How did sailors on old ships go to the bathroom?

 Sailors on old ships faced various challenges when it came to basic hygiene, including going to the bathroom. The methods used varied depending on the type of ship, the time period, and the specific maritime culture. Here are some general practices:

1. **Chamber Pots or Buckets:** On many smaller vessels, especially during earlier periods of maritime history, sailors used chamber pots or buckets. These containers were kept in designated areas, often near the ship's head (the front or bow), and were used for both urine and feces. Sailors would typically use these facilities while sitting on the edge of the ship.

2. **Designated Areas on Deck:** On larger ships, there might be designated areas on deck for sailors to relieve themselves. These areas were usually located near the ship's stern (the back). Sailors might use the ship's railing or the ship's side itself, with the waste falling directly into the sea.

3. **Catheads:** Catheads were large timbers extending horizontally from the sides of the ship near the bow. Sailors sometimes used catheads to sit on and project over the side of the ship, allowing them to go to the bathroom directly into the sea.

4. **Buckets on Ropes (Garderobes):** In some cases, especially on larger or more well-equipped ships, sailors might use buckets attached to ropes, known as "garderobes." These buckets could be lowered over the side of the ship for use, and then raised back up for disposal.

It's important to note that the lack of proper sanitation on ships contributed to various health issues, and the confined living quarters often made maintaining hygiene challenging. Over time, as ships became more advanced, facilities such as rudimentary toilets (often called "heads") with chutes leading directly to the sea were incorporated. However, conditions remained challenging until the development of more modern plumbing and sanitation systems on ships.