Able Seaman

In the Royal Navy in the middle of the 18th century, the term Able Seaman referred to a seaman with at least two years' experience at sea. Seamen with less experience were referred to as landmen or ordinary seamen.

Related Topics:
Royal Navy - 18th century - Seaman - Landmen - Ordinary seamen

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In time of war (such as the Seven Years' War or the Napoleonic Wars), with many more warships in service, the navy, merchant marine, and privateers competed ferociously for the limited pool of able seamen, leading to the unpopular use of impressment by the Royal Navy to keep its ships manned. In peacetime, with many fewer active warships, there was usually a surplus of unemployed able seamen willing to work in the navy. During the Napoleonic Wars, the navy's practice of stopping American ships to press British subjects serving on them was one of the main factors leading to the War of 1812 with the United States.

Related Topics:
Seven Years' War - Napoleonic Wars - Warship - Privateer - Impressment - War of 1812

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Later, the term evolved into a more formal rating.

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