In the following century, it was administered by the Vice-Admiral of England who was the deputy of the Lord High Admiral who acted as the courts judge.

[2] In 1483 it was decided to establish a distinct office separate from that of the Vice-Admiral of England thus relieving him from one of his responsibilities.

From 1673 appointments were granted by the monarch and confirmed by letters patent.

There was one exception to this rule in 1714 when Judge Henchman was appointed by the Board of Admiralty.

The office holder was part of the admiralty's Judicial Department.