Les, I've always assumed that our heros were on a private ship, not a naval vessel, and since the 'Turks' were regarded as pirates, perhaps naval law wouldn't apply. Would Mediterranean ships be much use outside the Straits?
Bristol was a major seaport, of course, particularly concerning the Irish and American trade.

By the way, the variant that I sang, it was 'THE pink, so clear....' another named ship. I don't know if the 'Turks' used Pinks, the vessel.

I'm dredging 20yo memories here. Good, robust song, isn't it.