Hammock: A Maritime Tool

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Michele Panico (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: During the age of sail , sailors slept in hammocks made of canvas , suspended on the gundecks and secured to the beams above. This work seeks to understand the adoption and adaptation of hammocks as a maritime tool on sailing vessels and the subsequent impact and changes their presence caused. The adoption of hammocks onto maritime vessels affected all aspects of life at sea; including alterations to the construction and supplies needed aboard ships , which resulted in monetary impacts. Hammocks allowed for an increase in the number of men aboard vessels , they shaped modifications and improvements in sleeping conditions , and strengthened the divisions in ranks , while also acting as a means of comradery. In addition , hammocks created revisions in rules and regulations. Likewise , they altered forms of protection and defenses. Furthermore , hammocks affected health and hygiene by playing large roles in governing the cleanliness of ships and sailors. They also had various functions in relation to the sickbay , including a key part in burial. Finally , this thesis concludes with the replacement of hammocks by bunks. Ultimately , it evaluates the hammock as a maritime tool that influenced life at sea during the age of sail.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2018

Keywords

Maritime, Navy, Naval Ship

Subjects

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