The Quartermasters were the men who conn or steer the ship. Their duties also included stowing the ballast and provisions in the hold, coiling the cables, keeping the time of the watch and overlooking the purser’s delivery of the provisions. They were skilled seamen who, while still members of the lower deck, were in a position that gave them standing on the ship.
According to the "Observations and Instructions for Officers" a 1st and 2nd rate would have 13 Quartermasters, a 3rd rate 9, a 4th rate 7, a 5th rate 5, a 6th rate 4 and a sloop 3. The pay rate ranged from £1-6 to £1-15 per month in 1793 to £1-16-6 to £2-5-6 per month in 1815.