In the popular modern imagination, pirates of the classical period were rebellious, clever teams who operated outside the restricting bureaucracy of modern life. In reality, many pirates ate poorly, did not become fabulously wealthy, and died young.

Unlike traditional Western societies of the time, many pirate clans operated as limited democracies, demanding the right to elect and replace their leaders. The captain of a pirate ship was often a fierce fighter in whom the men could place their trust, rather than a more traditional authority figure sanctioned by an elite. However, when not in battle, the ship's quartermaster usually had the real authority.

Many groups of pirates shared in whatever booty they seized, according to a complicated scheme where each man received his allotted share of the prize. Pirates injured in battle might be afforded special compensation. Often all of these terms were agreed upon and written down by the pirates. These articles could also be used as incriminating proof that they were outlaws.

Pirates readily accepted outcasts from traditional societies, perhaps easily recognizing kindred spirits, and they were known to free slaves from slave ships and welcome them into the pirate fold.

Such egalitarian practices within a pirate clan were tenuous, however, and did little to mitigate the brutality of the pirate's way of life.

The classical age of piracy coexisted with imperialism. Imperialism required merchant vessels to transport goods and warships to protect the trade ships from pirates and privateers. Living conditions on the warships were horrible even by 17th-century standards; sailors were often fed rotten, maggot-infested food, frequently suffered from scurvy or other nutritional disorders, and could be counted lucky to escape their service without a debilitating injury. Two life-threatening and omnipresent forces in the sailors' lives were the sea and the ship's captain. English captains were known to have been extremely brutal; the captain held a sort of sovereign power aboard his ship and many were unafraid to abuse that power. It is thought that the service of an English sailor during England's imperial reign is the most inhumane of all wartime duties to date. To fill the warships, officers would sometimes forcibly conscript or "press-gang" boys and young men to replace lost crew.

The horrid living conditions, constant threat to life, and brutality of the captain and his officers pushed many men over the edge. Possessing seafaring skill, a learned intolerance for absolute authority, and a disdain for the motherland they might have believed abandoned them, many crews would simply mutiny during an attack and offer themselves and their ship as a new pirate vessel and crew.

 Pirate Crews

Captain

The Captain of a pirate ship had to possess the qualities of leadership and courage. Generally chosen for his daring and dominating character, a pirate captain often was  admired for his cruelty and destructiveness. A captain's power was absolute in time of chase or action, and he could discipline anyone who disobeyed his orders. He also had life and death power over anyone taken prisoner.

Quartermaster
The quartermaster came next after the captain in exercising authority over the pirate crew; he was in charge of the men when the ship was not in action. He could punish the men for insubordination and arbitrated minor disputes among the men. The quartermaster usually led the attack and was the first to board the vessel. He was also in charge of food and water supplies. The quartermaster assisted in numerous tasks, including attending to the binnacle (box housing the compass), steering the ship, and navigational duties. He was elected by the crew and often wielded more power than the captain in all matters except fighting the ship

Sailing Master
The ship's master was an officer responsible for the sailing of the ship. He had to be a specialists in navigation and piloting. He directed the course and provide himself with maps and instruments necessary for navigation.Many sailing masters had been forced into pirate service.

Boatswain
The boatswain supervised the maintenance of the vessel and its supplies of naval stores (tar, pitch and tallow, spare sails, etc.). He was responsible for inspecting ships, sails and rigging each morning, and reporting their state to the captain. The boatswain was also in charge of all deck activities, including weighing and dropping anchor, and handling of the sails.

Master Gunner
The master gunner was responsible for the ship's guns and ammunition. This included sifting the powder to keep it dry and prevent it from separating, insuring the canon balls were kept free of rust, and all weapons were kept in good repair. During battle the Master Gunner stayed below in the powder locker issuing charges for the powder monkeys to take to the gun crews.

Carpenter
The Carpenter was responsible for the maintenance and repair of the hull, masts and yards. He worked under the direction of the ship's master and was charged with looking after the main tack and bowlines, or working the forecastle with the mate. He also had the duty of surveying any captured vessels to determine their seaworthiness.

Surgeon
The Surgeon was usually any person who showed an aptitude for tending the sick. Manny were forced into piracy from the ships taken by the pirates. He was responsible for inspections to judge the fitness of the new recruits, and treatment of the sick and wounded. The pirates took  what drugs, medications, and other things necessary for treating the sick and injured crewmen from the ships they attacked. Sometimes the carpenter stepped up to do the work of the surgeon, often using his wood working saws to remove a wounded limb.

Cook
The cook had to charge the steep-tub, and was answerable for the Meat put in it. He had to see the meat duly watered to remove the salt, and the provisions carefully and cleanly boiled and delivered to the men. In stormy weather he had secure the steep-tub that it was not washed over-board.

Mate
The Mate took care of the fitting out of the vessel, and examined whether it is sufficiently provided with ropes, pulleys, sails, and all other rigging necessary for the voyage. At the departure he took care of hoisting the anchor, and during the voyage he checked the tackle once a day. If he observed anything amiss, he acquainted the ship's master. Arriving at a tort, the mate caused the cables and anchors to be repaired, and took care of the management of the sails, yards and mooring of the ship. In case of absence or sickness of the ship's master, the mate commanded in his place.

Powder Monkey
This term was first used in the British Navy for the very young men and boys who made up most gun crews in the 17th century. These lads perform what was some of the most dangerous but important work on the ship. They ran between the gun and powder room to provide the gun crews with powder during the battle.