Any details on this? I remember in the Sopranos, Christopher asked Jackie Jr. and his friend if they want to "Jump ship", I know it means change crews but what kind of things have to be done before someone can jump ship?

Get their Captains permission? Just Jump ship?

It means they have a death wish.

My understanding is they have to be released by the family. I would doubt a button could, most likely a skipper would have to authorise his release.

This doesn't preclude associates from different families working together on jobs, but when you're on record, you're on record.