Edgie Tan (Bosun, Siem Offshore) pilots the RIB during the Man Overboard Drill and the photography mission that followed. The Bosun is distinguished from other Able Seamen by supervisory roles: planning, scheduling, and assigning work. The word “bosun,” or “boatswain,” has Old English and Old Norse origins dating back to the year 1040, and until recently it was the oldest rank in the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. (Credit: Bill Crawford, IODP/TAMU) [Photo ID: exp351_092] Back to expedition photos.