Editing Seamanship (section)

==Traditional seamanship skills==
[[File:Swedish fid.png|thumb|right|A Swedish fid, used [[ropework]] techniques and a traditional aspect of seamanship.]]
Historic or traditional seamanship skills are less frequently used on modern commercial ships, but are usually still practiced in training colleges and used on smaller ships, fishing vessels and leisure craft.<ref name="21stCenturyf">{{cite book |date=2015 |title=21st Century Seamanship |location=Edinburgh |publisher=[[Witherby Publishing Group]] |pages=1137–1154 |isbn=9781856096324}}</ref> These include [[ropework]] (included tying knots, [[rope splicing]], wire splicing, [[Lashing (ropework)|lashings]] and [[Whipping knot|whippings]]), as well as rigging of a stage, rigging of a bosuns ladder, [[canvas]] work, use of [[Hoist (device)|chain blocks]] and pulleys, etc.<ref name="21stCenturyf"/> Other traditional practices apply to life onboard, such as forms of address to the Captain and in use of marine flag, including courtesies and flag signalling.<ref name="21stCenturyf"/> Specifically, these include items such as flag signalling terms, single and double letter meanings according to the International Code of Signals, flag maintenance, the use of ensigns and also [[Morse code]] procedure and practice.<ref name="Techniques244">{{cite book |last=House |first=David  |date=1994 |title=Seamanship Techniques |publisher=Butterworth-Heinemann |page=244-260 |isbn=978-0750622035}}</ref>

In the days of [[Sailing ship|sailing ships]], an able seaman was expected to be able to "hand, and reef, and steer" and to [[Glossary_of_nautical_terms_(A-L)#know_the_ropes|"know the ropes"]], the basic knowledge on the identity of the many ropes with different functions. This latter knowledge was essential for both safety and efficient working - those without it would be dismissed or dis-rated at the first opportunity.  

Training is more formal in the merchant navy and naval forces, but still covers the basics of ''traditional'' seamanship. Smaller vessel types may have traditional methods of seamanships unique to their vessel types, for example [[Turtling (sailing)|turtling]] on dinghies and small sailing boats.

Boatwork is a traditional seamanship skill.<ref name="Techniques165">{{cite book |last=House |first=David  |date=1994 |title=Seamanship Techniques |publisher=Butterworth-Heinemann |page=165-201 |isbn=978-0750622035}}</ref> On commercial ships, this is usually limited to rescue boats and lifeboats, however yachts and other vessels such as passenger ships may have tenders and small boats for transporting people between ship/shore.<ref name="Techniques165"/> boatwork includes knowledge and operation of different types of boat, launching procedures, recovery of boats (in normal and in heavy weather conditions), how to beach a boat if possible, the use of oars or sails, as well as basic sail theory, sail terminology and markings on sails.<ref name="Techniques165"/>

One other aspect of traditional good seamanship is [[housekeeping]] on the vessel.<ref name="21stCenturyj">{{cite book |date=2015 |title=21st Century Seamanship |location=Edinburgh |publisher=[[Witherby Publishing Group]] |page=859-880 |isbn=9781856096324}}</ref> This involves correct stowage of stores, supplies, crew personal effects, etc.<ref name="21stCenturyj"/> It also involves keeping the decks, engine room and accommodation clean and free of debris or spills.<ref name="21stCenturyj"/> This reduces the chances of fire at sea and reduces the change of injury eg due to slips, trips and falls.<ref name="21stCenturyj"/>