1. Rank Had Its Privileges
Whenever a band of pirates returned from a successful plunder, all of the treasure (or booty) was gathered in one place to be counted. It would then have been divided up and distributed between everybody. How much each person got was directly determined by their rank.
2. Every Man's Vote Was Equal
No matter what rank each member held, every pirate's vote held equal weight when a vote on 'affairs of the moment' was held. Once a democratic vote had been counted, the result was final, and not even the captain would dare to try and alter anything. The only exception was when it came down to punishment, as that was a matter which was left entirely in the hands of the captain.
3. Everyone Got an Equal Share of Food & Drink
Rations of water and food are critical when you're out at sea, and that's why all food and water was divided equally between all members of the crew. This rule also extended to any alcohol that the pirates came across, since remaining in a constant drunken state was something that pirates valued over most things.
4. Theft Was Punished by Death or Marooning
After a band of pirates successfully managed to plunder a ship, each man was allowed to take any personal items that he came across. However, anything of significant value, such as jewelry or gold, had to be placed into the common pot to be divided. If you got caught trying to keep any valuables from the others, then you'd have to prepare to pay the price!
5. No Fighting Was Allowed
It was strictly forbidden for pirates to fight amongst themselves while aboard the ship. Most violations often resulted in a harsh 40 lashes, courtesy of the captain. However, most disputes were usually resolved whilst on land, where guns and swords then became fair play.
6. You Had to Keep Your Arms Ready
Just because pirates weren't allowed to fight amongst themselves on board the ship, it doesn't mean that their lives were virtually free of violence. In fact, every pirate was expected to have a well-sharpened blade and a loaded pistol on them at all times, so that they'd be ready to spring into action as soon as an unsuspecting vessel was spotted.
7. Unlucky Pirates Were Offered Compensation
Pirates who lost a limb while carrying out their duties would generally be compensated with 800 pieces of eight, each of which was worth an eighth of a dollar. This means that losing an arm would score you $100, which is almost $3000 in today's money. Sounds like a good deal, right?
8. Sex Wasn't Allowed on Board
It didn't matter whether a pirate was attracted to women or men, sexual acts of any kind were strictly forbidden aboard pirate vessels. Anyone who got caught breaking this rule would have received a punishment of the captain's choice.
9. Cowards Had No Place on a Pirate Vessel
When a pirate ship was engaged in battle, it was mandatory for every single member of the crew to fight. Anyone who didn't fight, or who was deemed to have not fought hard enough, was given a punishment. The choice of punishment would have been put down to a vote, and could have ranged from anything like losing a month's wages to being forced to walk the plank.
10. Gambling Was Forbidden
Even though many of us have a mental image of pirates being avid gamblers, gambling itself was forbidden while at sea. Card and dice games were only allowed to be pursued on land, where the crew members finally got the chance to spend their hard-earned gold, and let off some steam.
