Able Seaman
Able Seaman or Able-bodied Seaman ( English able seaman = able seaman , abbreviation: AB) is a military rank in many English-speaking naval forces.
history
In 1653 the Royal Navy introduced some reforms after the defeat at Dungeness . One point was better pay for more experienced sailors. A distinction was made between an Ordinary Seaman (simple sailor) and an Able Seaman. The higher-rated Able Seaman could steer the ship , handle the plumb bob and work on the ship's mast . He received about 25% more wages than the Ordinary Seaman.
In the mid-18th century, an Able Seaman must have gained at least two years of experience on board a ship. In times of war such as the Seven Years' War in North America or the coalition wars with a large number of ships, the Royal Navy, the merchant navy and the corsairs fought for the experienced sailors. The Royal Navy forced the competition to leave them the experienced sailors so that the warships were adequately manned. By contrast, in peacetime there were many unemployed experienced sailors. During the Coalition Wars, the Royal Navy seized American ships and forced sailors to serve on their ships. This was a major cause of the British-American War in 1812.
Until 1999, the Able Seaman rank was the third lowest rank in the Royal Navy. On April 1, 1999, the Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman ranks were merged. The previous Able Seaman rank is now referred to as Able Seaman, 1st class (AB1) and Ordinary Seaman as Able Seaman, 2nd class (AB2).
Famous Able Seaman
- Simon , the ship's cat on the HMS Amethyst
- Just Nuisance , a Great Dane on the HMS Afrikander
- Alistair MacLean , a Scottish author
In the Royal Canadian Navy , Able Seaman (AB) is the second lowest rank between Ordinary Seaman and Leading Seaman. An Able Seaman wears a golden triangle pointing downwards as a badge. This grade is awarded after 30 months of service after completing basic training. The French term for the rank in the Royal Canadian Navy is matelot de 2e classe.
Also in the Royal Australian Navy , Able Seaman (AB) is the second lowest rank between Seaman and Leading Seaman.
In the Irish Naval Service , Able Seaman (AB) is the third lowest rank between Ordinary Seaman and Leading Seaman. The Irish name for the rank of Naval Service is Mairnéalach Inniúil (MI).
Also in the Sri Lanka Navy , Able Seaman (AB) is the third lowest rank between Ordinary Seaman and Leading Seaman.
Jamaica Defense Force
In the Jamaica Defense Force Coast Guard , Able Seaman (AB) is the second lowest rank between Ordinary Seaman and Leading Seaman.
literature
- NAM Roger: The Wooden World: An Anatomy of the Georgian Navy. WW Norton and Company, 1986.
- NAM Roger: The Command of the Ocean: A Naval History of Britain, 1649-1815 WW Norton and Company, 2004.