Naval Apprentices

Boys between the ages of fifteen and eighteen years enlisted to serve in the navy until they shall arrive at the age of twenty-one years, provided they shall have the consent of their parents or guardians. These boys are sent on board of suitable naval vessels to be trained for the naval service, under the following regulation: every boy previous to being enlisted must satisfy the examining board of officers that he is of robust frame, of good moral character, intelligent, of perfectly sound and healthy constitution, and able to read and write. The education of these boys comprises the elements of an ordinary English education, practical seamanship, and other professional studies, designed to prepare them for sailors in the navy. They are enlisted as "third-class" boys, at the pay of $9.50 per month and one ration. While serving on training ships they may, if deserving, be promoted to the rating of "second-class" boys, at the pay of $10.50 and $11.50 per month respectively, and on cruising vessels will be entitled to higher ratings at the discretion of their commanding officer, as a reward of proficiency and good conduct. The highest rank that a naval apprentice can look forward to is that of a warrant officer.