The book passage distinguishes warrants issued by subordinate naval boards from commissions issued by the Admiralty. Boatswains, gunners, and carpenters usually rose from the lower deck, overseeing rigging and ground tackle, guns, and the hull respectively. They had limited prospects for further advancement. Surgeons and pursers occupied a different position as civilian-style professionals afloat, gaining wardroom standing with uniform and sword from 1807. The master, responsible for navigation and pilotage, had a separate professional and social standing alongside lieutenants. Chaplains occupied a less clearly defined position between commissioned and warrant rank.
Notable Point · 4:20:21-4:21:21
Why warrant officers occupied different places in the naval hierarchy
The warrant-officer title covered several groups whose professional duties and social standing differed sharply.