Are you a Skipper or a Captain?

jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,799
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
25yearslater said:
Just for fun, here is my aversion to titles. With the Army's boats the senior individual aboard the LCM8s was the Coxswain. He or she was an E-5 or Specialist 5. The title was Specialist and often just the first name. Aboard the larger tugs or ships the senior individual was either a Chief Warrant 2 or 3. The title was Sir or Mr. Neither Captain or Skipper were ever used.
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That's the Army for you. Probably would have confused the troops as a Captain is an Army rank.

Naval custom is any naval officer who commands a ship is addressed as "captain" while aboard in command, regardless of their actual rank. Even NCO's can be in command of a Naval vessel and they are referred to as "The Captain" while in command. Often the term Skipper is used in a less than formal communication.
 
25yearslater

25yearslater

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Aug 20, 2010
1,399
Oday 27 Oak Orchard
jssailem said:
That's the Army for you. Probably would have confused the troops as a Captain is an Army rank.

It wasn't that difficult keeping it straight. It mostly depended on whether we were ashore or not. The Captains occupied a chair at HQ and commanded the boat units. Those you saluted and Warrant Officers ashore. At sea I don't recall ever saluting. See easy.
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Gunni

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
Captain: Legal and regulatory description of the vessel's Responsible Person .
Skipper: Loving sobriquet for the ship's Captain (or owner).
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,799
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
IH82BL8 said:
I answer to both. That way no one else on board can assume either title and a mutiny ensue.
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It appears there is a real concern about crew mutiny as this has been mentioned by several boat owners.

I guess there may be an opportunity to teach solo sailing. Thus one might be able to reduce the stress on thee boats decision maker.
 
kpgraci

kpgraci

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Jun 12, 2010
936
Oday 22 Orleans Marina, NOLA
As I sail solo I'm captain, skipper, swabby, screwup, all in one. And everyone please move away from justsomeguy.
 
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kimelmore

kimelmore

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Dec 28, 2010
462
Catalina 380 san pedro
As an aside - while a lowly E-3 in the Navy, I was referred to as "Admiral" My nickname was "Elmo" (this is way before Sesame Street) and when Elmo Zumwalt became CNO...I became "Admiral Elmo"
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,799
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Remember the day Admiral Zumwalt became CNO. Met him when he was on the Enterprise. My dad served with him. He was a remarkable man. Loved the Navy and the sailors in the Navy.
 
Jacktar

Jacktar

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Sep 14, 2014
1,278
Catalina 22 Pensacola, Florida
Not to circle around, but if things go sideways or the local sea cops, coast guard, harbor patrol need someone official you are the Captain. I prefer skipper until such time as the need occurs and someone has to step up or I have to check the fine print on my insurance rider. I just seems more friendly and less responsible.
 
Meriachee

Meriachee

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Aug 1, 2011
3,972
Catalina 270 255 Wabamun. Welcome to the marina
20+ years on the same puddle, the closest thing to official we've ever seen are "fish cops" looking for the dreaded Cdn boating license. Maybe that's not such a bad thing.
 
kimelmore

kimelmore

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Dec 28, 2010
462
Catalina 380 san pedro
Zumwalt was a sailors sailor. And Mary Anne was a hottie...L* When I was in the process of being boarded in Los Angeles harbor by the Coasties one beautiful day for a check, they used the megaphone to say "Captain maintain your course and speed as we come along side. They addressed me as Captain the whole time and were very polite and when I commented that it appeared to be a training exercise the older Petty Officer smiled and said " yes sir a check in the box sir" and then as they departed, again they addressed me as Captain. But I would ever consider myself "captain" material. Chief cook and bottle washer maybe.
 
BudGates

BudGates

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Apr 19, 2012
1,043
O'Day Daysailor 17 Nevis MN
I remember having this discussion in 6th grade. Although I was still a kid when Gilligan's Island was on the air for me it's always been Mary Ann.

As for the other, since I never actually earned the title I don't take either one serious. To me it's more or less a tongue in cheek title. I know, as well as anyone, the only reason I ever get called either is because I own a boat.
 
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Gunni

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
When the Coasties are calling you Captain they're just establishing the legal preliminaries. Heavy be the head that wears the Captain's hat. Look sharp!
 
C

Calif. Ted

.
Jun 8, 2004
2,929
Catalina 320 Dana Point
Gunni said:
When the Coasties are calling you Captain they're just establishing the legal preliminaries. Heavy be the head that wears the Captain's hat. Look sharp!
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The hat is white to disguise that your hair turns white also.
 
Gene Neill

Gene Neill

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Sep 30, 2013
3,585
1988 Catalina 22 North Florida
The age-old Ginger vs. Mary Anne debate leaves out one crucial factor: Mrs. Howell!

"Lovey" is a woman too ya know, most likely bored with her dufus husband, and she's filthy ... stinkin' ...RICH.

Just sayin'! ;)
 
Guystapo

Guystapo

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Apr 6, 2016
39
Catalina 34 Hudson
I am the Capt'n or Skipper ..whatever you want to call me ..if something goes wrong I am Gilligan!
 
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