Pirate Roles and Jobs

Captain

The ship’s commander and authority figure. Sets course, leads raids, and makes final decisions.

Lives in the Captain’s Quarters (private room at the stern). Commands from the Quarterdeck.

First Mate

Second-in-command. Carries out the captain’s orders, manages discipline, and oversees day-to-day duties.

Works throughout the main deck and quarterdeck; often sleeps near the captain.

Quartermaster

In charge of loot division, supplies, and crew discipline. Keeps crew in line and often more trusted than the captain.

Works on the main deck and with the cargo hold.

Boatswain (Bosun)

Oversees deck crew, maintenance, rigging, and physical ship integrity. Loud voice, lots of shouting.

Lives with deckhands, works mostly on the main deck and in the rigging.

Navigator (Sailing Master)

Charts courses using maps, stars, and instruments. Highly respected for their skills.

Often based in a small chart room near the stern or captain’s quarters.

Helmsman

Steers the ship using the wheel or tiller. Must follow orders precisely during storms or battle.

Stationed at the helm on the quarterdeck.

Gunner

Maintains cannons, trains crew in their use, and leads combat during naval fights.

Lives near the gun deck and stores gear near the powder magazine.

Powder Monkey

Young crewmember who runs gunpowder from storage to cannons during battle.

Moves between the powder magazine (below deck) and the gun deck.

Carpenter

Repairs hull damage, plugs leaks, and reinforces the ship. Critical after storms or battle.

Based near the hold, often has a small workshop below deck.

Cook

Prepares meals, preserves food, and manages water and rum.

Works in the galley (kitchen) near the lower decks. Lives close by.

Lookout

Scans the sea for ships, sails, land, or danger. Needs sharp eyes and high tolerance for wind.

Perched in the crow’s nest atop the mainmast.

Rigger

Climbs masts, adjusts sails, repairs ropes and rigging.

Lives on the main deck, works all over the masts and rigging.

Sailmaker

Repairs sails, stitches canvas and works on emergency sail patches.

Has a bench below deck, near dry storage areas.

Surgeon (or Medic)

Treats wounds, amputates limbs, and handles illness. Often feared more than trusted.

Works in a makeshift infirmary near the hold, with access to tools and water.

Cooper

Builds and repairs barrels for food, powder, water, and rum. Keeps supplies secure.

Stationed near the cargo hold, where barrels are stored.

Swabbie

Lowest-ranked job—cleans the deck, mops messes, and does anything nobody else wants to.

Works across the main deck, lives in the lower crew quarters.

Musician (Fiddler/Drummer)

Boosts morale with songs and rhythms. Important during long voyages and celebrations.

Roams freely, sleeps in crew quarters, plays on the main deck or near the mess.

Cabin Boy

Young servant or assistant to officers. Runs errands, carries gear, and learns ship life.

Lives near the crew quarters, often sleeps outside the Captain’s Quarters.