Friend with a way of helping you get around the ship (9)
I believe the answer is:
companion
'friend' is the definition.
(companion is a kind of friend)
'a way of helping you get around the ship' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' could be 'an' and 'an' is found within the answer.
'way' could be 'n' (Compass direction - North) and 'n' is found in the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found in the answer.
'around' could be 'o' (a round letter) and 'o' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'with' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for companion that I've seen before include "Fellow traveller" , "Ladder" , "Frequent associate" , "Person who lives or travels with you" , "Mate (maybe of honour!)" .)