who determined a ship's course on a pirate ship

Captain had absolute control only in a battle. In everyday life, Captains did not have much more rights than any other crewmember. Even sail courses were determined by voting. In Navy, captains and officers had military rank.

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What did a sailing master do on a pirate ship?

The ship's master was an officer responsible for the sailing of the ship. He had to be a specialists in navigation and pilotage. He directed the course and provide himself with maps and instruments necessary for navigation.

What was the ultimate authority on a pirate ship?

The Sailing Master was responsible for keeping the ship on the correct course and reaching its destination. During the golden age of piracy, navigation depended almost exclusively on conjecture. Even with the introduction of the nautical chronometer in the second half of the 18th century, it was impossible to determine and calculate longitude with precision.

Was there such a thing as a pirate ship?

 · A pirate ship is defined as any vessel whose sailors and crew are engaged in piracy. Thus, anything from a raft or canoe to a massive frigate or man of war could be considered a pirate vessel. Pirates could and did use very small boats, even canoes when nothing else was at …

What is the first mate on a pirate ship called?

 · Trained navigators were able to use the stars to determine a ship's latitude and therefore could sail from east to west with reasonable ease. Figuring out longitude, however, was much harder, so sailing north to south involved a lot of guesswork. Since pirate ships often ranged far and wide in search of their prizes, sound navigation was crucial.

What does a navigator do on a pirate ship?

Navigators were the brains of a pirate crew; as a rarity they held special acclaim, and were valued members of the crew in all times, but especially when maps and manuscripts were nowhere to be found. By reading the stars they helped their vessels to safety; you are a guide to the people around you.

What does a boatswain do on a pirate ship?

The boatswain, or bosun, was in charge of keeping the ship in shape for travel and battle, looking after the wood, canvas, and ropes that were vital to swift and safe sailing.

Who navigates a pirate ship?

An important and necessary pirate ship job was the sailing master. This officer's duties included navigating and sailing the pirate ship. He would be skilled in map reading and charting the course of the pirate ship, which was pretty hard in those days when maps were incomplete and often erroneous.

What is the leader of a pirate ship called?

captainThey were called captains; the flamboyant leaders who steered their ships across the vast waters of the oceans, but did you know that the word “captain” in a technical sense didn't really exist for the Royal Navy during the golden age of pirates.

What's a female pirate called?

18th-century piratesNameLifeCultureIngela Gathenhielm1692–1729SwedishAnne Bonny born Anne Cormac, aliases Ann Bonn and Ann Fulford, possibly also Sarah Bonny1698–1721(disappeared)IrishMary Read, alias Mark Readc. 1690–1721EnglishMary Farley, alias Mary /Martha Farlee / Harley / HarveyIrish6 more rows

What is the lowest role on a pirate ship?

The powder monkeys would run from below deck taking gunpowder to the cannon crews during times of battle. Mopping the decks was a daily chore and could be particularly dangerous during treacherous weather. Swabs were the lowest rank on a pirate ship and a job that most wished to avoid.

Does the captain steer the ship?

A sailor acts as quartermaster and physically steers the ship. He follows orders given by whoever has the “con,” usually the captain. Sometimes, the pilot will give orders to the quartermaster. When the ship is docking or undocking, the captain will take physical control of the ship, placing his hands on the controls.

What does a quartermaster do on a pirate ship?

A quartermaster is the one responsible for imposing punishments and discipline on crew members who cross the line. The punishment is also applicable to the captain. He would also be the one to listen to the concerns of other pirate crew members and bring them to the attention of the captain.

What is a pirate crew called?

Crew member (commonly crewman or crewmen) was the generic term given to a member of a ship's crew, whether they were pirates or members of the East India Trading Company or the Royal Navies. There were numerous other slang terms for members of a ship's crew, some equally generic, such as "sailor" and "mate."

What did pirates call the first mate?

The First Mate, also known as the Chief Mate, Chief Officer, First officer, First Lieutenant, or simply The Mate, was placed in charge of a ship's cargo and deck crew. They were head of the deck department on merchant vessels. The First Mate was responsible to the captain for the safety and security of the ship.

Did pirates elect their captains?

Roles and duties on a pirate ship. The captain was elected by all the men in the crew and could be replaced by a majority vote by the same. Cowardly or brutal captains were quickly voted out of their position.

How do pirates call each other?

Ahoy. Ahoy is the most versatile pirate word used in movies and books. Sailors use it to call to other ships, greet each other, warn of danger, or say goodbye.

What was the ultimate authority on a pirate ship?

The ultimate authority on a pirate ship was the "pirate council," which included every man on the ship. But even pirate ships needed a Captain and officers. So unlike Royal Navy vessels, pirates limited the Captain's power who would have absolute authority in battle; otherwise, it was ruled by the majority pirate council, ...

How did pirates choose their captain?

But the role was subject to the wishes of the crew. Unlike traditional naval and merchant ships, pirates usually chose their Captain through a majority election and, in the same way, could be disposed of from his post through a new vote.

What is the role of a captain in pirates?

