Why are sailors always scrubbing the deck?
Why are sailors always scrubbing the deck? Sailors swabbed the deck — and not just to keep it clean. The saltwater helped keep down mildew on the wooden boards and kept them swollen to reduce leaks. The crew's toilet was a hole at the bow or head of the ship. Ocean spray or a frayed rope took care of the wipe.
Why was swabbing the deck so important?
The term actually refers to washing the floor of the ship. Swabbing the deck is usually performed in order to keep the mold and moss from growing over the wooden deck, while at the same time it also helps in keeping the planks swelled up. Thereby leaving very little room for the water to get under the lower decks.
Do sailors still swab the deck?
Some sailors do. Aboard ship, the Deck Division is responsible for cleanliness - chipping away rust, then priming the bare area and lastly painting it with topcoat. There are also sailors who swab the decks.