I guess it is about how far you want to take the title. I agree with most that as captain you are by title ultimately the one in charge. Now do you really know what that means?
With that being said I have been a United States power squadron member and advocate practically all my life. 40 plus years on and off thru the years. I have taken just about every boating course they offered.
Seamanship, piloting, advanced piloting , weather, sail, Far too many to list. Not to mention voluntary vessel safety checks.
So I think that I have earned the title of captian.
I do not want to toot my own horn. I just wish that more so called captians aka weekend warriors would go the extra step and learn more then just the basics that is taught to obtain there operators license. Our water ways would be so much better and safer if some of our fellow boaters were more educated. Note the key word here is educated.
It's a real shame that better then half the boaters I speak to don't know that additional boating class are even available thru USPS.
Plus all the benefits that comes with continued education.
The biggest plus is knowledge itself but who wouldn't want to save money on your insurance as well.
The thing that a try to drive into there mind is a simple question.
If you ever became Incapacitated out on the water, lets face facts here things happen. Injuries or god forbid a hart attack, does your partner or significant other have the basic boating skills to get back home or at the very least know how to get help in an emergency situation with out your help at all

Remember that cell phones don't work In remote areas.
Yes or No
Something to really think about.