Did commanders know women were aboard?

Did the command staff know that women were aboard their ships?

Yes; many were their own wives or the wives of other officers and senior ratings.

Many of the women aboard were officers' wives, so their presence was known to the command. A captain, lieutenant, or senior rating might have his wife and children with him. Junior seamen were much less likely to be able to bring their families aboard. Rank and position therefore shaped access to family life at sea.