When someone is referred to as Captain “John Doe”… seems like…usually a fishing guide…doesn’t necessarily own a boat… usually associated with saltwater …but it seems to me I’ve seen guides from Lees Ferry referred to like that…
What’s the significance of the title “Captain”?
Normally guides and others who have studied hard to
pass the Coast Guards certification test for Captain
are pretty proud of it. It is not an easy task to
become certified. I know folks that have taken the
test for years and still can’t legally assume the
title. Also, all captains are not created equal.
Certification can be what is called a 6 pack for
charterboat skippers and the like up to huge ships.
I worked hard for my ticket and hold a 100 ton
license that allows me to carry passengers for hire.
It’s the ticket you need to operate a large Head boat
or tour boat. But you can just call me Jim.G
Warm regards, Jim
Having served as a “Commodore” of a Yacht Club I carry that title for life and may wear the 3 silver stars with fouled anchor proudly. This does not mean I am an accomplished sailor but will get me a few beers in most yacht clubs!
Here in Florida, it seems like about half the people you you meet are “captains.” And the other half are realtors. 
I’ll take my chances with the captains.
Will
I call people “Captain” when I forget their name. :oops: “Hey, Captain, what’s happnin?” The curse of aging.
I always like to use proper titles when someone has earned that title. I then let them tell me to use a less formal greeting.
Joe
I was fishing on a particular occassion and was refered to as “Captain”. A military vessel approached my boat and said something like this, "Captain of the vessel, you are in a firing zone. Please leave the area immediately. That was the last time I was ever called captain.
Around these parts it has various conotations. One is almost a term of endearment. Many watermen once worked these waters for crabs and oysters and the like. Then you have the Navy base…used to be when a sailor was called “Capt.” from a local, it wasn’t a positive insinuation. Then there is the sailing community…
'gday capn,
Mike K.
Hi Jack,
“This does not mean I’m an accomplished sailor, but will get me a few beers in most yacht clubs!”
Wonderful! What a Winner! :lol:
Bill
Now I’m terribly confused! Why did Gilligan call the Skipper the Skipper instead of Captain?
From the looks of him, It means when it came to mealtime He didn’t skipper.
I guess that the Skipper hadn’t passed his captain’s test yet. And now we know the REAL reason why the SS Minnow beached. :roll:
Ed, land-lubber.
For the ‘captains’ at Lee’s Ferry, it means that they have USCG certification, which is require by the State of Arizona for their GUIDE LICENSES if they want to take folks out in a BOAT (some areas of the Ferry are best accessed by boat, thus the need for the certification).
That’s it.
For all those other civilian ‘captains’ (ones that haven’t earned it through either the USCG or the Merchant Marine) it is a courtessy.
Good Luck!
Buddy
Can USCG certified Captains perform weddings once their vessel has left the dock/pier I’m wondering?
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
MontanaMoose…
?Can USCG certified Captains perform weddings once their vessel has left the dock/pier I’m wondering??
Sure they can. They can even perform the wedding for a term of one night if you wish. :lol:
WHAT?? entire middle part of this post deleted WOW !
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
If you are in the military service, law enforcement or the fire service it means more money and more responsibility.