Why is a Marine Toilet Called a Head?

To all seafarers the marine toilet is referred to as a head. So why is a marine toilet called a head? A hint comes from the days of the old sailing ships. In these the marine toilets were on each side of the bowsprit. The toilets were located here because waste could be washed away by the spray from the waves, and any smells from them would be blown away by the following wind. It was used both by the crew and the officers, but not by the Captain; he had his own private toilet under the "poop deck," near to his stern cabin. Modern ships, pleasure boats, and sailing craft still use the terminology. Read this article to find out why it's called the "head" to this day.