Master and Commander

What is the difference between a captain, a master and a commander? Why would a naval officer be referred to as "master and commander?" Are those words referring to title or rank? There is a little history behind this confusion. I bring it up since the movie title "Master and Commander" has got many of you wondering.

In the United States Navy, the term "captain" can be used as a "rank" or a "title." When referring to rank, a captain is one rank below a rear admiral and one rank above a commander. The rank of U.S. Navy or Coast Guard captain is equivalent to that of a colonel in the Army, Air Force or Marines. A "silver eagle" collar insignia is used in all five branches of the military to show either the rank of captain or colonel.

When used as a title in the U.S. Navy, "captain" refers to the commanding officer of a warship. That is, the highest ranking commissioned officer in the chain-of-command. The "captain" of a U.S. Navy vessel does not always hold the rank of "captain." Depending on the size of the vessel, the "captain" of a navy ship may be a commander, lieutenant commander, lieutenant, etc.

In the merchant marines, the person with the overall responsibility of the vessel is referred to as the "captain." However, the U.S. Coast Guard licenses captains with no mention of the word "captain". The "captain's" license is actually a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer's license. On the face of the license, the captain is referred to as the "master," with the exception of licenses limited to six passengers or less.

What this all means is that the "captain" of a vessel can hold the rank of captain, commander, lieutenant commander, etc. in the U.S. Navy, or be a licensed "master" in the merchant fleet. They are all called "captain" if they have the overall responsibility for the vessel. But, what about "Master and Commander?"

The history of ranks and titles goes back to the days before the United States had a navy or a merchant fleet. In the British Navy, the "master" was the person on board the vessel responsible solely for navigation, including positioning a warship in the proper location during battle. The rank was equal to a lieutenant. In short, the master was responsible for getting the ship in place for the commanding officer to engage in battle with his armament.

After 1814, masters in the British Navy became equal in rank with commanders, and the term "master and commander" came into practice. By the end of the 19th century the term disappeared. Today, the title "captain" and "commanding officer" are used to refer to the highest-ranking commissioned officer on a U.S. Navy ship.

While we're at it, we might as well talk about the use of the term "commodore." In the U.S. Navy, a senior captain may be selected to serve in a capacity between captain and rear admiral. The title has to do with responsibility, not a promotion. A captain may serve as the "commodore" of the squadron of ships, in command of other captains. Hopefully, that clears a few things up for you!

Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds, and calm seas!