Most sailing ships take what they call trainees who pay to be part of the crew. The Picton Castle takes people who are absolutely raw recruits. But you can't just ride along. You're learning to steer the ship navigation you're pulling lines keeping a lookout in the galley you're cooking.
Judged by the law of England I know this crime entails upon me the penalty of death but the history of Ireland explains that crime and justifies it.