Sideboy
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A side boy is a member of an even-numbered group of seamen posted in two rows at the quarterdeck when a visiting dignitary boards or leaves the ship, historically to help (or even hoist) him aboard, presently as a ceremonial guard of honour, in a ceremony known as tending the Side. Side boys are instructed by the piping of the Boatswain's Mate. The Quarterdeck being a ceremonial location on a weatherdeck of the ship, usually at the location of the accommodation (boarding) ladder or brow.
Since 1843, United States Navy regulations have stipulated the number of Side boys according to the protocollary importance of the guests, which are similarly entitled to other honors; viz., the tune and number of ruffles and flourishes and the number of cannon fired as a salute. The side boy function may be performed by either male or female members of the ship's complement.
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