Spacer

A spacer is a person who is a member of a space-going navy or a civilian spaceship crew.

"Spacer" can be used as a generic term to collectively refer to all ranks of naval personnel and merchant ship personnel, in the same way that "soldier" is used as a generic term for army personnel of any rank. Spacer is also the specific title of the lowest grades of naval services.

The traditional symbol for spacers is an archaic vac-helmet.

Naval Use

In the Royal Manticoran Navy, the Grayson Space Navy, and the Republic of Haven Navy, the three most junior enlisted grades are:

• Spacer Third Class (E-1)
• Spacer Second Class (E-2)
• Spacer First Class (E-3)

The Imperial Andermani Navy uses pre-space German language rank titles.

Merchant Marine Use

In the Royal Manticoran Merchant Marine, entry-level crew members with no endorsement (departmental training qualifications) are:

• Apprentice Spacer (C-1)
• General Vessel Assistant (C-2)
• Spacer I (C-3)
• Spacer II (C-4)
• Spacer III (C-5)
• Spacer IV (C-6)
• Spacer V (C-7)
• Spacer VI (C-8)

The most junior grades of Deck Department endorsed crew members have the following titles:

• Ordinary Spacer (C-3)

The mid-level grades of the Deck Department endorsed crew members have the following titles:

• Senior Ordinary Spacer (C-4)
• Efficient Spacer (C-5)
• Able Spacer (C-6)

The senior grades of the Deck Department endorsed crew members have the following titles:

• Leading Spacer (C-7)
• Certified Bosun (C-8)

Honorverse

In the Honorverse, Ordinary Spacer is an entry level rating in the deck department. General Vessel Assistant is also an entry level rating, but they can be employed in the Deck Department, Engine Department or Catering Department as needed on any specific day.

Real World

In the real world, Ordinary Seaman is an entry level rating in the deck department. It’s seen in both the US and UK maritime records.

General Vessel Assistant is also an entry level rating, but they can be employed in the Deck Department, Engine Department or Catering Department as needed on any specific day. It’s primarily a US term.