Swamped

You don't think being cooperative is going to help you here.

"Why can't you do it yourself? I've never used the pumps before, you'd just end up having to show me what to do."

"Bah! It's easy enough to learn."

"Maybe for you. But I've messed up plenty of stuff on my first try. And if we need the pump running that badly, I don't have time to work on getting it right. I can pass a message on to the officers for you instead while you make sure the pump gets going properly."

The sailor seems a bit conflicted. He clearly doesn't want to do the work himself, but he's definitely willing to entertain the idea you might be as clumsy as you say.

"No time to waste arguing," he finally concludes. "Just tell 'em ol' Salty needs someone to run one of the pumps. Hopefully none of the others breaks while I'm workin' that one."

And without another word, he leaves. Hells, you were still trying to figure out how to ask him where the bridge was without arousing suspicion.

Well, at least you've got a legitimate reason to go to the bridge now. So you can focus on figuring out where it is.