What restrained the convicts of the First Fleet?

Answer 1

The convicts on the First Fleet did not require restraint. For most of the journey, the convicts on the First Fleet were kept below decks. They were shut in, literally, and had nowhere to escape. They lived with each other's fleas, body lice and diseases, including cholera and typhoid. Conditions were very unsanitary, with their waste having to go in a bucket and be emptied daily. The convicts experienced sickness from the violent movement of the boat, and this often led to malnutrition, which caused so much lethargy and weakness that restraints were not necessary. They were allowed on deck for only a few minutes at a time, but they were too weak to do anything except sit in the open air. The guards aboard each ship were sufficient to overpower any foolish convict who might attempt to escape.