seamanship

[see-muh n-ship] /ˈsi mənˌʃɪp/

noun

knowledge and skill pertaining to the operation, navigation, management, safety, and maintenance of a ship.

Origin

1760-70; seaman + -ship

Examples from the web for seamanship

None of them had been on the water, but they tried to teach themselves seamanship.
Both appreciate the finer points of ship construction, seamanship and gun technology.
The seamanship at fault: but this expression may be glossed by supposing the boatswain to have sounded that call on his whistle.
The boatswain's pipe is used chiefly for commands bearing on seamanship work.
Fueling a boat properly is an essential element of good seamanship.
Use prudent seamanship to decide to either move away slowly or wait for the whale to move away.
The ship was to provide training in seamanship and navigation for boys of eligible age.
Agents also must exercise skill and advanced seamanship techniques to react to rapidly changing weather patterns and extreme cold.
The story is one of masterful seamanship, incomparable engineering, and absolute ingenuity and courage.

British Dictionary definitions for seamanship

/ˈsiːmənʃɪp/

noun

skill in and knowledge of the work of navigating, maintaining, and operating a vessel

Word Origin and History for seamanship

1766, "acquaintance with the skill of a good seaman," from seaman + -ship.