So you want to be a Pirate?
A pirate ship in the 1700s was a complex and highly organized floating community, with each crew member fulfilling vital roles to ensure the ship's operation, survival, and success in piracy.
Unlike the popular image of chaotic bands of lawless rogues, pirate crews often had a structured hierarchy of jobs, many of which mirrored those found on legitimate naval or merchant vessels, but with unique pirate twists.
Captain
The captain was the elected leader of the pirate ship, chosen by the crew and removable by a majority vote if he failed to meet expectations.
While captains had absolute authority during battle — making critical tactical decisions such as when to engage or flee — outside combat they generally shared power more democratically with the crew.
A good captain was expected to be a skilled sailor, decisive, and respected, without abusing power, since pirate captains who were cowardly or cruel were quickly deposed or even marooned.
Quartermaster
Second only to the captain in authority, the quartermaster was a crucial figure representing the interests of the crew.
Elected by the pirates, the quartermaster wielded significant power during daily shipboard life, overseeing discipline, settling disputes, and distributing food, drink, and loot fairly.
He was the primary enforcer of order aboard, protecting crew members from each other and dealing with minor offenses. In cases where a captured ship was kept, the quartermaster often took command of that vessel until its disposal.
Sailing Master (Navigator)
The sailing master was responsible for navigation and steering the ship safely through often treacherous waters, using maps, charts, and instruments.
Due to the incomplete and often incorrect maps of the era, this role required high skill and experience in chart reading and sea navigation.
Often forced into pirate service after captivity, sailing masters played an essential role in plotting courses to the pirates' next targets or safe havens.
Boatswain
The boatswain managed the ship's daily operations related to its rigging, sails, anchor, and general maintenance.
He supervised the crew’s work to keep the ship in good condition, ensured supplies were properly stored, inspected the ship's hull and sails regularly, and oversaw deck activities like raising and lowering the sails or anchor.
The boatswain reported directly to the captain and quartermaster about the ship’s readiness.
Carpenter/Surgeon
This position was unique because often, a single individual doubled as both the carpenter and surgeon.
The carpenter maintained and repaired the wooden hull, masts, and yards, performing essential tasks like plugging hull leaks with wooden plugs or oakum to keep the ship watertight.
Pirates relied heavily on the carpenter to fix damage from weather or battle, and to modify captured ships for their fleet’s use.
Simultaneously, this person served as the ship’s surgeon, performing rudimentary medical duties including emergency amputations and wound care, often with very limited medical knowledge and no anesthesia. This dual role was critical to the survival of both ship and crew.
Master Gunner
The master gunner was responsible for the ship’s armory, managing the cannons, gunpowder, and firearms.
He ensured weapons were maintained, clean, and ready for battle, preserved gunpowder from moisture, and oversaw the crew’s training in artillery use.
During combat, the master gunner took charge of the ship’s broadsides and coordinated gun crews to maximize damage to enemy vessels.
Mates
Mates acted as apprentices or junior officers to higher-ranking crew members, such as the boatswain, quartermaster, carpenter, or gunner.
They supervised day-to-day work on deck, helped with rigging, ropes, sails, tackle, and anchor management.
On larger ships, there could be first and second mates, who assisted in readiness and operational tasks, ensuring everything ran smoothly under the guidance of senior officers.
Able-Bodied Sailors (ABS)
The backbone of the ship’s crew, able-bodied sailors carried out much of the essential labor, including sailing the ship, handling the rigging, steering, and maintaining the sails.
They needed to be versatile seamen, capable of adapting to various tasks and responding to the demands of the captain and quartermaster.
Their knowledge extended to reading weather and navigating by the stars, crucial for safe voyages and successful piracy.
Riggers
Riggers were specialized sailors assigned to work aloft in the masts and yards to furl, unfurl, and adjust the sails and rigging.
This was a perilous job because it required great balance and courage to work high above a rolling, slippery deck, usually exposed to the elements.
Despite the risks, riggers were essential for maintaining the ship’s speed and maneuverability during chases and battles.
Cabin Boy
Young boys often served as cabin boys, performing menial tasks such as cleaning, running messages, tending to officers, and assisting with food or lighting pipes.
Many cabin boys were runaways or kidnapped, using piracy as an escape or being forced into service. While their duties were low-status, some used the position as a stepping stone to learn seamanship.
Cook
Though not always listed among the main officers, the cook played an essential role in maintaining the crew’s morale and health.
Responsible for preparing meals from limited and often unappetizing rations, the cook’s job was vital for survivability on long voyages.
Good cooks were appreciated and sometimes held a special status on the ship despite their modest pay.
Together, these roles made a pirate ship a self-sufficient, efficient, and deadly vessel.
The crew’s strict hierarchy and division of labor allowed pirates to conduct complex naval operations, maintain their vessels in hostile environments, and survive the challenges of 18th-century piracy on the high seas.
Each job contributed to the overall success and survival of the pirate community afloat.
Nautical Mile Magazine
