HMS Falcon

His Majestys Sloop Falcon

Ship's Articles

Being a set of By-Laws and Rules, none of which are new,
save that they have now finally been put to paper, and as such, may be considered "Law."

We have determined that we are in need of By-Laws. They are meant to be guidelines and rules for us all to follow in order that we may perfect our portrayal of a typical Royal Navy Sailor of the 18th Century.

Organization

The Crew shall be divided into Two Classes in keeping with Rating traditions of the Era; Landsman and Seaman, as follows:

Seamen:

  1. It is the duty of all Seamen to act as enforcer of the Ship's Articles as those with the most vested interest in the Crew's performance.
  2. Seamen, as the more experienced of the crew, are responsible for the tutelage of Landmen in the role of mentor. A Seaman is permitted to sponsor a recruit or new member to the Crew, though only one at a time. That recruit, or Landsman, is the responsibility of that Seaman, and he shall answer for that Landsman's behavior, accoutrement, and knowledge to the Crew. In return, Landmen shall answer to their sponsor for breaches in said categories.
  3. The requirements of a Seaman are as follows:
    1. A Complete Work Kit, and a Complete Captain's Gig; (See Landmen; sections 1 & 2)
    2. Having attended and passed to the satisfaction of National Park Service Personnel and the rest of the crew, the National Park Service Cannon and Blackpowder Safety School;
    3. To have carried the Torches at either Spanish Nightwatch or British Illumination Parades;
    4. To have developed a "personal history," explaining how you had become a part of the Royal Navy, appropriate to what may be considered "typical" of the 18th-century;
    5. Regular attendance of major 18th-century reenactments;
    6. Be knowledgeable of 18th-century daily and nautical life, and to be able to act as interpreter to the public; and
    7. To have been "Pressed" as a part of a street theatre vignette displaying to the Public how 18th-century "recruitment" took place. This is considered to be the final requirement from Landsman to Seaman. Once a Landsman has been pressed, he is considered elevated to Seaman Rating. Decisions to Press a Landsman shall be by unanimous consent of the Seamen. Any Seaman may propose any Landsman for Pressing.
  4. Each Seaman has one vote in Matters concerning the Ship. Seamen may leave their vote, in writing, by proxy, with another Seaman in the event they cannot be present.
  5. Seamen may choose or be given a Nickname.
  6. When before the public, Seamen shall be referred to by their nickname, or as "Seaman last name." This is in keeping with 18th-century tradition and helps maintain an appropriate decorum and reinforces remaining within "character."

Landmen:

  1. Expected to have a complete or near as complete work kit of their own possessions after one year of joining. The Ship's Slop Chest is at Landmen's disposal, but the practice is as a stop-gap, and should not be relied on as a permanent issue. Clothing shall be of 18th century standard, and an anachronistic menagerie of other time periods' gear will no longer be acceptable. The goal is to appear as the "common" 18th-century sailor, not a collection of exceptions. For the most part, a "Complete Work Kit" is defined as:
    1. Black buckle shoes;
    2. Stockings;
    3. White or Dun colored canvas slops, fullness determined by the wearer;
    4. 18th century style 1-button shirt, drop shouldered with a yoke and being particularly full. Permissible colors are White or indigo check or basic plaid, or solid color woven stripe of even width;
    5. Jacket or short- or mid-length Coat; preferably of wool or canvas, though linen or Linsey-woolsey is permitted. This is as much of a concern for safety on the gun deck as accuracy. (i.e. Keep synthetic content to 20% or less.) Long or Regimental coats are inappropriate for 1770s nautical impressions, though shall be permitted for 1740s impressions (such as Spanish Nightwatch).
    6. Wool or linen 18th-century breeches, to be worn under the slops;
    7. Kerchief or scarf, preferably of silk, predominant colors being red, or black;
    8. Hat, being either cocked or tri-corner'd, edged or left bare, and with a simple cockade.
    Additional clothing is encouraged and may include, but is not limited to:
    1. waistcoats, preferably short or mid-length,
    2. a ditty bag for personal gear,
    3. various and sundry personal items pertaining to 18th-century life such as tobacco, a tavern pipe, cards, dice, coins, etc.
    Clothing that is not appropriate to common 18th-century usage shall not be permitted, such as:
    1. studio or "prop" clothing. This is rarely accurate and does not provide an accurate portrayal to the public;
    2. makeshift or "jury-rigged" clothing, unless it is used as a temporary clothing item until appropriate clothing is acquired;
    3. Civil War brogans or other such footgear pre-1740 or post-1780.
    4. clothing from Eras other than 1740-1780;
    5. with the exception of modern underwear, avoid wearing 20th/21st century garments such as tube socks under 18th-century stockings as this is quite noticeable. Use either sole inserts or another pair of stockings to prevent sore feet; or
    6. modern glasses or jewelry.
  2. Landmen are expected to acquire a Captain's Gig in addition to their Work Kit within two years of joining. The Captain's Gig is considered a Dress Uniform, provided by the Captain at his expense; and as such, is uniform and clean in appearance. It comprises:
    1. Black buckle shoes;
    2. White Stockings;
    3. White Slops;
    4. White 18th-century shirt;
    5. A Navy Blue Short Coat with brass buttons, buttoned per the order of the day;
    6. Black Kerchief;
    7. Black tri-corner'd hat with a black cockade, black edging, and black cording.
    Waistcoats and purses shall not be worn or carried with the Captain's Gig. Ditty bags shall be allowed, but properly stowed during official functions such as cannon firings, parades, etc.
  3. Landmen are considered to be "on probation" until they are made Seamen. This probationary period shall have no set time limit. Landmen do not have a vote within Ship's Matters, and cannot sponsor a recruit until they themselves have become Seamen. They can, of course, recommend someone to a Seaman for sponsorship, provided that Seaman is not currently sponsoring someone else.
  4. Landmen are expected to familiarize and acquaint themselves with matters concerning daily and nautical life of the 18th century. All members of the HMS Falcon are by default public educators and historians, in addition to being public representatives of the National Park Service while "stationed" at the Castillo de San Marcos and other Park Service sites. It is highly recommended, though may later be required, for Landmen to read The Wooden World by N.A.M. Rodgers for a thorough understanding of the 18th-century Royal Navy.
  5. Landmen shall be referred to by their last name, or as "Landman last name" when before the public.

