A midshipman's an officer cadet, or alternatively a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Prior to 1968, the Royal Canadian Navy used the rank of midshipman but after the creation of the Canadian Forces, midshipman was replaced by the rank of naval cadet. The midshipman used to serve seven years on the lower deck and was roughly equivalent to a present day petty officer in rank and position. During the 19th century training… (More on Midshipmen)