Are the days of the traditional British Sea Dog long gone?

Question

I am going to join the Navy in the summer, after graduation, as an officer in the Warfare Dept.

This is part due to a yearning to see the world and some action, and to meet and work with good people. More than that, though, I have heard the call of the sea (I hope some old mariners know what I mean!).

I have to admit, a tiny part of me is attracted to the life of the old sea dog, drunken in exotic ports with a beard the size of Angola. Is this life long, long dead in this modern age?

I just want a good life on the waves!

Thanks!

Answer 1

I hope you find the life as an Old Sea Dog with the Navy as much fun as you are anticipating and may the waters stay calm.

Answer 2

I had 12 years in the RN. If you had a beard, it had to be a full one. You were allowed to wear one earring. But as an officer, the earring would be a no-no, and you would be expected to wear your beard well trimmed.
Todays modern - computerised - navy has moved away from the 'Jack Tar' image. But the comradeship and adventure are still there.
Only ratings get drunk. Officers get 'emotionally overwrought'.
The 'girl in every port' remains true. But as you are normally only in port for a few days, you tend to attract a certain type of girl. Just make the most of it!
And if you want the experience of your life, then stand on the quarterdeck in 'roughers', when a wave the size of a three storey building comes up on you. You are sure you are gonna die. But then you ride it, and it is gone. And there is nothing like standing on the bridge when 'goffers' are breaking over the bow and spreading spray the complete length of the ship.
I could go on about seeing dophins, seals, whales.......
Ten or twelve years out of your life to do a full commission is well worth it. There is not another job in the world that will you pay you back in the experience you will learn.
Splice the mainbrace, Mr Hardy, the mizzens buggered!

Answer 3

Well, I think the life of the old sea dog is still there but the opportunities to indulge in it are not as frequent due to the lack of a fairly basic naval element - ships.
You will never get the opportunity anywhere else to do and see things that that you will in the RN.
I've been winched from the deck of a ship into a helicopter, stood on the roof of the Liver Building, driven "The Pride of Le Havre", been prised from the railings of a B&B in Douglas after a drunken night out with the lads, climbed up the Nab Towers in stiletto heels, eaten in the Painted Hall at Greenwich, eaten sausage and mash with Prince Andrew...... and more.......and that's just as a reservist (i.e.part time)
Former WRNR Officer and proud of it.

Answer 4

I left home at 14 to join a training ship and left that at 16 to enter the merchant navy, first trip to sea taking troops out to Korea, had a good seagoing life never to the continent but always deep sea, been locked up in three countries, been drunk in many and in some ports I got past the first pub and on to the second... we knew how to live in those days. Had many girls in many countries, in fact I only need a White Russian to make me a full set. I'm a world expert on exotic booze, and have some of the best memories its possible to have of my exploits, Go for it sailor so long as you remember the most important thing... If you drop your soap in the shower, kick it into a corner before backing into the corner and bending down to retrieve it. Bon Voyage...

Answer 5

As I understand it, the British navy is going to be down to about 25 ships in a few years from the 200 you had back in 1980. I find that incredible.

I served 22 years in the US Navy. I spent about 15 of those years at sea.

Back in 1983, by some stroke of luck, the battle group my ship was assigned to paid a 5 day port visit to Perth, Western Australia at the same time the British Navy's Ark Royal battle group was also in port.

Those Brit sailors could put away some beer, but we Americans were able to hold our own with them...No fights either, which was surprising.

Best of luck.

Answer 6

A lot of the old traditions still exist in the Royal Navy, they don't splice the main brace any more that went out in the 1970's.

You still have pay tribute to Neptune if you cross the Equator for the first time.

They still play a game called "Huckers" on board ship, if you board a ship or salvage a vessel you still get "prize money".

The still celebrate Nelsons Day / Traffalga Day.

Its still a great life, you do travel a lot, not good if you are married though.

Answer 7

The days of the old traditional sea dog I fear have long disappeared I was hoping to join the Royal-Navy 40years ago ,but as I had poor eyesight I did not pass the medical. But I hope you have a long and successful career in the Navy. The very best of luck to you, all that sail with you.

Answer 8

In the modern Navy you are more likely to spend most of your career in an office. But at least you've joined the right branch if you want to go to sea - half the Pussers don't know what the sea looks like.

Answer 9

Do you have good sea legs as you will soon find out if the days of the traditional sea dog are long gone if you get sea sick.

You'll wish you never see a boat never mend the sea if you suffer from sea sickness.

I hope not and that you will be able to add your name to the long list of traditional British sea dogs.

Answer 10

The Commonwealth navies retain many old sea traditions... for instance, you can still drink on ship, and in certain cases, beards ARE allowed.

Not sure if this makes one an old sea dog, but the sailors I've known certainly did spend a lot of time drunk in strange ports...

Ever read Masefield's poem Sea Fever? "I must go down to the sea again..." Good poem, Google it sometime.