Hand


In maritime context, the term 'hand' refers to a member of a ship's crew. The crew is divided into two main categories: officers and hands. The officers are responsible for the navigation and management of the ship, while the hands are responsible for the manual labor required to operate the vessel. The term 'hand' is often used in conjunction with other words to describe specific roles within the crew, such as 'able seaman' or 'deckhand'. The hands are essential to the operation of the ship, performing tasks such as hoisting sails, loading and unloading cargo, and maintaining the ship's equipment. Without the hands, the ship would not be able to function.


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