I found the coal in the barrels in the Fort on Port Royal. Some barrels are less heavily guarded, so I went to the same 2 or 3 barrels over and over again just waiting for them to respawn a "search" option. Luckily if a few over-zealous guards attack and knock you out, you wake up right back in the Fort again. :)

May I ask how you acquired the steel and the silver? I thought I could get it by sinking some EITC and Navy ships, but the quest did not update when I did and I took down quite a few ships.

-Jenny

Sink ships
 

:) Jenny, I just had to keep sinking ships, and it would finally update for one that had silver or steel. Like everyone else, I do not know where to find a First Mate.

I can not find the first mate anywhere. I tried officers, all islands and caves. I even swam out to Navy Ships and killed and killed hoping one would spawn. I am totally frustrated...lol:mad: