Maat ([ˈmaːt],lit. 'mate') is a naval rank, of German origin, used by a number of countries. The term is derived from thelow Germanmāt (comrade).[1] Via theDutch language, the word became a nautical term and described the assistant to adeck officer. Since the second half of the 17th centuryMaate were the lowest class ofnon-commissioned officers aboard a warship.
In 1951, it was decided to end the conscription–based military in Denmark and transition to a professional military. As such, themath rank was introduced, replacing the rank ofmenig given to allconscripted soldiers. With themath rank, soldiers were signed on to a contract following completion ofbasic training. By 1960, themath rank was replaced by theconstable rank system.[2]
| NATO code | OR-5 | OR-4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estonian | Vanemmaat | Maat | Nooremmaat |
 Estonian Navy[3] |  |  |  |
| Senior mate | Mate | Junior mate | |
| Official translation | Petty officer 1st class | Petty officer 2nd class | Petty officer 3rd class |
| Maat | |
|---|---|
   Shoulder board / cuff title / mounting loop | |
| Country |  Germany |
| Service branch |  German Navy |
| Abbreviation | MT |
| NATOrank code | OR-5 |
| Formation | 1955Modern |
| Next higher rank | Obermaat |
| Next lower rank | Oberstabsgefreiter |
| Equivalent ranks | Unteroffizier (Army & Air force) |
However,Maate is also the collective name to all junior NCO-ranks (ranks: Maat, Seekadett, and Obermaat) in the modern day'sGerman Navy.
In navy context NCOs of this rank were formally addressed asHerr/ Frau Maat also informally / shortMaat. The sequence of ranks (top-down approach) in that particular group is as follows:
Unteroffizier ohne Portepee
In thePrussian Navy and theKaiserliche MarineMaate wereUnteroffiziere ohne Portepee. According to their specialization,Maate would be known as e.g.Steuermannsmaat (Coxswain's Mate),Feuerwerksmaat (Ordnance Mate),Bootsmannsmaat (Boatswain's Mate) orMaschinistenmaat (Machinist's Mate).[4]Maate were recruited among conscripts who volunteered to serve for a minimum of six years. After approximately four years they could expect to becomeMaat. Re-enlistment was common but in most specialities the career options would end with achieving the rank ofObermaat; only after 18 years in service was a promotion as supernumaryVizefeldwebel possible, and only if there was a billet open. The 1914/15 naval budget included 7857 billets forMaate and 5237 forObermaate.[5]
| Maate (Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Title | Maat | |
| Epaulette (Shore troops only) |  | |
| Collar tab |  | |
| Sleeve insignia |  |  |
| Steuermannmaat | Bootsmannmaat | |
| German Army equivalent | Unteroffizier | |
| US Equivalent | Petty officer, third class | |
| Source:[6] | ||
| NATO code | OR-4 | OR-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polish | Bosmanmat | Starszy mat | Mat |
 Polish Navy[7] |  |  |  |
| Boatswain mate | Senior mate | Mate | |
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