what is the best way to level up my pirate???

[Edward Edgemenace]

Sink ships (not your own) and defeat lots of enemies. Each weapon gets "reputation points" as your proficiency with that weapon increases. Your overall notoriety is the sum of your reputation, for each attack type (e.g. cannon, sailing, cutlass, pistol, etc.)

By attacking enemies with yellow or red "level" tags, you earn higher reputation bonuses. Being in a large crew (find a new one each time you login,) gives an even greater reputation bonus.