What were conditions like on the ships in the first fleet for the convicts and marines?

Answer 1

Thanks to Captain Arthur Phillip, the convicts on the First Fleet were subjected to better conditions than convicts of subsequent fleets. Phillip was, in fact, harsher in his discipline with the marines and sailors than he was with the convicts. He was concerned at all times for the convicts' health, trying to give them sufficient rations of food and water, and allowing them above decks for some exercise and fresh air as often as was possible. He knew that they would be invaluable to the building of the new colony.

Phillip avoided having the convicts come above decks when the ships hit the rainstorms and wild weather once they crossed the equator, because he knew they had no linens or blankets to dry themselves, and he wanted to limit illness among the convicts.

The women were subject to be used promiscuously by the sailors, but in many cases they were quite willing to sell themselves for a bit of extra food.

The marines had fairly close quarters themselves, only they weren't restrained. Their food was the same as that of the convicts but they had more of it. Conditions were best for the officers.