A carpenter is a person who makes repairs on wooden structures or objects. A ship’s carpenter is a rank on Royal Navy, merchant and pirate vessels.
Their primary responsibilities revolve around the basic maintenance of the ship. This included making sure that the hull was careened to prevent barnacles from causing the wood to rot and that it was free of leaks. Furthermore, the masts needed constant attention and kept in top shape. Shipboard carpenters carried their own tools and a supply of unworked wood and spare parts for repairs.
Carpenter’s Mates had similar responsibilities, but were subordinate to and overseen by the carpenter.