The Captain is the highest ranking officer on board a ship who is ultimately responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and crew. They oversee all operations of the ship and are employed by the ship's owner. A ship pilot only has authority within a designated pilotage district and boards the ship to provide navigation instructions to the Captain. The pilot directs the Captain on the proper course and speed but does not assume command of the ship. Pilots are typically employed by a port authority or pilotage company rather than the ship's owner.

1. So what is the difference between a Captain and a pilot?
The master and pilot shall exchange information regarding the navigation procedures, local
conditions and the ship's characteristics. The master and officer of the watch shall co-operate closely
with the pilot and maintain an accurate check of the ship's position and movement.
The Captain of a ship (Ship Master) is the highest ranking officer onboard a ship and who at
all times has command of the ship. He has an ultimate responsibility for the safe navigation of the
ship, its cargo and the... crews. He oversees everything on a ship including directing and managing all
those onboard the ship. He is a servant (employee) of the ship owner or ship management company.
On the hand, a ship pilot only has the conduct/control of the ship in the pilotage district (area
where a ship must be guided to safely go through a passage) and only upon boarding of a vessel. His
role is to provide a safe passage plan for the transit. He directs the ship captain on proper course and
speed vessel has to follow to safely execute the passage plan. The pilot may not necessarily assume
physical control of a ship but might just stand next to the captain guiding and directing him on the right
passage and speed to apply. In most cases, the pilot is a servant of a port authority or individual
company specializing in pilotage services.