Simple question...

[RockSodem]

Führer

[Scholar Gypsy]

I reckon there are several concepts here:

 

* owner, who organises things like insurance etc

* skipper or master, who is in overall charge at the time of the safe & effective operation of the boat

* steerer, who has their hand on the controls (engine & tiller)

 

As people have commented elsewhere, there may be occasions eg operating a lock, picking up a mooring buoy, dropping an anchor etc, talking to other boats or a harbour master on the VHF, where a fourth person takes control.

 

That will depend on the way the particular boat is

operated eg the skipper may allow the navigator/radio operator to give instructions direct to the steerer, or may insist they go via them.

In my experience (mainly on tidal Thames) both systems are fine. What matters is that everyone on board knows what the system is.

[robert anthony]

I reckon there are several concepts here:

 

* owner, who organises things like insurance etc

* skipper or master, who is in overall charge at the time of the safe & effective operation of the boat

* steerer, who has their hand on the controls (engine & tiller)

 

As people have commented elsewhere, there may be occasions eg operating a lock, picking up a mooring buoy, dropping an anchor etc, talking to other boats or a harbour master on the VHF, where a fourth person takes control.

 

That will depend on the way the particular boat is

operated eg the skipper may allow the navigator/radio operator to give instructions direct to the steerer, or may insist they go via them.

In my experience (mainly on tidal Thames) both systems are fine. What matters is that everyone on board knows what the system is.

So I am the owner master skipper steerer. Very cool, I'll mention that to the wife next time she asks ? Edited August 22, 2015 by robert anthony

[GreyLady]

I do think the Brewer Upper should always be in charge of the Vessel after all what is a Vessel without sufficient lubrication in all the right spot's

[cuthound]

The correct terminology is:

"Captain" if you own or are the sole person in charge of the boat(s), "Steerer" if you employed or do not own the craft, "Driver" if it is proper tug you are operating, "Boatman" if you are a general hand.

 

So most of us on here will be "Captain".

Presumbly "part-Captain" for share boat owners?

 

ETA words, damned mobile phone

Edited August 23, 2015 by cuthound