Helmsmen

Helmsmen can be recruited by spending Rank Points. 1 Helmsman will increase your defense by 1 point. Each Rank Point spent will recruit 2 Helmsmen. So spending a full levels worth of rank points can hire 10 Helmsmen (5 Rank points x 2 = 10), increasing your defense by 10.

You can also get Android Helmsmen from the artifact of the same name.

Helmsmen are included in your ship's crew that will help you in raiding enemy ships, and also help defend your ship from enemy raids.