Random question, but do you know how the quarterdeck was delineated on flushed-deck ships? Was there a line marked, or were the men just supposed to know where they weren't allowed to go?
Hi,
unfortunately I don't have any proof of this. But if you look at other frigates, whose quarter decks were always slightly offset and accessible by two steps, you will see that there was always a small railing behind the binnacle (the cabinet in front of the wheel in which two compasses and the night lamp were stowed).
HMS Surprise
This is missing on a flushed deck like at the Trincomalee, but you can consider the binnacle as the boundary.
HMS Trincomalee
But I'll check again to see if there is still a confirmed statement somewhere. Wish you a nice evening