All pirates knew that discipline was necessary on board the ship.  Here are some rules set down by captains John Phillips and Bartholomew Roberts.  Before sailing, each crew member had to swear they would abide by the rules of the rules of the code of conduct.

1.  Everyone shall obey orders.

2.  Booty will be shared out as follows:  1 share to every ordinary seaman; 1 1/2 shares to the captain; 1 1/4 shares to the master carpenter, boatswain and gunner.

3.  Anyone keeping secret of attempting to desert will be marooned.  He may take only a flask of gunpowder, a bottle of water, a gun and some shot.

4.  The punishment for hitting a man is 40 lashes on the bare back.

5.  Anyone being lazy or failing to clean his weapons will lose his share of booty.

6.  Everyone may vote on all important decisions.

7.  Everyone may have a share of captured drink and fresh food.

8.  Anyone found stealing form another member of crew will have his ears and nose slit open and be set ashore.

9.  Gambling with cards and money is forbidden.

10. The penalty for bringing a woman aboard in disguise is death.

11. No one may leave the crew until each man has made 1,100 pounds.

12. The compensation of losing a limb is 800 silver dollars