Oh absolutely Phil, we were taught the Quick Step on the Parade Ground - ROFLMAO. Actually I think the order you move off to is "Quick March" or "Slow March" - Never ordered to "Step Out" or "Step Back".

RN pace is 30 inches and the rate (IIRC) is 120 to the minute, Slow March the rate drops to 65 to the minute. Rifles, Gurkas, Light Infantry march at 140 to the minute.

"It's how humans navigate wet or dry." - Huh???

As for pulling a whaler or a cutter at sea, there is no set stroke rate - far too many variables, the rule of thumb was you did it as expeditiously as possible.