Landman (rank) facts for kids

A Landman (or Landsman in the United States Navy) was a special rank for new sailors joining a navy. It was given to people who were just starting their journey at sea.

Landman in the United Kingdom

In the 1700s, the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom used the name Landman. This was for sailors who had been at sea for less than a year. After one year, a Landman would usually become an Ordinary Seaman.

Many Landmen joined the navy through a method called impressment. This meant people were sometimes forced to join the navy, especially between the 1700s and early 1800s. Landmen were usually 16 to 35 years old.

In 1853, impressment stopped. The rank of Landman then changed its name to Apprentice Seaman. Later, the term Landman came to mean a sailor who did basic, unskilled jobs on a ship.

Landsman in the United States of America

In the United States Navy, Landsman was the lowest rank. It was used in the 1800s and early 1900s. This rank was for new sailors who had little or no experience at sea.

Landsmen did simple jobs on the ship that did not need special skills. If a Landsman worked for three years or joined the navy again, they could be promoted. They would then become an Ordinary Seaman. The Landsman rank was used from 1838 until 1921.