Sideboy



A sideboy is a member of an even-numbered group of seamen posted in two rows at the quarterdeck when a visiting dignitary boards or leaves the ship, historically to help (or even hoist) him aboard, presently as a ceremonial guard of honour, in a ceremony known as tending the Side. Sideboys are instructed by the piping of the Boatswain's Mate. The Quarterdeck is a ceremonial location on a weatherdeck of the ship, usually at the location of the accommodation (boarding) ladder or brow.

Since 1843, United States Navy regulations have stipulated the number of sideboys according to the protocollary importance of the guests, which are similarly entitled to other honors; viz., the number of ruffles and flourishes and the number of cannon fired as a salute. Despite the seemingly sex-specific name of this function, in reality the sideboy function may be performed by either male or female members of the ship's complement. It is traditional to post sideboys to honor superior officers. Anywhere from two to eight sideboys can be placed; this depends on the officer's rank or paygrade.