Nantucket Whaleboat Adventure

A partnership of the Egan Maritime Foundation,
Nantucket Community Sailing and Susan and James Genthner

DUTIES OF A WHALE-BOATS' CREW

MATE OR BOATHEADER	Officer in charge of the boat. He steers the boat while approaching the whale. After the whale is harpooned and the boat is "fast" to the whale with the whale line, the mate goes forward and does the lancing or killing of the whale.
BOATSTEERER	Pulls the forward oar, called the harpooner's oar, until close enough to dart the harpoon. After darting, he exchanges places with the mate and steers the boat.
BOWMAN	Pulls the second oar. Assists the boatsteer in stepping and lowering the mast. He pulls in on the whale line and tends it while the mate is lancing. He is the most experienced foremast hand in the boat.
MIDSHIP OARSMAN	Pulls midship oar.
TUB OARSMAN	Pulls tub oar. Wets the whale line as whale sounds prevent its burning from friction.
AFTER OARSMAN	Pulls the stroke oar. He coils the line as it is brought aboard while the boat is being pulled up on the whale. He helps catch and secure the mast after it is lowered. He also bails the boat. The after oarsman works under the boatsteerer in maintaining the whaleboat. He is generally the lightest man in the boat.

All oarsmen heave in on the whale line, bail, and move aft to trim the boat as ordered while the boat is under tow.

From THE WHALE BOAT by Willits D. Ansel