Master at arms has a significantly lower HP bonus than Boatwain. For example, my officer Donald Legate went from 204HP went to 238HP by changing from master at arms to boatswain. In other words, currently master at arms actually aren't very good fighters, comparatively, and seem to lack much usefulness.
Master at arms only has one skill boatswain lacks as contributing: landing party. Boatwain has many skills master at arms lacks. Salary doesn't change switching between officer roles. You seem to also be able to have as many simultaneous boatswains as you like.
Unless I am misunderstanding something?
PROPOSAL: Master at Arms should get the same HP bonus as boatswain, as it is very specifically a fighting role. Then players can distribute between the two roles at their preference.
Master at arms only has one skill boatswain lacks as contributing: landing party. Boatwain has many skills master at arms lacks. Salary doesn't change switching between officer roles. You seem to also be able to have as many simultaneous boatswains as you like.
Unless I am misunderstanding something?
PROPOSAL: Master at Arms should get the same HP bonus as boatswain, as it is very specifically a fighting role. Then players can distribute between the two roles at their preference.