Helena Frye
River boats are used for a variety of purposes, from pushing barges up and down rivers to carrying crops and people. Life on a river boat is a 24/7 job, and the average person has no idea what goes on on a boat. The crew of a river boat can include a captain, a mate, a deckhand, a chief engineer, a pilot, an assistant mate, and a cook. River boats can be powered by steam, with paddle wheels on the sides or stern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of riverboat | Towboats, line boats, fleet boats, tug boats |
| Riverboat function | Push barges up and down rivers |
| Riverboat power | Steam |
| Riverboat propulsion | Paddle wheels |
| Riverboat crew roles | Captain, mate, deckhand, chief engineer, call watch, oiler, pilot, assistant mate, lead hand, cook |
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What You'll Learn
The different roles of the crew
The crew of a river boat includes the captain, the mate, a deckhand, the chief engineer, the pilot, the assistant mate or lead hand, the oiler, and the cook.
The captain is in charge of the boat and responsible for its safe navigation. The mate assists the captain and is second-in-command. The deckhand is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the boat, including maintenance and repairs. The chief engineer is in charge of the boat's engines and other mechanical systems. The pilot is responsible for steering the boat and navigating obstacles in the river. The assistant mate or lead hand assists the deckhand in their duties. The oiler works relief for the engineer, and the cook is responsible for preparing meals for the crew.
River boats can be powered by steam, in which case they are called steamboats. Most steamboats are propelled by paddle wheels on the sides or stern of the boat. River boats can also be towboats, which are designed to push barges up and down rivers.
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The different types of riverboat
Riverboats can be categorised in a few different ways. Firstly, by their propulsion system: any boat that is powered by steam is a steamboat. Most steamboats built in the 19th and 20th centuries were propelled by paddle wheels powered by steam. Riverboats with paddle wheels on the sides were side wheelers; those with paddle wheels on the stern were sternwheelers.
Secondly, riverboats can be categorised by their function. Packet boats carried crops and people; towboats pushed barges up and down rivers; ferries carried people; fuelers re-supplied other steamboats; snag boats kept the river navigable by clearing debris.
Thirdly, riverboats can be categorised by their size. While the popular image of a paddle wheel steamboat is of a beautifully appointed Victorian-era, multi-deck vessel called a showboat, the majority of steamboats plying the river were utilitarian. These workhorses came in many sizes and shapes.
Finally, riverboats can be categorised by their crew. On front watch, there is the captain, the mate, a deckhand, the chief engineer, and either a call watch or oiler or maybe both. The back watch consists of the pilot (the captain's relief), the assistant mate or lead hand, a deckhand, and perhaps the call watch person. The oiler, if the boat crew has one, works relief for the engineer. The oiler position is usually only found on strong current rivers such as the lower Mississippi, which includes the stretch between New Orleans and St. Louis.
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The different types of propulsion
Riverboats are powered by steam and have paddle wheels. Paddle wheels were the dominant propulsion for almost a century. Paddle wheels are above the water, which makes them easier to repair than submerged screw propulsion. Paddle wheels also allow riverboats to ride at a shoal draft, which permits navigation among shallow western tributaries.
Screw propulsion was used by oceangoing ships earlier than riverboats. While constant contact with the water is beneficial in rough ocean conditions, it posed a problem in early river travel. The wear and tear on screws were harsher in clogged and snag-prone conditions. Major damage could incapacitate a packet boat.
Side-wheeled steamboats have paddle wheels on the sides, while stern-wheeled steamboats have them on the stern.
Water jet propulsion units are another type of propulsion used by jet boats. These differ greatly from standard motorboats with conventional propellers attached to the stern. The streamlined jet engine sits at water level, allowing travel across various waters.
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The different types of river
Riverboats are powered by steam and most are propelled by paddle wheels. Paddle wheels can be on the sides (side wheelers) or on the stern (sternwheelers). These boats are used for many different purposes, from carrying crops and people to pushing barges up and down rivers.
The depth and width of a river can also determine the type of boat that can navigate it. A shallow river may only be accessible by flat-bottomed boats, while a narrow river may require boats with a smaller turning radius.
The composition of the riverbed and banks can also play a role in determining the type of river. A river with a rocky bottom may be more challenging to navigate than one with a sandy or muddy bottom. Similarly, a river with steep banks may limit the size of the boat that can pass through, while a river with gentle slopes may allow for larger vessels.
Additionally, the location and purpose of the river can influence the types of boats used. For example, a river in a densely populated area may have more passenger ferries, while a river in a rural area may be used primarily for transporting goods.
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The daily life of a riverboat crew member
Working on a riverboat is a 24/7 job. The average person has no idea what goes on on a boat. A riverboat crew member's daily life will vary depending on their role, but here is an idea of what to expect.
On front watch, there is the captain, the mate, a deckhand, the chief engineer, and either a call watch or oiler or maybe both. The back watch consists of the pilot (the captain's relief), the assistant mate or lead hand, a deckhand, and perhaps the call watch person. The oiler, if the boat crew has one, works relief for the engineer. The oiler position is usually only found on strong current rivers such as the lower Mississippi, which includes the stretch between New Orleans and St. Louis. The cook is up during the daytime. Because the cook is asleep during the night, the back watch getting up for their second watch will have to feed themselves.
Riverboats with paddle wheels on the sides were side wheelers; those with paddle wheels on the stern were sternwheelers. Packet boats carried crops and people; towboats pushed barges up and down rivers; ferries carried people; fuelers re-supplied other steamboats; snag boats kept the river navigable by clearing debris.
Life on a riverboat is a hands-on process in which you will gain your technique and skill.
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Frequently asked questions
River boats are powered by steam.
Most river boats are propelled by paddle wheels.
There are several different types of river boat, including packet boats, towboats, ferries, fuelers, and snag boats.
Packet boats are used to carry crops and people.
Towboats are used to push barges up and down rivers.
