...Navigator...I was once a second mate on the Great Lakes but my "chanteys" were mostly Beatles songs. The term does indeed refer to a "sea shanty" and is likely a derivative of the French "chanson" (song). I was a winch handler (see pumping chanteys), sail bagger, anchor hoister, and third in line at helm.
The Digital Tradition has a delightful song refering the the second mate "ringing the bell". Put "chantey" in the Forum search box and see some "chanteys"...harpgirl