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] I assume part of your surprise at least is at the perceived or real requirement for such harch discipline? Remember that many/most/almost all common sailors were not in the navy because they actually wanted to be there, but had been press ganged or had "volunteered" to join as an alternative to transportation for a criminal act. For example, in 1805 legislation was passed allowing convicted smugglers to escape ordinary punishment by volunteering to serve five years in the army or navy.

Actually NOT all common sailors had been press ganged. I was amazed to read that in fact the navy offered pay that was comparatively good to that of being, perhaps, a farm labourer. It also kept men fed - which they couldn't necessarily guarantee on dry land. And, with the possibility of prize money, the navy offered a chance of earning some real money, which many men could never have dreamed of. Yes, there were press gangs, and yes,many ships were manned with the sweepings of the gaols, but it's worth remembering that you could be hung for stealing a sheep if you were hungry - and could be imprisoned or transported for stealing smaller amounts of money or food if you were desperate to feed a family. So, many men took the King's shilling willingly. Some to escape gaol/transportation undoubtedly. But many more to earn a good living (which stunned me!).