Definition

Noun: A bosun's chair is a simple seat, typically consisting of a wooden or metal board and a supporting rope or harness. It is specifically designed to suspend a person, allowing them to work at height or over the side of a ship or other structure.

Usage

The bosun's chair is used to provide a secure, suspended working position. Its primary function is to enable tasks such as painting, repairs, or inspections on the exterior hull or masts of a ship, or on the sides of tall buildings.

Examples

• The sailor was lowered over the side in a bosun's chair to scrape off the barnacles.
• For safety, always secure the rope of the bosun's chair to a strong anchor point before use.
• The window cleaner used a bosun's chair to reach the upper floors of the building.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in the bosun's chair": To be actively using or suspended in the chair.
  • He spent the whole afternoon in the bosun's chair, repainting the ship's name.

Variants and Related Words

• Bosun's sling: An alternative term, sometimes used interchangeably, though it may imply a slightly different harness-style design.
• Stage (in construction/rigging): A similar suspended platform, but typically larger and used for multiple workers or heavier equipment.

Synonyms

• Boatswain's chair
• Suspended seat
• Swing stage (for a larger, platform version)

Notes

• The term is a contraction of "boatswain's chair." A boatswain (or bosun) is a ship's officer in charge of equipment and the crew.
• Modern versions often include a safety harness integrated into the seat.

Noun

1. a seat consisting of a board and a rope; used while working aloft or over the side of a ship