What aspect of naval power declined due to the transition from sail to steam?

The decline in the ability of seamen can be attributed to the transition from sail to steam, primarily because steam-powered ships required different skill sets and reduced the need for traditional sailing expertise. With the shift to steam propulsion, the emphasis moved from navigating by sails and understanding wind patterns to operating and maintaining engines, which required mechanical knowledge rather than seamanship skills. As a result, the expertise around sailing diminished since fewer personnel were needed to manage sails and rigging. This significant operational shift meant that traditional seafaring skills became less relevant in the face of new technological advancements in steam navigation. Therefore, this transition led to a decline in the traditional skill set that sailors had relied on for centuries.