When were enslaved galley rowers plausible?

Were enslaved galley rowers mainly used in a later or more limited context?

They were more plausible on merchant ships in tightly controlled waters, although revolt still endangered the people running the ship.

Enslaved oarsmen were more plausible aboard a merchant ship operating in waters already secured by a strong military power. In that setting, a revolt offered less chance of escape because the rowers could be caught as pirates. Even so, recapturing the ship would offer little protection to an owner killed during the revolt.