What is a polite way for the term pirate?

A polite way to refer to a pirate could be "maritime adventurer" or "privateer," especially in historical contexts where such terms can imply a more romanticized or lawful aspect of their activities. Another option might be "seafaring rogue," which captures the adventurous spirit while softening the connotation of criminality. Ultimately, the choice of term depends on the desired tone and context of the conversation.