[ridesthemiles]

I'm confused. "Ship Master" notified Coast Guard of bomb. "Captain" won't allow boarding. What is the difference between the two titles/positions on board a ship? I'm a landlubber, so I am ignorant of the differences. TIA.

[myself6]

Ship master may refer to the individual who is flown or boated out to the ship to steer it through the bay, river, etc. Usually someone local to the area that knows the water ways.

We used to get these guys on board when I was in the navy.

[dljordan]

The Master of the vessel and the Captain are the same I believe.

[Cold Heart]

Ship master and the term captain are one and the same in this usage. Master is a more formal term on merchant vessels indicating an international legal status of being the owners representative (or owner)and able to incur liens on the vessel. The crews articles of engagement (work contract) are with the master. There is a lot of authority and responsibility in maritime law for a master. The master's license uses the term "master". Military Navy (as apposed to the term merchant navy) captains do not have the same legal relationship to their crew. A navy crew's contract is with the navy/government. A person operating a small boat can be called a captain (as they often like to be refered to).

[Sacajaweau]

1st Mate?