If you read some of last years scenarios & AAR's then you'll get the gist of gaining points etc.

For ships:
1. Each of your ships has a max hull & crew rating.
2. After a completed scenario some of your ships may have hull & crew loss damage.
3. Look on your chart and the 2 numbers in red immediately after your burden/hull/crew columns are the hull & crew points you gain back for free.
4. The rules shold explain any delays in recouping the remainder.

If your short of ships you can sail short handed and with damage. Just keep a track.

Gaining points enables ship captains to gain skills. I am sure this is explained in the rules bit too.

Neil