sam let me explain better mate, i mentioned a painter a painter was a length of rope? a cook you would find a cook as in a hotel? all the other professions fine you would find them aborad and ashore. i was seeking ships tech, that corosponded with professions.such as carpenter,conductor,watchman,waiter,barman,baker,runner,signal man,a chandler,you could argue the tweenies,..........and as les says a duster? {thats the way the mop flops} regards sam islandmann.

How about "jack of all trades and master of none" for ABs.

Alec.

alec , know truer word was spoken, although of all the ratings aboard ship,we a,b:s held each others lives in each others hands. i mean each to there own mate but i would let anyone aboard ship boil me two eggs for breakfast.but i wouldnt swing on a painting stage, on a bowser over the side with the same guy? regards lads islandmann

Islandmann. Sorry if I came across as some sort of smartass, as that was not my intention.
I will be 79 in a few days, and having reached that age only reinforces just how little I know.

There was one profession to be found aboard ship- in some ports, anyway- and that was the
oldest one of them all. God bless 'em.

sam i never called you a smart arse mate. i simply explained the question in simple terms for you.we have all used the oldest proffesion in seaports. we have are very famous maggie may, here in lpool. regards sam and many more birthday wishes.islandmann.