What does the term "Crew" refer to in the context of a ship?

In the context of a ship, the term "Crew" specifically refers to the group of personnel operating the ship. This encompasses all the individuals engaged in the day-to-day operations and management of the vessel, including both the deckhands and engineering staff, among others. The crew is responsible for maintaining the safety and functionality of the ship while at sea, executing tasks such as navigation, maintenance, and watchkeeping.

Passengers aboard the vessel, while they may contribute to the environment on the ship, are not considered part of the crew, as they do not perform operational duties. The term does not solely refer to officers; while officers are crucial members of the crew, the crew includes all operational staff, not just those in leadership roles. Additionally, the ship's administrative staff, such as clerical or management personnel who may not be involved in the operational aspects of running the ship, are also not classified as part of the crew. Thus, "Crew" encompasses those who are directly involved in navigating, operating, and maintaining the ship itself.