a cockpit is a name for the location of the controls of a vessel. it is usually an open well in the deck of a boat outside the cabin. in modern boats a cockpit may refer to an enclosed area. smaller boats typically have an "aft cockpit," towards the stern of the boat. larger vessels may provide a "center cockpit" with greater protection from the weather. on a recreational sailboat, the cockpit is often the safest place for the crew.