In a naval vessel, rank and position onboard ship was clearly defined in a social hierarchy. At the top were the Wardroom Officers, commissioned to lead the vessel. These included the ship's commissioned officers, the sailing master, and the master's mates who were the most experienced men aboard. The midshipmen, that is to say the officers in training, were next in seniority. Warrant officers were skilled specialists who were granted shipboard commissions by the vessel's captain and had rights to access the quarterdeck and, upon invitation, dine in the wardroom. They were assisted by Petty officers, who were apprentices learning the trade of the skilled warrant officer. At the bottom of the social tree were the seamen, divided into Able Seamen and Ordinary Seamen. On board some vessels, an even lower grade existed called Landsmen, who were Seamen in training with very little or no naval skill.

Wardroom Officers and Midshipmen are considered Officers, Warrant Officers and Petty Officers are NCO’s, and Seamen and Landsmen are sailors. Division on a normal ship between the three classes is 20% / 40% / 40% (Half of all the officers, not counting the Captain and first officer are normally midshipmen. Half of all NCO’s are Petty officers)

The number in parentheses is the typical monthly salary. Spellcasters are 10gp per level (11gp per level for specialist)

The below example is based on a ship with a crew compliment of 50. in a ship with less or more some of the tasks are done by others, on larger ships there are several of each specialty.

Wardroom Officers

Midshipmen

Warrant Officers

 

Petty Officers

Seamen