In a maritime or naval context, both coxswain (cox’n) and boatswain (bosun or bauson) have vital roles but distinct responsibilities. Here’s a comparison of their duties:

1. Coxswain (Cox’n)

The coxswain is responsible for navigating and steering small boats, particularly in rowing or sailing contexts and sometimes motorised vessels. Their primary focus is on the vessel’s operation.

Responsibilities:

• Steering and Navigation: The coxswain is responsible for steering and controlling the boat, ensuring it stays on course and adjusting to changing water or weather conditions.
• Boat Handling: They manage the throttle (in motorised boats) and give commands related to manoeuvring, docking, and other boat-handling tasks.
• Command of the Crew: On smaller boats, like lifeboats or racing vessels, the coxswain directs the crew, including rowers or sailors, coordinating their movements and giving commands to maintain speed and safety.
• Safety and Responsibility: In many contexts, especially in naval or lifeboat operations, the coxswain is the senior person on board and responsible for the safety of the crew and the boat.
• Communication: In naval settings, the coxswain might communicate between a small boat and the larger ship, ensuring orders are relayed accurately.

2. Boatswain (Bosun)

The boatswain is a senior crew member responsible for maintaining and operating a ship’s rigging, deck, and other equipment. In larger vessels, the role is typically supervisory.

Responsibilities:

• Deck Operations: The boatswain is responsible for managing and supervising the crew in all deck operations, such as mooring, anchoring, cargo handling, and maintenance of the deck equipment.
• Rigging and Sails: On sailing vessels, the boatswain ensures the rigging (ropes, cables, and sails) is in good working order and oversees the crew in hoisting, trimming, and maintaining sails.
• Supervision of Maintenance: The boatswain oversees the repair and maintenance of the ship’s equipment, such as ropes, winches, blocks, and other gear. They ensure everything is in good working condition.
• Discipline and Leadership: As one of the senior crew members, the bosun is responsible for the discipline and organisation of the deck crew, ensuring tasks are carried out efficiently.
• Training: The boatswain may train junior crew members in seamanship skills and safety procedures on larger ships.

Key Differences:

• Size of Vessel: The coxswain typically commands smaller boats (such as lifeboats, patrol boats, or rowing shells), whereas the boatswain works on larger vessels like ships.
• Navigation vs. Maintenance: The coxswain focuses on operating and navigating the vessel, while the boatswain focuses more on the physical condition, rigging, and operational readiness of the ship’s deck and equipment.
• Command Structure: The coxswain commands a small boat’s crew directly, especially in emergencies or competitive rowing, whereas the boatswain is more of a supervisory figure overseeing a larger team responsible for the ship’s day-to-day deck operations.

Summary:

• Coxswain: Primarily responsible for navigating and steering smaller boats, ensuring the safe operation of the vessel and its crew.
• Boatswain: Oversees the deck crew on larger ships and is responsible for the maintenance of the ship’s equipment, rigging, and general operations related to the deck.