Royal Navy ships carried larger crews than merchant ships, which operated with the leanest manning possible. Naval work could therefore seem easier in relative terms, and the service supplied food considered reasonably good for its time. Basic pay had been fixed in 1653 and did not rise until 1797, after the mutinies. Advancement and prize money still offered opportunities despite that long freeze in pay. Merchant command usually required ownership of a share in the ship, which limited advancement for sailors without the money to buy one. East Indiamen offered the best-paid merchant route toward ownership. Experienced naval petty officers could also gain navigation qualifications and use prize money after decommissioning to buy a share in a merchant ship and become its captain.
Notable Point · 17:53-19:28
Naval service could lead to merchant command
Larger crews and food could make naval service attractive, while navigation qualifications and prize money could help a sailor buy into a merchant ship and command it.