A Ship’s Master, also known as Navigator, is a rank referring to a naval officer trained in and responsible for the navigation of a sailing vessel.
De Groot is the Ship's Master for the Walrus.
Their primary responsibility was navigation. Ship’s Masters were expected to take the ship’s position at least once daily and to set the sails for the appropriate course and weather conditions. They were also responsible for fitting out the ship and making sure they had all the necessary sailing supplies for the voyage. The Ship’s Master was also in charge of stowing the hold and making sure the ship was not too weighted down to sail effectively. The Master, through his subordinates, raised and lowered the anchor and docked and undocked the ship. The Ship’s Master would also inspect the ship daily or problems with the anchors, sails, masts, ropes or pulleys. Any issues would either be discovered or brought to the attention of the Ship’s Master, who would then notify the captain.
Ship's Masters[]
- Mr. De Groot, of the Walrus
- Augustus Featherstone, of the Colonial Dawn (later promoted to quartermaster)