The Captain was the highest in command of a single ship and required the skills to be a good tactician and decision-maker. He gave the orders and was expected to make the most critical decisions, including how to engage a target, pursue prey, escape the authorities, and deal with an attack. But the role was subject to the wishes of the crew. Unlike traditional naval and merchant ships, pirates usually chose their Captain through a majority election and, in the same way, could be disposed of from his post through a new vote.

Who elected the Quartermaster?

And like the Captain, the Quartermaster was usually elected by their crews. The Quartermaster's role was also a sort of magistrate. Unlike Royal Naval vessels, where the Boatswain would maintain discipline and handle the crew's punishment, this was the Quartermaster's responsibility.

What was the role of a quartermaster?

He also had to lead the attack when boarding a ship and usually assumed command of captured boats.

Who was the Master at Arms?

Together with the Quartermaster , the Master at Arms was the Captain's closest collaborator and most trusted man. He was the foremost expert in the art of combat and war strategy. He also took care of the crew's internal management, making sure that each of them performed their duties to the best of their abilities. Therefore, he was in charge of organizing the crew's plans and actions when attacking a merchant ship or fighting, if necessary, against another crew.

Who was the Captain's closest collaborator?

Together with the Quartermaster, the Master at Arms was the Captain's closest collaborator and most trusted man. He was the foremost expert in the art of combat and war strategy. He also took care of the crew's internal management, making sure that each of them performed their duties to the best of their abilities.

What is a pirate ship?

A pirate ship is defined as any vessel whose sailors and crew are engaged in piracy. Thus, anything from a raft or canoe to a massive frigate or man of war could be considered a pirate vessel. Pirates could and did use very small boats, even canoes when nothing else was at hand.

How do pirates get new ships?

When pirates got a new ship, by stealing one or by swapping their existing ship out for a better one belonging to their victims, they usually made some changes. They would mount as many cannons on the new ship as they could without significantly slowing her down.

What was the Golden Age of Piracy?

During the so-called "Golden Age" of piracy (roughly 1700-1725) , thousands of pirates terrorized shipping lanes all over the world, particularly in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. These ruthless men (and women) needed good ships to be able to run down their prey and escape from pirate hunters and navy vessels.

Who were the two pirates who took over the ship?

Some pirates were crewmen on board naval or merchant vessels who took over by mutiny: George Lowther and Henry Avery were two well-known pirate captains who did so.

Why did pirates trade ships?

Most pirates simply traded ships when they captured one that was more seaworthy than the one they had been using. Sometimes brave pirates could steal ships: "Calico Jack" Rackham was cornered by Spanish gunships one night when he and his men rowed over to a sloop the Spanish had captured.

How many cannons did pirates have?

Six cannons or so was the minimum that pirates liked to have on board. The pirates usually changed the rigging or ship’s structure so that the ship would sail faster. Cargo spaces were converted into living or sleeping quarters, as pirate ships usually had more men (and less cargo) onboard than merchant's vessels.

Why did pirates change the rigging of their ships?

The pirates usually changed the rigging or ship’s structure so that the ship would sail faster. Cargo spaces were converted into living or sleeping quarters, as pirate ships usually had more men (and less cargo) onboard than merchant's vessels.

What is a pirate ship?

While pirates and their ships have taken on mythic status, a pirate ship was an organization much like any other business. Each crew member had a specific role to play and a set of duties to perform that went with it. Life on a pirate ship was much less strict and regimented than it would have been aboard a Royal Navy ship or merchant vessel ...

Who elected the captain of the pirates?

Unlike the Royal Navy or merchant service, in which the captain was a man with a great deal of nautical experience and complete authority, a pirate captain was elected by the crew , and his power was only absolute in the heat of battle or when giving chase.

What was the role of a quartermaster?

The quartermaster was also in charge of discipline with regard to minor matters such as fighting or casual dereliction of duty. (More severe offenses went before a pirate tribunal.) Quartermasters often inflicted punishments such as floggings.

What was the role of a boatswain?

The boatswain, or bosun, was in charge of keeping the ship in shape for travel and battle, looking after the wood, canvas, and ropes that were vital to swift and safe sailing. The bosun often led shore parties to restock supplies or find material for repairs when needed. He oversaw activities such as dropping and weighing the anchor, setting the sails, and making sure the deck was swabbed. An experienced boatswain was a very valuable man who often got a share-and-a-half of loot.

What did the Bosun do?

The bosun often led shore parties to restock supplies or find material for repairs when needed. He oversaw activities such as dropping and weighing the anchor, setting the sails, and making sure the deck was swabbed. An experienced boatswain was a very valuable man who often got a share-and-a-half of loot.

What was the job of a carpenter on a ship?

The carpenter, who generally answered to the boatswain, was in charge of ensuring the ship’s structural integrity. He was tasked with fixing holes after combat, making repairs after a storm, keeping the masts and yardarms sound and functional, and knowing when the ship needed to be beached for maintenance or repairs.

Do pirates have doctors?

Most pirate ships preferred to have a doctor aboard when one was available. Trained doctors were hard to find, and when ships had to go without one, often times a veteran sailor would serve in their stead.

