What is a Foretopman?

Foretopman is a rank or position in the Royal Navy, which was used to describe a junior officer who served as a lookout on the forecastle (the forward part of the ship) and was responsible for steering the ship. The term "foretopman" was used from the late 18th century until the early 20th century.

The foretopman was typically a young officer who had just completed his training at the Royal Naval College and was waiting for his first promotion to a commissioned rank. He was responsible for standing watch on the forecastle and keeping a lookout for other ships, landmarks, and hazards. He also helped to steer the ship and was responsible for maintaining the sails and rigging.

The foretopman was an important part of the ship's crew and played a key role in its navigation and operation. The rank was eventually phased out in the early 20th century as the Royal Navy adopted more modern methods of navigation and officer training.