The Pirate nation is united like no other. Most people that are a member of it were born there or was a foundling (a child found or rescued and took in). Some come to the nation because they are outcast to others nations. Regardless of where you come from the rules are the same. We are one people. This is more than a creed. The pirates have learned that no one else will have your back, so we have each others. To commit any act against a fellow pirate is unforgivable including lies, theft , harm and more. Any and all acts are seen as major crimes and punished heavily. However, to anyone that is not one of us there is nothing you can do wrong. If you or another harms an outsider, they deserved it, its funny, and we have your back. Another tradition here that is not found with outsiders is our hospitality. Sharing your home, ship and food with others of our kind is normal. We all pitch in to make sure we all survive. Now this does not mean giving up your wealth, but basic things for survival are standard to share.
The Pirate nation itself is the only one without a land. The nation is made up of ships, boats, and other makeshift parts to form a massive floating city. The city itself moves. And how to find it is a secret only the navigators are taught. A secret they are expected to die to keep if needed.
Your standard ship has the following.
A Captain. The Captain was the highest in command of a single ship and required the skills to be a good tactician and decision-maker. He gave the orders and was expected to make the most critical decisions, including how to engage a target, pursue prey, escape the authorities, and deal with an attack. But the role was subject to the wishes of the crew. Unlike traditional naval and merchant ships, pirates usually chose their Captain through a majority election and, in the same way, could be disposed of from his post through a new vote.
Navigator. This person is an officer in charge of guiding the ship. More so they are often the most protected member of the crew. For if they fall there is no easy way back home. It is also expected to kill them before letting them be captured. Save them first ofcourse if you can. The Navigator is also picked by the nation, not the crew.
Quartermaster - The Captain's authority was further limited by the powers conferred on the Quartermaster. The Quartermaster was almost the Captain's equal except while chasing a prize or during a battle. And like the Captain, the Quartermaster was usually elected by their crews. The Quartermaster's role was also a sort of magistrate. Unlike Royal Naval vessels, where the Boatswain would maintain discipline and handle the crew's punishment, this was the Quartermaster's responsibility. He also had to lead the attack when boarding a ship and usually assumed command of captured boats.
Master-at-Arms - Together with the Quartermaster, the Master at Arms was the Captain's closest collaborator and most trusted man. He was the foremost expert in the art of combat and war strategy. He also took care of the crew's internal management, making sure that each of them performed their duties to the best of their abilities. Therefore, he was in charge of organizing the crew's plans and actions when attacking a merchant ship or fighting, if necessary, against another crew.
Master Boatswain - Usually, the Master Boatswain was the sailor with the most experience on board and reported directly to the Quartermaster and Captain. His primary responsibility was to ensure the ship was maintained, a task that required absolute expertise, and it was precisely the care, love, and attachment to one's ship that made the Boatswain one of the reliable elements of a crew. In addition to this, the Boatswain directed all deck activities, including handling the sails, weighting, rigging, lines, yards, and anchors.
Doctor - A Doctor was essential onboard a pirate ship, subject to countless battles during its life at sea. In addition to injuries sustained from cannon, sword, or any other weapons a pirate faced wasn't the only source of work for the doctor. A pirate ship could have been infested with rats, lice, and cockroaches, and the food was stored in absolutely unsanitary conditions were an inexhaustible disease source. But having a professional doctor in the crew was a luxury, and often the "doctor" on board was the cook or Carpenter; unfortunately, most of the time, these men knew little or nothing about medical science.
Mate - A mate is a second officer and apprentice to the senior officer ranks, such as the Sailing Master, Boatswain, etc. These additional officers could have been chosen by the senior officer or elected by the pirate council. Often there could have been multiple mates, first mate, second mate, and so on. Unlike a Royal Navy ship of the time, where the Captain also has a mate on a pirate ship, that role tended to fall to the Quartermaster.
Crew - Non officers that fill any role needed.
In all cases it's up to the full crew to decide on the jobs taken and the goals of the ship. All matters are voted on, with everyone getting 1 vote, officers getting 1.5 votes and the captain getting 2 votes. The look is also split up the same way.
There are higher ranking people in the nation itself. It is however rare for the nation to tell a ship what to do, if they do it's for good reason.