


The Forgotten Crew Member: Understanding the Role of Rodsmen in Maritime History
Rodsmen are members of a ship's crew who are responsible for operating and maintaining the ship's rod rigging, which includes the sails, masts, and spars. They are also responsible for other tasks such as raising and lowering anchors, mooring lines, and cargo. The term "rodsman" is derived from the Old English word "rodd," meaning "pole" or "mast."
In modern times, the role of rodsmen has largely been replaced by more specialized crew members, such as sailors, deckhands, and engineers. However, the term "rodsman" is still used in some maritime contexts to refer to a member of a ship's crew who is responsible for maintaining and operating the ship's rigging and other equipment.



