What makes a "Captain"

[rfleet1066]

I designed, built and launched my 97' vessel last year. Since it is the only vessel of it's kind on the planet, I then had to learn to operate and navigate her.

Am I a Captain or simply an operator?

 

[Dejay]

Just try saying it to yourself: "I'm the captain now!"

Also some info in wikipedia skipper

 

[TANSL]

With the information you give us, no one can say that you are a captain nor that you are an operator.
A designer is not a captain nor is he an operator. A builder is not a captain nor is he an operator. A man who launches ships is not a captain nor is he an operator.

 

[rfleet1066]

The facts are, I knew nothing about ships at all when I began designing her. I have no formal training or license. But I own her, choose where and when she goes, and I'm responsible for her and all of those aboard. I am responsible for her passengers, cargo safety and security. Although still learning, I currently operate her and proudly pilot her to new destinations weekly where she is the marvel of those that visit aboard and cruise with us. The local Coast Guard Captain said "In 27 years service, this is the coolest vessel I have ever seen afloat." I appreciate your opinions.

Ryland

 

[TANSL]

Congrats

 

[Dejay]

Sounds awesome! Any pictures or website? I'd love to learn more how you went about it. Captain

 

[Angélique]

Sounds awesome! Any pictures or website? I'd love to learn more how you went about it. . . . .

See the thread: River boat progress, below some pics from post #4 and #61...

Cool Boat ! - If you bear the responsibility well, then you're a Captain in my view . .

 

[gonzo]

The general term is that you are the master.

 

[TANSL]

Master but not Commander, right?.

 

[Angélique]

Master but not Commander, right?.

Isn't the one who gives the commands which are followed up the commander ?

In post #3 you needed a lot of words to tell you don't know.

 

[Angélique]

. . . . no one can say . . . .

TANSL, please speak for yourself, and not for others without their permission.

 

[Angélique]

In plain English from the Oxford dictionaries...

- Captain: ‘‘ The person in command of a ship ’’
- Commander: ‘‘ A person in authority ’’
- Skipper: ‘‘ The captain of a ship or boat ’’
- Master: ‘‘ A person who has complete control of something ’’ - And when there's crew onboard firstly as Gonzo says in post #8.

Which all makes clear to me Ryland is the Captain and Commander and Skipper and most probably also the Master of his vessel, the latter I conclude from his posts elsewhere on these forums.

P.S.​

In Flanders and the Netherlands is Skipper (Schipper) the usually term for the commander and also for the sole crew member on leisure and not too large professional craft, which makes the usual naming rather subjective around here.

 

[DCockey]

My understanding American sailing vessels sometimes carried a "sailing master" who oversaw operation of the vessel, but who was subordinate to the captain.

 

[The Q]

Of course if you own the boat but decide to crew that day, you are still captain. for legal resposibility.

 

[rfleet1066]

I'm not going to pretend to be a seasoned mariner and probably won't be one until the cannibals get me. Fact is, I wouldn't know a sextant if it bit me on the nose. But I know this river, her currents, deep holes and submerged hazards like my own home. I'm learning all things marine and daily am astonished at what I do not know. Like a toddler's world, it's all magic. I must thank all of you that have both coached and heckled me through the process of building this sturdy little ship. You have taught me that there is zero advantage to ignorance. Again, thanks.

Capt. Ryland Fleet
(Direct descendant of Captain Henry Fleet)