Captain: Democratically elected by the crewmen, the captain can be replaced at any time with a majority vote. A captain is expected to be bold and decisive, and man or woman who is skilled in a number of different areas, including navigation, tactics, leadership, seafaring, and a weapon of their choice. Personality is key, and in order to get a bunch of misfits to work together, a captain must be firm but fair to keep his or her crew loyal and honest (at least as far as pirates go).
Quartermaster: The quartermaster, also elected by the crew, is the second in command, and while the captain retains complete authority over the ship and its crew, in times of battle, everyone is subject to the command of the quartermaster. Skilled in siege weaponry, navigation, and seafaring, the quartermaster is expected to represent the interests of the crew.
Sailing Master: In charge of steering the ship, the sailing master is usually a well-travelled individual with an interest in cartography and navigation. They are expected to know the dangers of different coastlines and what to expect out at sea. The captain is in charge of choosing his or her sailing master.
Mate: The sailing masters apprentice. The ‘first mate’ is a young man or woman of many talents, expected to study all aspects of seafaring, from navigation to sailing and everything in between. Tasked with overseeing the rigging, including ropes, pulleys, sails, and everything else necessary for a long sea voyage. Hoisting the anchor, checking tackle once daily and reporting to the sailing master are just part of the routine.
Gunner: Responsible for the ship’s guns and ammunition, the gunner is familiar with siege weaponry, battle tactics, and is good at taking stock of supplies, reporting directly to the quartermaster. The gunner is in charge of making sure weapons are kept clean and in a good state of repair, so knowledge of canons is essential.
Sailor: A.B.S. or Able Bodied Sailors are the backbone of any ship, able to work the sails, make sure the rigging is all in order, and carry out any task asked of them. An A.B.S. has one of the most dangerous jobs on the ship and is most at risk of falling from great heights, slipping, or going overboard. All Sailors are expected to be skilled with a blade and do as they are told.
Cabin Boy: More often than not these young stowaways are kidnapped by pirates or are runaways looking for a means to escape their homes or families. Cabin boys are servants, tasked with serving meals, learning the ropes, and running errands on land when the ship is docked.
Swab: A person who mops the decks using a swab and often referred to as a ‘swabbie’ is ranked lower than a cabin boy and is usually an unpaid slave or hostage, held in very low regard.