The Pirate's Code

These rules were set out to provide the discipline needed to run a pirate ship. Whilst they probably varied between individual ships, this is a good indication of existing rules. Before they set sail each man was required to swear he would abide by the rules. (On Barbossa's ship however, they seem to be more 'guidlines'....)

1.Every man shall obey civil Command.

2. The Captain shall have one full share and a half in all Prizes; the Master, Carpenter, Boatswain and Gunner shall have one Share and quarter.

3. Anyone keeping secret of attempting to desert will be marooned. He may take only a flask of gunpowder, a bottle of water, a gun and some shot.

4. That Man that shall strike another whilst these Articles are in force, shall receive Mose's Law (that is 40 stripes lacking one) on the bare Back.

5. That Man that shall snap his Arms, or smoak Tobacco in the Hold, without a cap to his Pipe, or carry a Candle lighted without a Lanthorn, shall suffer the same Punishment as in the former Article.

6. Anyone being lazy or failing to clean his weapons will lose his share of booty.

7. Everyone may vote on all important decisions.

8. Everyone may have a share of captured drink and fresh food.

9. Anyone found stealing form another member of crew will have his ears and nose slit open and be set ashore.

10. Gambling with cards and money is forbidden.

11. The penalty for bringing a woman aboard in disguise is death.

12. No one may leave the crew until each man has made 1,100 pounds.

13. The compensation of losing a limb is 800 silver dollars.

14. If at any Time we should meet another Marrooner (that is Pyrate) that Man that shall sign his Articles without the Consent of our Company, shall suffer such Punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit.

15. If at any time you meet with a prudent Woman, that Man that offers to meddle with her, without her Consent, shall suffer present Death.