Rated Able.

[stillp]

Am I right in thinking that AB is just an abbreviation for Able Seaman? A few years ago I spent a week as an expert witness to an inquest into a maritime fatality. The Assistant Clerk of the court had to read out several statements from crew members, and whenever an AB was referred to, he read that as "Able Bodied". It didn't sound right to me, since "Able Bodied" normally means someone with no physical disabilities.
Pete

[Waspie]

Am I right in thinking that AB is just an abbreviation for Able Seaman? A few years ago I spent a week as an expert witness to an inquest into a maritime fatality. The Assistant Clerk of the court had to read out several statements from crew members, and whenever an AB was referred to, he read that as "Able Bodied". It didn't sound right to me, since "Able Bodied" normally means someone with no physical disabilities.
Pete

Yup, AB = Able Seaman. (Lance Corporal)
The ranks go something like!
OD - OrDinary Seaman. (Whenever any rank is a little inebriated, (polite version), you are said to be acting like a big OD, a reference to acting immature)
AB = As above
LS = Leading Seaman, (Corporal)
PO = Petty Officer, (Sergeant)
CPO Chief Petty Officer, (Staff Sergeant)
WO = Warrant Officer = Warrant Officer!

[stillp]

If you're interested, the accident that lead to the inquest was this one: https://www.imca-int.com/safety-even...dated-reports/
Although there were failures of the system of work and of one of the control devices, the fundamental problem was that the winch moto could exert a pull of more than six times the breaking strain of the rope.
Pete

[Jon Heptonstall]

Am I right in thinking that AB is just an abbreviation for Able Seaman? A few years ago I spent a week as an expert witness to an inquest into a maritime fatality. The Assistant Clerk of the court had to read out several statements from crew members, and whenever an AB was referred to, he read that as "Able Bodied". It didn't sound right to me, since "Able Bodied" normally means someone with no physical disabilities.
Pete

this goes back a couple of centuries ago when an able seaman could hand reef and steer.Other wise you were an ordinary seaman.

[eddiesolo]

Congrats all round, well done young man, may you serve with pride. Jon, you look very proud sir, and so you should.

[Waspie]

Congrats all round, well done young man, may you serve with pride. Jon, you look very proud sir, and so you should.

If the young man gets on with it he'll have a adventure many won't believe!!

[eddiesolo]

If the young man gets on with it he'll have a adventure many won't believe!!

He will indeed, I served with Nelson and had a weevil and scurvy of a time.

[Waspie]

He will indeed, I served with Nelson and had a weevil and scurvy of a time.

A 'Victory' for you then Si!!! :smiling5:

[Mickc1440]

Congratulations

[colin m]

Great news, congratulations to all.

[rtfoe]

Proud father and son...Congratulations are in order.

Cheers,
Wabble

[Andy the Sheep]

Congratulations to both of you.