** A wherry boat approaches the chains of the "Watch Dog", as she bumps the side a gent stands up in the stern sheets and confidently spans the gap, easily climbs the side onto deck**
Permission ta come aboard?
I've been granted the title o' Ships Quartermaster, and as duty comands, I's reportin' fer me duty...
::knuckles forehead::
Who 'as this watch? Where be th' leftennant?
You there, sway up me sea chest! 'ave it stowed in me quarters!
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Thankee Kindly Diego...
I accept the position of Ships Quartermaster...
During the GAOP, most brit and Anglo-American pirates delegated unusual amounts of authority to the Quartermaster who became almost the captain's equal. The capt. retained unlimited authority during battle, but otherwisehe was subject to the QM in many routine matters. The QM was elected by the crew to represent their interests and he recieved an extra share of the booty when it was divided. Above all, he protected the Seaman against each other by maintaining order, settling quarrels,and distributing food and other essentials.
Serious crimes were tried by a jury of the crew, but the QM could punish minor offences. Only he could flog a seaman after a vote from the crew. The QM usually kept the records ans acct. books for theship. he also took part in all battles and often led the attacks by the boarding parties. If the pirates were successful, he decided what plunder to take. If the pirates decided to keep a captured ship, the QM often took over as the capt. of that ship.