The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is considering options for new rank designations among junior ranks in the interest of promoting inclusive and gender-neutral terms.
The specific ranks under consideration are currently designated as Ordinary, Able, Leading and Master Seaman.
The RCN says they have arrived at some potential options based on the recommendations from a focus group consisting of Non-Commissioned Members and reviewed by the Directorate of Gender, Diversity and Inclusion.
Options for consideration include:
- Replacing “Seaman” with “Sailor” meaning ranks would be Ordinary Sailor, Able Sailor, Leading Sailor and Master Sailor and would maintain their current abbreviated titles (OS, AB, LS and MS); and
- Sailor classes such as Sailor 3rd Class (S3), Sailor 2nd Class (S2), Sailor 1st Class (S1) and Master Sailor (MS).
The RCN will be conducting a poll of sailors from across the Canadian Armed Forces via email.
They will also be inviting retired members, stakeholders and interested Canadians to participate through social media.
The navy will be taking feedback from July 17 to July 31. Respondents will also have an open feedback field to allow them to suggest alternative options for rank designations.
The final decision on the rank designations will be made in fall 2020, to coincide with the Navy’s 110th Anniversary and the 20th Anniversary of the UN’s Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace and Security.
“The RCN is an organization steeped in history, and while traditions provide an important part of our culture, our Service also needs to continuously evolve,” they wrote in a statement.
“This is an opportunity for the RCN to reinforce its commitment to being an inclusive and diverse organization.”
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