Quartermaster
The title derives from "master of the quarterdeck", the quarterdeck being the deck where the helm was situated and navigation was generally performed. The quartermaster was thus in charge of the watch-to-watch navigation and the maintenance, correction, and preparation of nautical charts and navigation publications. He was also responsible for navigational instruments and clocks and the training of ship's lookouts and helmsmen. He would perform these duties under the control of the ship's navigator or other officer if there was no officer navigator.
The Quartermaster is part of The Head and 3rd in charge of the ship and is above all other ship officer and standard crew ranks, answering only to the Captain and First Mate respectively.