What was the major check on the captain's power?

A significant check on the captain’s power was the quartermaster, who served as a sort of prime minister, or chief of staff, to the captain. The quartermaster was also democratically elected, and held a variety of powers.

What is the first rule of the pirate code?

The first rule of one particular pirate code reads, “Every man has a vote in affairs of moment,” securing, at the start, a man’s right to participate in the selection of the captain and other officials. With this right in place, each crew elected a captain who was granted total power only during times of distress.

When did pirates start?

Pirate organizations predated any modern democratic government, having originated during the Golden Age of Piracy, from the 1650s to the 1730s. As an outgrowth of a diverse society that sought to maximize efficiency, Pirates formed relatively liberal, egalitarian orders based on elected officials and mutual trust.

Why did pirates become liberal?

As an outgrowth of a diverse society that sought to maximize efficiency, Pirates formed relatively liberal, egalitarian orders based on elected officials and mutual trust. Sailors often turned to piracy after long, abusive careers as either naval officers or ordinary seamen.

What was the piracy of sailors?

Sailors often turned to piracy after long, abusive careers as either naval officers or ordinary seamen. In the eighteenth century, sailors were commonly beaten, overworked, and underpaid, and were often starved or diseased.

What was the role of the Pirate Council?

The Pirate Council (the term used to referred to the members of the pirate crew) was responsible for removing officers from their positions, and then choosing new candidates to fill those positions. Pirate crews had the option of deposing any captain they deemed to be abusive or of exceptionally poor judgment.

What is the role of a quartermaster?

The quartermaster can be likened to a judge as well, as he played a vital role in arbitrating disputes among crew members. The establishment of this position reflected a desire to narrow the gap between captain and crew, as well as to check the power of the captain.

What was the major check on the captain's power?

A significant check on the captain’s power was the quartermaster, who served as a sort of prime minister, or chief of staff, to the captain. The quartermaster was also democratically elected, and held a variety of powers.

What is the first rule of the pirate code?

The first rule of one particular pirate code reads, “Every man has a vote in affairs of moment,” securing, at the start, a man’s right to participate in the selection of the captain and other officials. With this right in place, each crew elected a captain who was granted total power only during times of distress.

When did pirates start?

Pirate organizations predated any modern democratic government, having originated during the Golden Age of Piracy, from the 1650s to the 1730s. As an outgrowth of a diverse society that sought to maximize efficiency, Pirates formed relatively liberal, egalitarian orders based on elected officials and mutual trust.

Why did pirates become liberal?

As an outgrowth of a diverse society that sought to maximize efficiency, Pirates formed relatively liberal, egalitarian orders based on elected officials and mutual trust. Sailors often turned to piracy after long, abusive careers as either naval officers or ordinary seamen.

What was the piracy of sailors?

Sailors often turned to piracy after long, abusive careers as either naval officers or ordinary seamen. In the eighteenth century, sailors were commonly beaten, overworked, and underpaid, and were often starved or diseased.

What was the role of the Pirate Council?

The Pirate Council (the term used to referred to the members of the pirate crew) was responsible for removing officers from their positions, and then choosing new candidates to fill those positions. Pirate crews had the option of deposing any captain they deemed to be abusive or of exceptionally poor judgment.

What is the role of a quartermaster?

The quartermaster can be likened to a judge as well, as he played a vital role in arbitrating disputes among crew members. The establishment of this position reflected a desire to narrow the gap between captain and crew, as well as to check the power of the captain.

What is the path a ship follows over the ground called?

The path that a vessel follows over the ground is called a ground track, course made good or course over the ground. For an aircraft it is simply its track. The intended track is a route. For ships and aircraft, routes are typically straight-line segments between waypoints. A navigator determines the bearing (the compass direction from ...

What direction did navigators use?

Navigators used ordinal directions, instead of compass degrees, e.g. "northeast" instead of 45° until the mid-20th century when the use of degrees became prevalent.

What is the course of a watercraft?

In navigation, the course of a watercraft or aircraft is the cardinal direction in which the craft is to be steered. The course is to be distinguished from the heading, which is the compass direction in which the craft's bow or nose is pointed.

What is the intended track of an aircraft?

For an aircraft it is simply its track. The intended track is a route. For ships and aircraft, routes are typically straight-line segments between waypoints. A navigator determines the bearing (the compass direction from the craft's current position) of the next waypoint.

What is the role of a navigator in navigation?

A navigator determines the bearing (the compass direction from the craft's current position) of the next waypoint. Because water currents or wind can cause a craft to drift off course, a navigator sets a course to steer that compensates for drift.

Why do navigators steer?

Because water currents or wind can cause a craft to drift off course, a navigator sets a course to steer that compensates for drift. The helmsman or pilot points the craft on a heading that corresponds to the course to steer.

What is the degree of north in aviation?

Course directions are specified in degrees from north, either true or magnetic. In aviation, north is usually expressed as 360°. Navigators used ordinal directions, instead of compass degrees, e.g. "northeast" instead of 45° until the mid-20th century when the use of degrees became prevalent.