How to address captains

This pages details with the correct way to address a squadron member, written and spoken. This is based on a simplified version of real life in the time period. Please note that in character roleplay is optional on chat and voice communications and so these titles are also optional.

Simple Titles
A commander of a ship, no matter his rank, was always referred to as 'Captain'. Therefore you may call another player 'Captain', whatever his rank. This should take the form of Captain Surname. This can be used for all players, including enemy captains. This may be used in either conversation or correspondence including after action reports.

Conversation: Captain Lewes, meet me in Port Royal

Correspondence: Captain Lewes and myself sailed from Port Royal on an easterly heading

Use of Sir
Although not strictly accurate, the short-end title of 'Sir' may be used when addressing all ranks. This is most useful when in a group using voice communications, when you are not sure who just spoke, but you want to acknowledge the order. This should also be used when addressing members of other societies. The female version is ma'am (rhymes with 'jam').

Full Titles
The squadron has eight ranks, each with a distinct form of address in both conversation and correspondence. Should you choose to use your own, or a fellow member's full title the following examples should provide guidance.

In Conversation
In conversation Gentlemen and Esquires can be referred to simply as Mr. Surname. Knights should be referred to as Sir Firstname, not Sir Surname. Barons, Viscounts, Earls, and Sea Lords are all styled Lord, followed by either Surname or Placename as the case may be. Female Squadron members would be called as follows: Madame/Miss, Dame, and Lady. Some examples of the various forms of address are included.

Mr. Rooke engage with speed.

Thank you for your assistance Sir Hathaway.

You look well Dame Danielle.

My Lord St Kitts, what excellent weather we're having.

Excellent to see you Countess Dai.

Lord Fletcher the French are routed.

Signatures
In writing letters, or forum posts, many Captains display abbreviations after their name and titles in their signature. These are to denote certain awards and/or orders of Knighthood and of course any titles held. First, Rank is taken into account, then awards. In all cases "Captain" is used. Unlike above, when signing letters the firstname is never used alone.

Abbreviations
Special Abbreviations not listed above, but that are usable in signatures (as long as the Captain holds the award) are shown below.

Universal
Used by all Naval Officers.

OoG Medals
Medals are usually placed after your name in this order: PvP before PvE, reverse order of issue. These are placed after orders of Knighthood. All awards may be found here.