Information. Way too much is required and most of it is just to show how much power you have or how much knowledge you have. As a pirate, it is good to know some information like where the next Spanish ship loaded with gold might be or where the British Navy might be patrolling. But sometimes it is just as fun to go out there and risk it all for the love of the adventure. Information is not needed to be a pirate just the love of an adventurer and wenches. Oh yea did I bring up wenches ?