RankDifference

This page is incomplete
See a more complete overview here.

Military Rank
As an officer in the Royal Navy you will, as in the Army, Marines, etc. have a military rank. In the Royal Navy the first ranks said something about the number of crew members you commanded, while the rank of Master and Commander and above (the only ranks that could command the ship in its entirety) pointed at the size of the ships you were allowed to command. As an officer in the St. George Squadron, you are free to use any of the Royal Navy military ranks you wish, this also includes the rank titles you earn as a Naval Officer in the game. Note however that the game's use of military ranks are sketchy at best, as it includes several ranks that are either made up, does not fit your character's age and experience or the ship he is allowed to sail. For example, every rank below "Master and Commander" would not be appointed captain of a ship, while "Captain" is not a military rank per se, but rather a title bestowed on any person commanding a ship.

The historical Royal Navy officer ranks are as follows:
 * Midshipman
 * Lieutenant
 * Master and Commander
 * Post-Captain
 * Rear Admiral
 * Vice Admiral
 * Admiral of the Blue
 * Admiral of the White
 * Admiral of the Red

The SGS regulations mentioning military ranks:
 * There are no regulations that prohibits the use of or binding you to use any Royal Navy rank.
 * It is suggested however that you do not use the ranks below "Master and Commander", as officers of these ranks (Midshipman and Lieutenant) would not have been commissioned a ship of their own to command, but rather serve under a captain.
 * It is also suggested that the rank of Rear Admiral and above is not used, so as not to make the Squadron a "country full of presidents" and to avoid that one captain is put under or over another in terms of military rank (the Squadron uses the social system to show the standing of our officers).
 * Please note that regardless of military rank, you should still follow the Uniform Regulations.

Social Rank
Social ranks are the rank system that defines your standing in society regardless of you military rank. The St. George Squadron uses these ranks as they are applicable for all classes (Privateers and Freetraders are, after all, not in the Royal Navy) while still retaining a fair amount of historical accuracy. This rank depends on your accomplishments within the squadron and is detached from your military rank. That means that all posts on the St. George Squadron board should follow the etiquette for addressing other captains, including any signatures.

The Social ranks in the Squadron are as follows:
 * Gentleman/Fairlass
 * Esquire/Madame
 * Knight/Dame
 * Baronet/Baronetess
 * Baron/Baroness
 * Viscount/Viscountess
 * Earl/Countess
 * Sea Lord

The SGS regulations mentioning military ranks:
 * Your social rank can only be one that is awarded to you by the Squadron.
 * Character names can not include titles like Lord, Baron or Sir. This includes any claim to an Order or title earned elsewhere than in the Squadron.