A more thorough explanation:

nauclerus

A nauclerus is a shipmaster or skipper in Roman law. They are responsible for the operation and navigation of a ship.

• The nauclerus of the merchant vessel was experienced and skilled in navigating the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean.
• The nauclerus was held liable for any damages caused by the ship or its crew during the voyage.

These examples show how the nauclerus is the person in charge of the ship and responsible for its safe operation. They must have knowledge and expertise in navigation and be accountable for any mishaps that occur during the voyage.