Positions on a Seafaring Vessel

Life at sea is not a life of leisure. Shipboard conditions tend to be crowded and unsanitary on many ships. Food consists mostly of hard bread, pickled fish, and water or rum to drink. Such hardships are amplified aboard pirate vessels, which often carry far more crew to easily take their targets.

Still, for many, this is they life they choose. As with any other area of life, the quality of that life is often determined by position. The common positions aboard a ship are as follows:

Captain: The overall leader of the ship, whose orders are to be obeyed. Often, such an individual previously served other roles on many ships before achieving their own.
First Mate: The first mate is generally the acting Captain when he or she is not around. A true first mate knows nearly everything there is to know about their ship.
Helmsman: The helmsman is often also the first mate. The helmsman gives orders to the sailors and/or oarsmen to set the speed and course of the ship.
Navigator: While the helmsman steers the ship, the navigator charts the course. Often, the captain has this role unless it is not in his or her skillset. However, a mutiny is far less likely if the others cannot find their way home without the captain.
Engineer/Operator: A new addition to the crew with the recent increase in mechanical sophistication in vessels, the engineer looks after the ship's generator and maintains the Arcane Network within the ship remains stable. 
Quartermaster: The quartermaster cares for the condition of the ship, ensuring all is cleaned and in working order.
Cook: In addition to preparing the meals, the cook is also responsible for ensuring enough food and supplies for the crew are aboard.
Bosun: The bosun is responsible for the rigging of the ship and often has many helpers called “bosun’s mates”.
Master Gunner: The master gunner is of course in charge of all the guns aboard ship. He and his men man and maintain the ship’s weapons.
Lookout: While larger vessels have dedicated lookouts with keen eyesight and knowledge of heraldry, smaller ships often simply have one of the crew man a high position in the masts to keep watch.
Oarsmen: For ships with oars, these men provide manpower to drive these vessels. Often, these men are also marines or warriors. (Isheim captains never use the term “marines”)
Marines: Marines can either be sailors themselves, or know only how to fight. Often, they can also be gunners or crew in a pinch, but their primary function is to board other ships or repel such boarders. Lightly armed and armored, or such men will sink to the bottom with heavier protection.