Q&A ยท 28:07-32:15

Could modern warships still rig hammocks?

Hammocks could provide compact temporary berthing after battle damage or during an evacuation.

Question

Could modern Royal Navy ships rig hammocks if extra sleeping capacity were needed?

Short answer

They are not designed around hammocks, but crews could improvise secure hanging points and temporary berthing when emergencies demanded it.

Notes

Modern Royal Navy accommodation is not normally arranged for hammocks. If hammocks were available, chief petty officers could probably improvise hanging points to accommodate extra people. Emergency evacuation or battle damage could make that flexibility useful, and hot-bunking is another option. Hammocks store compactly because they need no bulky mattress, and their canvas can also serve in damage control or burial at sea.