Non-combat ways of gaining experience?

[InfiniteAmount]

My thoughts for non-combat ways of gaining experience, if implemented:

When you enter a port for the first time, you get a small XP gain just for "discovering it."
 

Non-search and destroy Admiralty orders:

• Securing Admiralty Cargo
  Collect a certain amount of a select resource and deliver it to your capital.

• Scouting enemy ports
  In my head this mechanic works by having a "crossed swords" event marker show up at a port, you go to that port activate the event marker and return for a very small amount of XP points and a faction-wide reduction of the conquest flag cost for that port, there would be a chance that NPC defenders would drag you into battle when you activate the event.
   
• Delivering a Governor to a new Port.
  Sail from you capital to an assigned port, probably carrying a special "Governor" resource or "Governor Charter" or something.
   

[TheBritishGent]

I would like to see this as well, or some sort of practice battle at least when you start. I have tried unsuccessfully several times to sink an AI ship, and while I'm slowly learning, I would like to be able to take on a ship, without having to buy bigger/stronger cannons in order to beat them.

 

You could also have another option for experience: Guarding/Convoys. Where some convoy of merchant ships is going to another port, and you have to help escort them there. There is a chance of combat from pirates, but you could also have a calm day and just sail the ship, getting a feel for the sea.

[Lord Vicious]

why not give experience to the char also for crafting?

[SKurj.]

why not give experience to the char also for crafting?

 

You already do crafting xp, not combat xp (as it should be)  separate trading exp if needed...  i'd have no issue with that