CHOOSING BOATS’ CREWS
Soon after the ship was on her course the crew was mustered and divided into two watches—starboard and larboard—(the word “port” was not used in whaleships). This done, the boats’ crews were chosen, consisting of an officer, harpooneer, and four men. The mates in turn took their pick of the men for their respective boats, subjected their choice to questions regarding former ships and experience, and an inspection of hands, feet, and muscular development—much like farmers at a cattle show.
The harpooneers were called “boatsteerers,” which, to the landsman, is somewhat misleading.
The mate steered the boat until the harpooneer struck the whale. They thereupon changed places and the latter became “boatsteerer.”
The boatsteerers ranked next to the officers,—were quartered aft, and had a separate mess.