Who was responsible for discipline aboard an Age of Sail warship?
Short answerThe master-at-arms, assisted by master's mates and a small disciplinary team.
NotesThe master-at-arms supervised discipline aboard an Age of Sail warship. Master's mates and a small supporting team helped enforce orders. Their equipment could include starters and the cat-o'-nine-tails, tying routine authority to the ship's punishment system. These personnel turned the captain's formal authority into daily discipline below decks.