Quartermaster

A petty officer who assists the navigating officer of the ship in the care of the sounding leads, the lights, bunting, etc., who has charge of the wheel, reeds and hoists signals, and stands a regular watch, day and night, whether at sea or at anchor. His duty is to observe signals made to the ship from the shore or other vessels, the approach of small boats or boats containing officers, and report same to the officer of the deck.