@Sammsy:
I find steering the most pathetic job in the world if all your doing is turning how [the Navigator] tells you[..] which way to turn, where to head the ship into which currents, wind and all that crap. You could throw a 5 year old behind the wheel.
A professional helmsman maintains a steady course, properly executes all rudder orders, and communicates to the [Navigator] utilizing navigational terms relating to ship's heading and steering. A helmsman relies upon visual references, a magnetic and gyrocompass, and a rudder angle indicator to steer a steady course. Clear and exact communication between the helmsman and [Navigator] is essential to safe navigation and ship handling.
The navigator's primary responsibility is to be aware of ship or aircraft position at all times. Responsibilities include planning the journey, advising the Captain of estimated timing to destinations while en route, and ensuring hazards are avoided. The navigator is in charge of maintaining the aircraft or ship's nautical charts, nautical publications, and navigational equipment, and generally has responsibility for meteorological equipment and communications.
[Blackbeard Pirates Helmsman]
["Champion"]
[Jesus Burgess]
[Blackbeard Pirates Navigator]
[Lafitte]
=( =( =(
@Deicide:
The only problem I have with the helmsman theory is that never in the series anyone in the crew ever mentioned the need for it. Also, position is not really essential. Robin: Archeologist. Zoro: Swordsman. Usopp: Sniper. None of those are ship- or sailing-related professions.
It's true. It isn't important. The final two could have no position at all. However, the only position missing from the crew that has been mentioned in the story is helmsman. It's only natural for people to keep an eye out. Given Jesus is the only one mentioned, and is noted for his brute strength, a Fishman fits that role perfectly for having both high natural strength and natural navigational skills (per Arlong). Add that to the fact that, for one reason or another, Oda saw fit to draw Jinbei steering the Marine battleship for dozens of panels between ID and MF, and you have people drawing conclusions. It's one of those things that, were Oda to have him join, we would be able to look back and see Oda's subtle hints or developments that make the transition smoother. Rather than it coming out of nowhere, I mean. I thought it was pretty interesting myself, given Oda rarely shows people actually steering a ship in OP. At least, I haven't noticed it much (outside Chopper).