Midshipman

A midshipman is an officer of the lowest rank in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Countries that use this rank include Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Namibia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

In the 17th century, a midshipman was a rating for an experienced seaman. The term comes from the area aboard a ship called amidships, where these sailors either worked or were berthed. By the Napoleonic era (1793–1815), a midshipman was an apprentice officer who had served at least three years at sea and was similar in rank to today’s petty officer.

During the 19th century, naval training changed from learning on ships to studying at a naval college. Now, a midshipman usually refers to a cadet training to become an officer. After spending several years in college and at sea, these cadets are promoted to full officers. Many other navies have ranks equivalent to midshipman, often called naval cadets today.

History

The rank of midshipman started a long time ago, during the Tudor and Stuart times. It was for experienced sailors who worked between the main and mizzen masts. They had more responsibility than regular sailors but weren’t officers yet. The word “midshipman” comes from “amidships,” the middle area of a ship, where they either worked or slept.

In the 18th century, there were different types of midshipmen. Some were older sailors, while others were young men training to become officers. By the 1730s, young men aiming to be officers served as helpers for ship officers. Later, the Royal Naval Academy was created to train future officers.

Midshipmen had important duties on ships. They helped with navigation, kept watch, and learned sailing skills. Before they could become lieutenants, they had to pass an exam. If they passed, they became “passed midshipmen.”

Today, many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and India, still use the rank of midshipman in their navies. In the United States, the Naval Academy trains future officers, and students are called midshipmen during their training.

Modern usage

See also: Officer cadet

In the modern Royal Navy, a midshipman is the lowest rank of officer. They rank with a second lieutenant in the British Army and a pilot officer in the Royal Air Force. Midshipmen have a special insignia called a "turnback." People have used this since Napoleonic times.

To become a midshipman in the Royal Navy, you need at least five GCSEs, including English and maths. You also need some points from A levels or similar qualifications. Training happens at the Britannia Royal Naval College. There, future officers learn leadership, sea skills, and teamwork.

In other navies, such as the Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, South African Navy, Indian Navy, and Pakistan Navy, midshipmen are also the lowest officer rank. They undergo training at naval colleges and academies before serving at sea.

In the United States, midshipmen are students at the United States Naval Academy or the United States Merchant Marine Academy. They study subjects like engineering and science and take part in sea training. After graduating, they become officers in the Navy or Marine Corps.

The Mexican Navy also uses the rank of midshipman for graduates of their naval academy who serve a year at sea before becoming officers.

Other countries

Many countries have ranks like the midshipman. For example, the Royal Netherlands Navy has had a midshipman rank since the 1600s. Today, trainees are called adelborsten and study for three years at the Royal Netherlands Naval College.

In the German Navy, officer cadets start their training at the Naval Academy Mürwik in Flensburg-Mürwik. After about a year, they move on to study at the University of the German Federal Armed Forces.

The Spanish Navy created the rank of Guardiamarina in 1717. This rank spread to Latin American navies. The French Navy uses different names for officer cadets, starting with élève-officier in their first year.

Country, equivalent rank	Insignia	Country, equivalent rank	Insignia
Canada Naval Cadet · Aspirant de marine		France Aspirant
Germany Seekadett Fähnrich zur See Oberfähnrich zur See	Seekadett Fähnrich zur See Oberfähnrich zur See	Italy Aspirante guardiamarina
Portugal Guarda-marinha Aspirante	Guarda-marinha Aspirante (student from the Escola Naval) Aspirante (not student from the Escola Naval)	Netherlands Adelborst  Korporaal adelborst Sergeant adelborst	Adelborst Korporaal adelborst Sergeant adelborst
Spain Guardiamarina · Aspirante		Norway Kvartermester