<P> A sideboy is a member of an even - numbered group of seamen posted in two rows at the quarterdeck when a visiting dignitary boards or leaves the ship, historically to help (or even hoist) him aboard, in a ceremony known as tending the Side . Presently, Sideboys are used only for ceremonial purposes and not always aboard ships . For example, they may be used for Change of Command and Retirement ceremonies . Sideboys are instructed by the piping of the Boatswain's Mate . Despite the seemingly sex - specific name of this function, in reality the sideboy function may be performed by either male or female members of the ship's complement . </P> <P> Since 1843, United States Navy regulations have stipulated the number of sideboys according to the importance of the guests, which are similarly entitled to other honors; viz., the number of ruffles and flourishes and the number of cannon fired as a salute . It is traditional to post sideboys to honor superior officers . Anywhere from two to eight sideboys can be placed; this depends on the officer's rank or paygrade . The President rates the maximum number of sideboys (8), as does the Vice President and the Chief of Naval Operations . Specific requirements for other dignitiaries and military Officers can be found in OPNAVINST 1710.7 A, the Social Usage and Protocol Handbook . </P>

Opnavinst 1710.7a social usage and protocol handbook annex j - table 4 table 5 and table 6