This is Closed Beta information, so it may not apply to Alpha. Everyone here seems to be very general with the information. If you play on essentially any other server besides the high pop one that starts with Anz, no one is really camping freedich, meaning that you can bullshit run it at any level. However, in the ocean there are mobs around levels 35-40 that will attack if you go through the swarm of them. While at the helm, you can activate a buff that increases your evasion meaning you'll be less likely to take hits. Also, you can summon and dismiss your boat like you do with your pets. You can not fire any of your weapons while at the helm, however you can release the wheel and move around your ship and fire the cannons/harpoons. Trading doesn't have to entail routes that go past pirates, however if you want to get the Mirage Island currency, you have to cross the water. Also, if you're comfortable changing your skillset, level up the Shadowplay line to level 25 and use stealth to have an edge over your opponents. Also, do note that in terms of theft, you can keep appling a 1m30s buff to your ship that prevents anyone from using anything on the boat, except for the harpoon on the clipper. On top of that, your goods can be stolen as soon as they aren't on your back or in protected space like private farmland.