Well, first thing’s first – I keep ’em busy. While the cannonballs’re flying and the deck’s a hot‑pot, I shout a clear command and let the lads know exactly what to do: “All hands on deck, secure the rigging, ready the cannon!” Then I give ‘em a quick taste of the spoils: a coin, a drink, a word of praise when they pull it off. If someone starts to slack, I pull them aside, give a firm but friendly warning, and maybe a dare to prove their mettle. Discipline ain’t about terror, it’s about respect and the promise of treasure. And when the tide’s high and the enemy’s close, a bold laugh, a wink, and a “ready to sail, mates!” gets the crew in line faster than any order on paper.

Aye, that’s the trick – keep ’em on their toes, but let ’em see that I’m in the thick of it too. A good captain knows when to give the shout and when to swing a joke or a dare. Balance, lads, and the ship will hold fast through any storm.