Additional By-Laws:

  1. The ratings of Seaman and Landman exist solely to organize and better administer the group, and do not constitute any structure of Rank.
  2. There are no Petty Officer or Warrant Officer ratings, except where agreed to by the crew, as this constitutes rank.
  3. Children of Seamen may be permitted to stand as Midshipmen where agreed to by the crew, although they shall have no actual authority concerning Ship's Matters. When before the public, however, Midshipmen and other Officers shall be deferred to as befits military tradition. Their orders shall not be questioned and shall be executed promptly and smartly. When reprimanded by a Midshipman, answer with the appropriate military decorum and stand fast. In the event that some orders are excessive or inappropriate, that order shall be carried out, and the matter handled later when out of view of the public.
  4. Crew members are responsible for each other's safety and well-being. If at any time an unsafe condition is spotted, any member is authorized to stop all activity until that condition is rectified.
    1. If a Landman is taking medications, they are required to tell their sponsor. If a Seaman is taking medication, he is required to tell at least two other Seamen. No explanation of the condition is necessary, but common sense dictates that someone be informed in case of accident or injury.
    2. When cannon firings are expected, no alcoholic beverages shall be consumed during lunch. Please wait until after such activity has been secured for the day.
  5. Cudgels or other Ship's Issue Items shall not be individualized by carving, wrapping, or any other marks distinguishing it from standard issue.
  6. When Crewmen are expected to fall in wearing the Captain's Gig, an impromptu inspection shall be made of all Ship's personnel. In the event of inappropriate accoutrement, it will be fixed prior to stepping off. If that is not practical, it is the responsibility of the Crewman in question to replace/repair it by the next instance. This shall be a matter of historical accuracy, and nothing more. Until further notice, Russ Crawford shall be considered the inspecting officer as he is the most experienced in what is and is not appropriate.
  7. As the primary goal of the HMS Falcon is to educate the public, Crewmen are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and inoffensife manner:
    1. While in uniform, no Crewman shall make passes at the "fairer" gender.
    2. Avoid using an accent unless you pass as indistinguishable from a native. If the only accent you can do is something akin to Monty Python schtick, avoid using an accent altogether. In the event of uncertainty, not saying anything at all may often be inappropriate as well.
      Webmaster's note: ironically, a modern English accent, even if flawlessly executed, is historically inaccurate.
    3. Never make up an answer; if you don't know an answer to the public's questions, either direct that visitor to a Crewman who does or simply answer "I don't know."
    4. Keep your attitude serious and professional when before the public, and not one of lackadaisical whimsy.
    5. Keep discussions appropriate to the 18th century when before the public. Do not discuss other reenacting time periods, modern concerns, or other such anachronisms.
    6. Under no circumstances are visitors to be touched or handled unless they invite such, as this legally constitutes assault. Maintain a theatrical "fourth wall" in order to keep the public as spectators, rather than participants.
    7. When possible, use terminology pertaining to nautical or 18th-century life. Use commands such as "Have a care..." or "Pipe down..." as opposed to "Hey, you!"
    8. Defer to Officers from other units as demanded by 18th-century military decorum mandates. Salutes shall be rendered by either tugging at the forelock if uncovered, or by removing the hat when covered. When speaking to an Officer, including the Midshipmen, maintain this stance until the discussion is over.
  8. Ship's Articles may be amended or deleted by a 2/3 vote of the Seamen. Landmen may suggest or recommend alteration of Ship's Articles to their sponsor Seaman.
  9. Money received by the Crew as a whole for participating in various functions shall be relegated to the Ship's Fund for the purchase of Ship's Issue Items. Such items shall be purchased after a 2/3 approval of the Seamen.
  10. Ship's Issue Items shall be numbered or marked in an 18th-century fashion and signed out to Crewmen by the Purser's Mate.
  11. The Purser's Mate, or a designated appointee, shall keep an attendance roster for events.
This concludes the
publication of the

Ship's Articles.
HMS Falcon