Sternhook . The sternhook , likewise , should be ready at once to jump ashore with the stern line . In an open boat , the sternhook normally sits on the starboard side , outboard on the after thwart , facing aft . On deck over craft , the sternhook usually stands on the port side of the after deck , facing forward Boat Officer . During heavy weather , and other times as deemed necessary , an officer ( sometimes a chief petty officer ) is assigned to each duty boat . A boat officer naturally has authority over the coxswain . The boat officer does not assume the coxswain ' s responsibilities , or relieve the coxswain of his duties , but is there to oversee the boat operations to ensure that safety is maintained at all times . The situation is somewhat like the relationship between the OOD and the commanding officer on the bridge . The coxswain and boat officer are responsible for the boat and for the safety and welfare of the crew and passengers .