The coxswain ( /ˈkɒksən/) is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. The etymology of the word gives us a literal meaning of "boat servant" since it comes from cox, a coxboat or other small vessel kept aboard a ship, and swain, which can be rendered as boy, in authority.
Read more about Coxswain: Rowing, Navy, Naval Cadets, United States Coast Guard