John Blackthorne was not the captain of the Erasmus. He was the pilot, a more lofty position.
The Japanese called him 'Anjin-san' or 'Anjin-sama' when he earned more respect.
Anjin meaning 'pilot' in Japanese.
Now you know the rest of the story, in case you were wondering why plane flying guys were steering water boats.
(excuse me for cutting into your turf, Lone Palm)
The job of pilot slowly morphed into the Warrant Officer position of Sailing Master. The Master ranked between the Lieutenants and the Midshipmen and ahead of the other Warrants in the wardroom.
The position of Master and Commander originated in around 1670 to describe Royal Navy officers who commanded ships of war too large to be commanded by a lieutenant, but too small to warrant the assignment of a post-captain, or (before about 1770) a sailing-master who was in charge of a ship's navigation.
The master’s main duty was navigation, taking the ship’s position at least daily and setting the sails as appropriate for the required course and conditions. During combat, he was stationed on the quarterdeck, next to the captain. The master was responsible for fitting out the ship, and making sure they had all the sailing supplies necessary for the voyage. The master also was in charge of stowing the hold and ensuring the ship was not too weighted down to sail effectively. The master, through his subordinates, hoisted and lowered the anchor, docked and undocked the ship, and inspected the ship daily for problems with the anchors, sails, masts, ropes, or pulleys. Issues were brought to the attention of the master, who would notify the captain. The master was in charge of the entry of parts of the official log such as weather, position, and expenditures.
The Master's mates morphed into the current rating of Quartermaster. They deal with navigation and take the wheel during combat and other special maneuvers.
WWG1WGA
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
Carl Nolte of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote some good things on local history.
Here’s his take on the boat pilots of SF Bay.
“Pilot boat crews are unsung heroes of Golden Gate”
November 28, 2010
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Pilot-boat-crews-are-unsung-heroes-of-Golden-Gate-3244565.php