I recently switched my website from Seaman Memories to Captain’s Mode, and in the process, I couldn’t help but think about all the captains I’ve sailed with.
Each one left their mark—some in unforgettable ways (for better or worse!).
There were ship masters the crew loved even though they ran a tight ship, and then there were those we respected… mostly because we didn’t want to get on their bad side!
And, of course, there’s always the one who practically drank his way to the end of his contract!
So, after a good laugh and some fond (and not-so-fond) memories, I figured, why not write about the skippers we’ll never forget on board?
Different Types of Captains You’ll Meet at Sea
I’ve sailed with my fair share of them and am eternally grateful for the experiences I’ve gained under their command.
Some captains took their responsibilities so seriously that you’d think they were steering the Titanic through an iceberg field!
Others?
Well, they handled the same stress calmly, making you wonder if they were born on the bridge.
Here are 10 types of ship captains you’re most likely to meet at sea.
1. The Old Sea Dog
He’s probably the oldest in your ship and started sailing before you were born.
The Old Sea Dog is a seasoned captain with a wealth of experience and a few sea tales that could fill a library.
This captain is known for his no-nonsense approach, relying on instinct and traditional methods over modern technology.
His tales start with
“Back in the day…”
as if it happened a few years ago, but it actually was in 1983!
2. The Strict but Kind
This is the kind of master mariner the crew respects, not out of fear but because they know he’s fair.
Though he runs a tight ship and expects the crew to follow the rules, he does so with a genuine concern for their well-being.
He’ll give a stern talk if you mess up, but it’s followed by advice or a word of encouragement.
He knows when to re-schedule shipboard drills, especially if they get in the way of our rest hour.
We love this guy because he understands that the crew are humans, not robots.
3. The Easygoing Captain
Calm and approachable, this captain doesn’t stress much and creates a relaxed atmosphere on board as long as tasks are handled competently.
Huge problem? Send it to the office and let the experts handle it while awaiting their instructions.
He’s the skipper you see playing solitaire three days in a row on his computer because the ship’s internet is down!
4. The Nervous Captain
This captain’s trademark is double-checking everything and asking too many questions that overwhelm the crew and officers.
Third Mate could be scratching his head after getting a barrage of safety checks and double checks when he comes to the bridge.
Whether the seas are calm or the weather’s getting rough, he always has a cup of coffee in hand.
And wait till your ship gets into an emergency.
5. The “My Way or Gangway” Captain
This captain demands absolute obedience and strict adherence to their orders, whether from the company policy or his discretion.
There’s little to no room for negotiation or flexibility—it’s their way, or you’re packing your bags and heading home.
But thanks to the MLC, ITF, and changing times, these sea dogs are less common today.
6. The By-the-Book Captain
I heard my old man say this,
“Even if we mess up, we can still get out of it because we can show them the book or regulations we are following!”
This captain follows every procedure to the letter, rarely deviating from established protocols.
He knows the rules, books, and regulations so well that he might become a maritime lawyer.
7. The Invisible Captain
Everybody likes this shipmaster.
The crew rarely sees him and stays mostly in his cabin or office, leaving much of the day-to-day management to their officers.
Sometimes, we wonder if he exists on board because he seldom goes outside and only does so with his luggage and itinerary.
8. The Company Man
Or the “Yes-Man” of the company.
This type of captain follows company policies, deadlines, and procedures down to the letter.
It’s a good thing, but not always, and I bet you already know why!
He ensures every decision aligns with the company’s goals, whether cutting costs, saving bunker, or adhering to tight schedules with little to no consideration of the crews’ comfort.
But for all his strictness, you can count on things running like a well-oiled machine under his command.
Just don’t expect much room for flexibility!
9. The Party Lover
The skipper that we always want to sail with!
He is also called the “Crew’s Captain” and is the life of the ship. He is always looking for an excuse to celebrate and keeps the crew’s spirits high.
“I’m sorry, Mr. DPA, but we suddenly had engine trouble on a fine Monday morning in the middle of a rich fishing ground!”
He loves long voyages because they allow everyone to enjoy barbecues, celebrations, and karaoke in the middle of the sea.
10. The Micromanager
Extremely detail-oriented, this captain wants to be involved in every aspect of ship operations, often causing stress among the crew with his constant oversight.
He wants to take part in even the smallest decisions- from the way the deck is cleaned to how the paperwork is filed.
It could be a newbie mistake, but he can be very annoying, and you may feel you’re not trusted to handle your responsibilities.
11. The AB-Bosun-Chief Cook-Captain Captain
Also called “The Hands-On Captain” or “The All-Rounder Captain.”
This captain doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty, and you can call him the second bosun, too.
You can see him chipping, painting, driving the crane, and working with something on deck in the morning.
In the afternoon, he’s mixing paint for the cadet. The next day, he’s in the galley with Cookie making lunch.
12. The Magician
The Magician is the captain who has mastered the art of paperwork over practical skills.
He can create impressive reports, maintenance logs, and safety checklists that look great on paper but rarely translate into actual hands-on work that the ship did.
You know him when you’re already on your 9th month, and the lifeboat was never dropped, not even once. But the reports and paperwork say so.
You’ll wonder how the ship runs smoothly when everything is just a well-documented illusion!
Which of these types of captains are you sailing with right now? Which one is your favorite?
May the winds be in your favor.
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