Schout-bij-nacht is a naval rank of Dutch origin. The schout-bij-nacht was responsible for ensuring that a fleet continued to sail in the prescribed order at night. The title comes from the title of the officer who replaced the admiral at night and was therefore called night scout, captain at night or schout-bij-nacht.

Denmark-Norway

In the Dano-Norwegian navy, the rank of Schout by Nacht was codified on 11 February 1693, by King Christian V. In the second publication of the Danish order of precedence, the rank of Schout by Nacht was placed below vice admirals, and above Commander-captains (Commandeur-Capitainer til Søes). In 1771, the rank was replaced with Counter admiral.

Netherlands

It is the second most junior admiral position of the Dutch Navy, ranking above commandeur ("commodore") and below a vice-admiraal ("vice admiral"). The rank is rated OF-7 within the NATO rank structure, usually equivalent counter admiral, and rear admiral.

Russia

In the Imperial Russian Navy the rank of Schout-bij-nacht was kept until 1732, when the rank was replaced with counter admiral.

Sweden

Schoutbynacht was a rank used in the Swedish Navy from 1630 to 1771. It was then replaced by the rank of Konteramiral.