Quarter master

In the old Naval Services of Earth, the Quartermaster was an individual in charge of the watch-to-watch navigation and the maintenance, correction, and preparation of nautical charts and navigation publications. He was also responsible for navigational instruments and clocks and the training of ship's lookouts and helmsmen. He performed these duties under the control of the ship's navigator.

The task of navigating a Spacecraft however is one of the most difficult and specialized tasks and requires a highly trained individual with an in-depth knowledge of advanced math and physics and the position and designation has changed to Helmsman headed by the Chief Astrogator (Helm department).

The term Quartermaster and the task definition now has more in common with the old army and marine corps definition being an individual specializing in distributing supplies and provisions to troops and ship crews. The senior unit, post or base supply officer is customarily referred to as "the quartermaster". Often the quartermaster serves as the S-4 in the United Stars Navy. The duties extend to distribution of pay, the allocation of quarters and the recreational facilities and equipment aboard a ship or at a Naval Installation.