crew

Crew is a term used to describe a group of people who work together to operate a vehicle or to perform a common task. It implies an organized team with defined roles and coordinated duties, whether on a ship, in an airplane, in a film production, or in a sport.

Maritime and aviation contexts. On ships, the crew includes officers (such as the captain and mates), engineers, deckhands, the bosun, cooks, and other personnel needed to sail and maintain the vessel. The exact composition varies by vessel type and flag state. In aviation, the term flight crew refers to pilots and flight engineers, while cabin crew handles passenger service and safety duties.

Film and media production. In film, television, and video projects, the crew consists of the personnel who operate and support the shoot, including the director, producer, cinematographer, sound mixer, editor, production designer, costume and makeup artists, lighting and grip crews, and many assistants. This contrasts with the cast, who perform the roles on screen.

Sports and other uses. In rowing, a crew is the boat plus its rowers (and typically a coxswain). More broadly, crew can refer to any group organized to perform a task, such as a construction crew, a maintenance crew, or a rescue crew.

Organization. Crew roles are defined by responsibilities, certifications, and safety regulations. Teams coordinate through communication protocols, standard operating procedures, and rehearsals to ensure efficiency and safety.