If you're entering cannon range while pointed at my ship and you are not raising sails, I will assume you're coming in for a ram 'n board and fire on you.
Better options would be;
- Raising sails at a point where you can just coast inside cannon range, then turn and fire a player over to state your intentions and find out if they're friendly or not.
- At the very least, slow to only 1/2 - 1/4 sail on one sheet and continue approaching. Depending on the pirates, you may still be fired on though.
I've had a few too many instances lately where I get an earful from pirates with supposedly well-meaning intentions, that I sank because they didn't make those intentions clear soon enough.
Also, not responding in voice comms or at least via quick chat is seen as at best; inexperienced player. At worst; hostile. Both of which can get you sunk (I don't mind helping out certain new pirates, but if you aren't saying anything and are just hanging around where I've got things to do, I might sink you just so you're gone.)
Finally, if you see a ship get krakened, and you sail over with the possible intent of helping;
- Again, voice comms
- Don't use the harpoons to try getting loot when you haven't even downed a tentacle yet
Following those two tips at the least, might help you avoid being sunk while trying to be helpful.
