The Quarterdeck of the Rose is the equivalent of the bridge on a modern vessel. On the original ship this was strictly officer's country and an ordinary seaman did not go there unless he had a specific job to do, such as steering by the compass or by the wind in the sails, depending on what the officer of the watch had ordered.
The helmsman rarely had to look where he was going; there was a lookout posted in the bow looking forward, one on each side of the waist looking to port and starboard, and during the day, at least one man aloft. In battle the quarterdeck was the Captain's position from which he could most easily see all that was going on and command the ship.
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Left: The helmsman's view of the quarterdeck, looking forward. You can see the binnacle holding the compass and part of the spanker boom and spencer mast in the upper right. Below: A view of the quarterdeck from between the port pinrail and the mizzen mast.
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Today we use the quarterdeck much the way they did 200 years ago. Though we are not so strict about hands coming aft, the quarterdeck is still not a place where people socialize: it is the work area for the Captain and the Mate on watch. During the day and in fair weather the navigation is done from here; at night the Great Cabin becomes the navigation station. There is a companionway which leads directly to the great cabin from here; you can see it in the photo on the left, but that is for officers only.
