Master mariner
Highest level of formally licensed sailor / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A master mariner is a licensed mariner who holds the highest grade of seafarer qualification; namely, an unlimited master's license. Such a license is labelled unlimited because it has no limits on the tonnage, power, or geographic location of the vessel that the holder of the license is allowed to serve upon. A master mariner would therefore be allowed to serve as the master of a merchant ship of any size, of any type, operating anywhere in the world,[1] and it reflects the highest level of professional qualification amongst mariners and deck officers.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2014) |
The term master mariner has been in use at least since the 9th century, reflecting the fact that in guild or livery company terms, such a person was a master craftsman in this specific profession (e.g., master carpenter, master blacksmith).