Role of mariner's wife on board in 19th century?

[amazon510]

Hi,

I have found a reference in an original document to the wife of the captain on a merchant sailing ship "working the chronometer" on her husband's ship in the 1890s.  What would this consist of, and would it be unusual for the captain's wife to take such a role?

thanks,

Jennifer.

[Rachel Williams]

I have no aptitude for machines of any sort but it seems to be a navigation  aid:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_chronometer

Also, it was not unusual for a captain's wife to be assigned duties on board ship:

Here's a look at a published text on the subject but scroll down many more are available

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684854341/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mhpsf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0684854341

Rachel