Bart Senior wrote:
What is an idler aboard a tall ship?


An engine that's not throttled up?

I've heard the term applied to people other than the captain
who do not stand regular watches... the cook for example, or
the purser.

What is the chief charcteristic of an idler?


He has something else to do that is important to the
functioning of the ship.

Name some typical roles of an idler.


It used to be that Chief Engineers didn't stand watch but I
think they do nowadays. In the old days, the carpenter
didn't stand watch.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King