[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.

[Dog]

He is called a river pilot....narrow channel coming up the river.

[CatoRenasci]

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.

That's the Pilot.

[RaceBannon]

that was the ships PILOT, the guy who knew where the rocks and shoals were and guided the ship in.

[ThirdMate]

"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."

Actually it is the Pilot who boards the vessel to guide it into port.

"Master" is the title and license given to the commander of a merchant ship.

"Captain" is a naval rank, and is also the title given by courtesy to the commander of a naval vessel regardless of his rank.

However, in everyday speech the two are mixed, thus we say "captain of a fishing boat" even though he has neither a master's license or the naval rank of captain.

"Pilot" is a civilian who is employed by a port to guide ships through the narrow waterways because of his local knowledge of tides, currents and channels.

I hope this clears things up.