Green hand (whaling)

In the context of whaling, a "green hand" refers to a novice or inexperienced member of the whaling crew. The term signifies someone new to the industry and lacking the skills and knowledge of seasoned whalemen. A green hand would typically be assigned to less skilled tasks on board ship, and would learn the ropes through observation and on-the-job training. Their duties might include tasks such as cleaning, maintaining equipment, or assisting more experienced crew members in the processing of whale carcasses. The speed and efficiency of a whaling voyage depended heavily on the skills of the crew, so a green hand represented a potential liability until they gained experience. Over time, a green hand could develop into a valuable member of the crew, capable of undertaking more demanding and specialized roles such as boat steerer or harpooner. The term is largely historical, reflecting the decline of commercial whaling.