Proper terminology

  • Thread starter Thread starter blouderback
  • Start date Start date
B

blouderback

Guest
What's the proper terminology for the guy at the helm of the boat? I hate saying "driver", as I think I sound like a land lubber.

Pilot?
Operator?
Helmsman?
???
 
Why not just call him captain?

<stir, stir, stir>
 
I'M the Captain. What do I call Jimmy when he's "driving"? I'm trying to teach this stuff to my 12 year old.
 
Captain, Helmsman...

Seems that the only time you hear the term "Operator", is when someone has been involved or charged with an accident!
 
Call him "Jimmy", you're Bob or Dad as the case may be. <G>
 
We have a 94 y/o retired Captain from the merchant marines in our marina who has called by son "swabby" since the age of 4 and will do so until he completes his captains license this year (turning 18). My son has grown fond of this title and looks forward to his change in status.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ghost

Why not just call him captain?

<stir, stir, stir>

Click to expand...


Why must you poke me with that sharp stick?

But anyways, Bob:

To me, as a professional mariner whose job is to interact with other professional and amateur (as in 'not paid a fee', not 'novice') mariners, I stick with, and teach my apprentices:

To a professional mariner, such as the operator of a commercial vessel or a professional (as in, 'for a fee', in strict adherence with the lexicography of the term) operator of a vessel, the direct form of address is either "Captain" (the formal), "Cap" (the informal), or "Sir" (the 'is this guy serious?').

To a nonprofessional mariner (and again, I mean that only as those who are not being paid as such, those not in a commercial capacity. No reference to skills or capabilities - thats another rant): The person operating the vessel is the "Operator". The direct form of address, in my opinion, is "Sir", "Ma'am", "Mr.", "Mrs.", et cetera.

But you are correct in shying from the term "driver". To a professional boathandler, especially those in my trade, the term "Boat Driver" is VERY diminutive, and is a label that will be contested in the most direct manner.
 
....speaking of "proper terms". A certain family member recalls his days as a FAC (forward air controller) during the Vietnam war. On this day he was directing some fire from the Navy who were well offshore. The short story is he asked their position and was told he could probably see them on the horizon. He replied back that he could see some "boats" out there. In response he got a very stern transmission, "These are SHIPS, mister!" In his best slow southern drawl, he replied back, "Wellll Cap'n, from up here they sure look like boats."
 
quote:
Originally posted by Bill D.

....speaking of "proper terms". A certain family member recalls his days as a FAC (forward air controller) during the Vietnam war. On this day he was directing some fire from the Navy who were well offshore. The short story is he asked their position and was told he could probably see them on the horizon. He replied back that he could see some "boats" out there. In response he got a very stern transmission, "These are SHIPS, mister!" In his best slow southern drawl, he replied back, "Wellll Cap'n, from up here they sure look like boats."

Click to expand...


Odd how Navy foks get so offended by their ships being referred to as 'boats'. You often hear Coasties refer to their Cutters as 'boats' - but then, I guess they just don't have as much to prove.

(taking cover now)
 
Yep, before long someone will read this to a Navy guy....Then Mike will be in for it.
 
The Army has boats. The Navy has ships unless they travel underwater, then they are boats. However you will only see a Navy boat under three conditions:

1. It's in port.

2. It wants to be seen.

3. 16 hatches on the top of the boat are open and steaming.

If you see it at "3", all bets are off.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top