Hierarchy of a Pirates Ship
Note: There are images from the movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean' to help you understand the positions of the pirates and the way they were treated however they may not be completely accurate.
The Captain
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Pirate captain's were usually democratically elected by the ship’s crew. Election was based on weather the man possessed qualities of leadership and courage that inspire their crew to follow them into battle. He is expected to skills in navigation and seamanship, but first and foremost he has the type of personality required to hold together a rowdy crew of seamen. Other than battle, the captain does minimal work, delegating most of the everyday tasks to the quartermaster or other junior officers. However he needs to be overseeing all shipboard activity with the barest level of discipline necessary to keep an even keel.
The captain is commonly looked upon with respect, though if his title is disregarded or men ignore his commands during during chase or in a battle, he can discipline anyone who disobeyed his orders. He may choose to kill his men or prisoners. However if he is too bloodthirsty or brutal too much or is too greedy with the booty, captains may be re-elected and replaced at any time by a majority vote of the crewmen.
The captain is commonly looked upon with respect, though if his title is disregarded or men ignore his commands during during chase or in a battle, he can discipline anyone who disobeyed his orders. He may choose to kill his men or prisoners. However if he is too bloodthirsty or brutal too much or is too greedy with the booty, captains may be re-elected and replaced at any time by a majority vote of the crewmen.
The First Mate/Quartermaster
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The first mate is selected by the Captain to be his second in command. In the event the Captain is killed the job falls to the quartermaster. The position varied depending on how the individuality ship was run. Some ships had second, third, even forth mates creating a chain of command. Others had this position as the captain's right-hand man and the one who would assume his role if he were killed in battle or could no longer perform his duties.
The Boatswain / Bos'n / Bosun
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The Boatswain supervised the maintenance of the vessel and its supply stores. He was responsible for inspecting the ship and it's sails, rigging each morning, and reporting their state to the captain. The Boatswain was also in charge of all deck activities, including weighing and dropping anchor, and the handling of the sails. Most ships required the boatswain to oversee several junior officers who would share his responsibility. This was for the crew's morale and work efficiency as well as the maintenance and repair of the hull, rigging, lines, cables, sails, and anchors.
The Ship Master / Sailing Master
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This is the officer who is in charge of navigation and sailing the ship. He directs the course and looks after the maps and instruments necessary for navigation. Since the charts are often inaccurate or non-existent, his job is an extremely difficult one so much so that it is said that a good navigator is worth his weight in gold. He is perhaps the most valued person aboard a ship other than the captain because so much depended upon his skill. Many Sailing Masters are forced into pirate service rather than choosing to serve the captain.
The Master Gunner
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A knowledgeable Gunner is essential to the crew's safety and effective use of their weapons.
The Master Gunner is responsible for the ship's guns and ammunition. His duties include:
- sifting the powder to keep it dry and prevent it from separating
- insuring the cannon balls were kept free of rust and all weapons were kept in good repair.
The Master Gunner is responsible for the ship's guns and ammunition. His duties include:
- sifting the powder to keep it dry and prevent it from separating
- insuring the cannon balls were kept free of rust and all weapons were kept in good repair.
The Gunners
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/1/6/14169460/1355217275.png)
A gunner would be the leader of any separate group manning the artillery. He specialised in aiming, but he would teach and oversee the four to six men required to take the gun through the steps of loading, aiming, firing, resetting, and swabbing for the next load. He would also work to ensure the gun crew's safety in avoiding dangerous overheating or excessive recoiling of the weapon. An experienced gunner would help to coordinate the timing and accuracy of the individual crews, especially when a broadside was ordered.
Sail Makers
In charge of maintaining all of the fabrics and canvases of the ship. this included making and tending to the sails flags and hammocks.
Cabin Boys
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/1/6/14169460/1355217755.png)
The cabin boy is typically a young boy of privileged birth who is kidnapped for two main purposes.
1. as a slave
2. as a hostage or held as ransom
Typically the cabin boy may act as the Captain's servant. He would run messages and errands for the officers, prepare their uniforms, perhaps even fetch their dinners. Sometimes the captain takes a liking upon the young boy and treats him as an apprentice. Because of this he is also expected to learn all aspects of the maritime trade. The cabin boy works long hard hours. The captain may even employ a young energetic fellow as a Cabin Boy.
1. as a slave
2. as a hostage or held as ransom
Typically the cabin boy may act as the Captain's servant. He would run messages and errands for the officers, prepare their uniforms, perhaps even fetch their dinners. Sometimes the captain takes a liking upon the young boy and treats him as an apprentice. Because of this he is also expected to learn all aspects of the maritime trade. The cabin boy works long hard hours. The captain may even employ a young energetic fellow as a Cabin Boy.
Powder Monkeys
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/1/6/14169460/1355217865.png)
Powder Monkeys were young lads no more than 11 to 13 years old who were pressed into service, being kidnapped and forced to serve aboard ship. They mainly assisted the gun crews and were forced to learn most of the ships basics. They were rarely paid, treated poorly, and were expendable. If they managed to live a few years, they might eventually make it to a position of more importance on the ship. Often, due to their harsh life, Powder Monkeys were quick to betray the captain and desert a ship. On a pirate ship, new comers would serve the function of powder monkeys until they are 'promoted' and so on.
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