How did you get to be a pirate captain?

Answer 1

Some pirates were also made by the events of their time, unknowingly and could not return to normal life afterwards. Specifically; the Royal Navy engaged ship owners and Captains to fight the Spanish and French wherever they found them in western seas (Caribbean) - that were too far for the Royal Navy proper to police. Tasked with the destruction of such vessels (laden with materials to finance the Spanish and French war efforts), these Captains and crews fought bravely and very successfully and were well regarded and rewarded.

However, upon cessation of hostilities in Europe these Captains continued to wage war because no-one told them it was over. By the time they were told, their deeds were embarrassing and inconvenient to the Crown. To preserve a fragile peace, these patriots were branded outlaws and attempts were made to hunt them down. They became known as Buccaneers then, because they would hide out on Cuba and eat considerable amounts of wild pig (bucan).

Some Pirate Captains, then, were picked (or created) because of a decision designed to maintain a peace in Europe.