Q&A ยท 1:32:47-1:33:00

How far down the officer list could emergency command pass?

An uncertain estimate places emergency command as low as a ship's fifth or sixth lieutenant.

Question

What was the lowest-ranked officer to command a ship of the line in an emergency?

Short answer

Probably a lieutenant, possibly the fifth or sixth lieutenant on the ship's list.

Notes

A lieutenant is the likely answer, possibly as far down the ship's list as the fifth or sixth lieutenant. The exact lowest-ranked case is not identified with certainty.