Forecastle work underway in a sailing ship

What was the job of the sailors at the forecastle while a sailing ship was underway?

Deck work was constant rope handling, maintenance, lookout duty, and coordinated labour with the people working aloft.

Sailors on deck checked ropes, hauled lines, watched ahead of the ship, and dealt with continuing maintenance. Their work supported the sailors preparing or handling the rigging aloft. Work songs coordinated the hauling team and told people above when a rope was about to move. That timing also protected hands from friction injuries when a line ran through them.