This
indenture to the masters or owners of ships lasted until the boy
reached 21. The parish paid 50s. for clothing and bedding for such
sea service. No such apprentice could be impressed into royal sea
service until 18 years of age. Master and owners of ships that
carry 30 - 50 tuns had to take one such apprentice and one more
boy for the next 50 tuns, and one more boy for every 100 tuns over
100 tuns, or forfeit 10 pounds to the parish. Boys voluntarily
binding themselves to such sea service were exempt from impress
for the next three years. This was to increase the number of able
and experience mariners and seamen for the royal navy and for the
trade and commerce of the nation.
No masters or commanders of merchant ships may proceed on a voyage
beyond the seas without first agreeing in writing on wages with
the seamen, except for apprentices. Such agreement must be signed
by the seamen. Offenders must forfeit 5 pounds per seaman, which
will go the use of Greenwich Hospital. Any seaman leaving the ship
before being discharged in writing will forfeit one month's pay
because too many have left the ship before it was unladen.
There were some ships of 2000 tons. The steering wheel had been
introduced because a sudden heavy sea could wrest a tiller from
the hands of the helmsman. Triangular head-sails with jib boom and
stay-sails on stays between masts were in use so that ships could
sail closer into the wind.
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