Subject: Neal Warren, Master Mariner
From: "Joe"
Date: 12/20/2004 6:48 AM Pacific Standard Time
Message-id: .com
So who defines the term Master Mariner?
In what profession is the term used, and who defines who deserves such
a high ranking?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Joe
The term is a Merchant Marine one, that has been around since long before you
or I ever started getting licenses.
I have never done a study as to exactly where and when this term started (maybe
someday) and don't doubt that it was used long before the issuance of licenses
as we now know them.
However, within the time frame of licenses, this term has been used to describe
those with unlimited licenses, be they sail or power (some say the reqirement
is both) who have sailed in that position on a vessel requiring that license.
This is a Merchant Marine industry standard which you should be aware is not
based on some governing body or formal organization's input. Instead it comes
from those license holders in the past and possibly some societies/groups
consisting of licensed individuals within the industry.
If you look at some of the older USMM licenses issued by the CG, you'll note
that they did not use the present form headlining the term Master. Many of the
limited license were listed as "Operator".
Capt.