For my next "series" of posts, I'll be talking about the different stations in a pirate crew: Captain, Quartermaster, Boatswain, (or bo'sun), Cook and Crewman.

   As I have said before, there is a great wealth of myths concerning pirates out there.

  They were dashing gentlemen, they loved to fight, etc. But perhaps the biggest myth concerns the Captain of a pirate ship.

  Most believe that the captains were tyrants who ruled the crew with an iron fist. Most did not fit this description!

  Think about it: What's the opposite of a strict, harsh, oppressive 17th -18th century naval crew? A pirate crew! So naturally the Captain would not be a domineering, bossy "ruler".

  The only time a Captain a great amount of authority was in a battle.

  Yes, he had a greater share of treasure. But he was responsible for finding a good place to get that treasure! Yes, he got his own cabin, But the other crew members could enter it at any given time!

  The pirates governed themselves democratically, with a "one man, one vote" rule. The majority wins. Even if the Captain was not in the majority.

  They were quick to protest any infringement on their rights, and to look at the mutiny of Jack Sparrow in The Curse of the Black Pearl.

  Mutiny was a real aspect of a Captain's life. Because of this, the "power" given to a Captain or Officer was limited.

  When I learned these things, I was surprised and a little depressed!

  After all, who hasn't dreamt of a Hollywood style pirate ship and crew?

I hope you read these and get both knowledge and enjoyment!

Sincerely,

   Alaina Ruby