Nelson & His World

I had BBC Radio 4 on in the background a few days ago (recovering from all the drama in The Archers) when pirates in Nelson's day were mentioned.

Apparently, compared to the harshness of life aboard a Royal Navy ship. pirates had a much easier time. For example, there was an agreed rate of compensation for loss of a limb, eye etc; captured booty was equally distributed between crew members and the crew had a say in the choice of captain and the power to dismiss him ('walking the plank, maybe?) if he wasn't up to scratch.

I thought these titbits of information were interesting and wonder if anyone can confirm or elaborate.