Shipping out at a young age a maritime tradition
For many, going to sea was less of a choice than an inevitability or expectation. As Bayport’s Captain George Himmelman once stated: “I went to sea because my brothers did, and they went to sea at quite a young age. I could see life no other way at the time.”
ost were the sons of sailors and grew up by the sea. They spent summers scurrying across the decks of port-side vessels and earning pocket change scrubbing schooners and hauling supplies. Formal schooling came second, and their primary education was gained through experience. Many shipped out at a young age.
A seafaring career typically began between 10 to 15 years of age, and it was not uncommon for boys to make their first trip before their ninth birthday. There were boys who went to sea to support their families. Though their wages were meager, anything helped. Others were expected to follow in their fathers’ footsteps, who themselves had started early in life. Still, some were simply keen to grow up and were eager to seek adventure.
Most young fishermen started as a flunky, the lowest ranking member of the crew. They answered to everyone else on board.
They cleaned the vessel, polished boots and performed countless unwanted tasks with no days off. Some more fortunate boys were given a job on the dressing gang working as a header or throater, though these jobs generally came after a season or two as flunky and they too were no easy task.
As they got their feet under them, learned the ways of the sea and grew a little stronger, boys inevitably began fishing as ordinary seamen, with many ultimately becoming full-fledged seamen.
They learned the ways of knot tying, gear rigging, net mending, rope splicing and sail repair. Skills were learned through experience. Young sailors were taught by the older generation and were expected to catch on quickly.