The rating system shaped who could command a vessel. A rated warship normally received a post captain, while sloops, bomb vessels, fire ships, and ships armed en flûte could be entrusted to commanders. An en-flûte warship carried half its guns or fewer, often because it was serving as a troop transport. Lieutenants commanded still smaller craft, and some support vessels could go to a master or midshipman. Even a master's mate might command a captured prize in a pinch. Ship classification thus created a ladder of responsibility and experience for naval officers.
Notable Point · 58:02-58:56
Who commanded rated and unrated vessels
Rated status placed post captains in command, while vessel type and mission opened smaller commands to progressively junior officers.