Are you needed or not ? On a pirate ship every hand is needed, even if it has a hook on the end. There are no pirates that are just there to observe, stand by, supervise, or are along for the ride. If you don't help out, you're out. That is either a sort drop at the end of a rope or a splash at the end of the plank. It is always nice to know you are needed. I love the life of a pirate.