Rating - Classes and Denominations of HM Ships – 1856

Index
 
Rating - Classes and Denominations of HM Ships – 1856

1. Rated ships, that is to say, Ships registered on the List of the Royal Navy, under the six following rates :-

First Rate.- to comprise all Ships carrying 110 guns and upwards, or whose complements consist of 950 men or more.

Second Rate.- to comprise one of H.M. Yachts, and all ships carrying under 110 Guns and not less than 80 Guns, or whose complements are under 950, and not less than 720 men.

Third Rate.- to comprise H.M. other Yachts and all such Vessels as may bear the Flag or Pendant of any Admiral Superintendent or Captain Superintendent one of HM Dockyards ; and all ships carrying under 80 Guns, and not less than 70 ; or whose complements are under 720 and not less than 600 men.

Fourth Rate.- to comprise all Ships carrying under 70 Guns, and not less than 50, or whose complements are under 600 and not less than 440 Men.

Fifth Rate.- to comprise Ships under 50 Guns, and not less than 30, or whose complements are under 440 and not less than 300 Men.

Sixth Rate.- to consist of all other Ships bearing a Captain.

2. Sloops.-

to comprise Bomb Ships and all other Vessels commanded by Commanders.

3. All other ships commanded by Lieutenants, and having complements of not less than 60 Men.

Smaller vessels, not classed as above, to have such smaller complements as the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty may from time to time Direct.

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