landsman

A landsman is a person who lives in or is accustomed to living on land, as opposed to at sea. The term is most commonly used in a maritime context to distinguish a person who has little or no experience of sea travel from a sailor or seaman. Historically, a landsman could be a passenger on a ship, a new recruit to a naval vessel, or simply someone unfamiliar with nautical terms and practices. In some historical navies, a landsman might have been assigned duties that did not require specialized seamanship skills.

The word itself derives from Old English, combining "land" and "man." While the primary meaning relates to terrestrial dwelling, the contrast with maritime life has become its most prevalent usage. In modern times, the distinction between a landsman and a sailor is less pronounced as naval training and shipboard life have evolved. However, the term can still be encountered in historical accounts or in specific nautical contexts to highlight a lack of seafaring experience.