Glossary

Return of the Obra Dinn glossary of crew ranks including Captain, Mate, Bosun, and ship locations like the Main Deck and Gun Deck.

Captain: Head officer in command of the ship. Responsible for directing the other officers and ensuring the success and safety of the ship's voyage.

Mate: Officer or tradesman that supports and assists their superior. General mates help to run the ship and serve at the Captain's request. Tradesmen mates serve their supervisor.

Bosun: [Alt. Boatswain, Bos'n] Foreman in charge of general crew operations and the equipment required to sail the ship.

Gunner: Military officer in charge of weapons and military procedures on the ship.

Purser: Administrative official. Accounts for all cargo value and trade transactions. Manages a small items store for crew.

Surgeon: The ship's doctor, in charge of crew health. Capable of general care and medical procedures as required.

Carpenter: Tradesman responsible for maintaining the integrity of the ship's wooden structures.

Helmsman: Rated seaman in control of the ship's wheel and general moment-to-moment navigation.

Steward: Servant to an officer or higher-rated crew member, performing general duties for the comfort of their employer.

Midshipman: Officer-in-training. Assists various officers and tradesmen in order to learn ship operations. Usually of privileged status.

Topman: Higher-rated seaman specializing in work above the deck, in the sails and rigging.

Seaman: Low-level crew member responsible for general manual labor on and below deck.

Rigging: The network of ropes and chains supporting the masts and used for working the sails.

Main Deck: The top deck of the ship, exposed to the weather.

Gun Deck: The deck carrying the ship's guns and lined with portals for their firing.

Orlop Deck: Mid deck, above the lowest deck. Containing storage, cabins, animal pens, and the ship's steering tiller.