Oh, you can easily make either type of character. Also, you could be pretty much any species you want since we're pretty much pirates. I've found it's more important to play something you enjoy than to make a character to fill a specific role.
I think that we need a Navigator (someone who can pilot a ship/drones), a Quartermaster, a Boatswain, a Surgeon, Master Gunner, and a few Gunners(Infantry). Any roles that aren't filled will be NPCed so don't worry about it. Most of the crew will be NPCs (I'll call them Seadogs). If you need me to explain a role let me know.