Ahoy, matey! Do you love pirates? Would you like to learn more about pirate life? Apart from conquering the high seas and treasure hunting, what else is there to know about the worst and best assignments that you can do on a pirate ship?
Although pirate ships and their captains have been immortalized, they were still a business. Each crew member is assigned a job and has to fulfill a list. Although life aboard a pirate ship was less stressful and controlled than that of a Royal Navy or commercial vessel, everyone had to fulfill their duties.
As on all other ships, there was a command structure as well as a hierarchy of tasks. The more organized and well-run pirate ships are, the greater their success. Poor leadership and lack of discipline are two common reasons why ships don’t last long.
It is obvious that being a pirate captain can be the most rewarding and toughest job. However, what other jobs did the other pirates have besides being a captain? Let’s check, shall we? This is a list of the most common positions on a pirate ship, categorized into best and worst rankings by Sunshine Scenic Tours, a business offering boat tours in John’s Pass. It includes their shipboard duties and who’s who.
The Best Jobs on a Pirate Ship
It’s no secret that pirate captains enjoy privileges that are not available to other sailors. Capturing a pirate ship is a huge responsibility; not everyone can handle it. Captains who fail to deliver a satisfactory performance, or are entirely unsuccessful, can be demoted, marooned, or mutinied. The governance of the ship is democratic, and all crew members can participate in the governance.
Quartermasters are the next-best job on the ship. Quartermasters are responsible for disciplining crew members who break the rules. The captain is also subject to this punishment. He would be responsible for listening to other crew members of pirates and bringing them to the attention of the captain. He will be the second in command of the next vessel they conquer.
A boatswain is only third on the list of top jobs, but it is the most important. They are the ones who actually take charge. They are responsible for ensuring that supplies last. They are respected and well-fed by their fellow crew members.
It is not clear if this is one of the most lucrative jobs on a pirate ship. Sailing masters are often kidnapped from merchant ships or naval ships. Few pirates were skilled enough to chart their route or read maps. This is why hostages are often forced to take this position.
The gun crew was led by a Master Gunner. First Gunner, second gunner and loading gunner were all part of the gun crew. The Master Gunner was one of the best jobs on the ship as you will be responsible for directing all gun crews and ensuring they were firing at the correct moment. This skill took many years to master. All pirate captains sought out this skill because it was so precise with firearms. This is especially true given the poor aim of the first firearms. The Master Gunner was responsible for maintaining the cannons.
The Worst Jobs on a Pirate Ship
This is probably why it’s one of the most dangerous pirate ship activities. You don’t have to be a carpenter to fix things on the ship. Sometimes, you might have to use your skills to amputate the legs and feet of other pirate crews that were wounded in battle.
The cabin boys take care of the pirates aboard the ship. They would need to be available almost 24 hours a day for this job. Cabin boys were often hostages, while others were either stowaways or young men simply looking for adventure. This is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous jobs on the ship.
The responsibility of a powder monkey is derived from the word powder. They are the ones who get the gunpowder from the deck to the crew responsible for firing the cannons. It’s not only a huge responsibility, but it can also be exhausting to race back and forth to retrieve the gunpowder.
Every day, Swabbies clean the decks. Mopping ships can be exhausting. It is also risky, especially when there are significant waves and harsh weather. They could either fall or get thrown overboard. This is the job most sailors don’t want to be assigned.
While being a musician was extremely popular onboard pirate ships, it was a fairly dangerous job that no one loved. Musicians were frequently abducted forcefully from pirate-attacked ships. When pirates stormed a farm in Scotland, they left behind two young women and brought back a musician instead.
Sometimes a pirate’s life can be dull, regardless of your position on a Jolly Roger ship. You can sail for days and see nothing but the ocean. However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that pirate life can be thrilling: finding treasure, exploring new lands, sailing together with friends, and embarking on adventures! You and your friends can experience something similar with many businesses offering such services. Just make sure to be like a pirate and keep your eye open, and, of course, ask around!
