What is the title for the commanding officer of a ship?

The title for the commanding officer of a ship is "Captain." This designation is used universally in naval terminology to refer to the officer who has overall command and authority over the vessel and its crew. The Captain is responsible for the ship's operations, safety, navigation, and the welfare of all personnel onboard. This role encompasses a significant level of responsibility and requires extensive training, leadership skills, and experience in maritime operations.

While "Commander," "Chief," and "Admiral" are also titles within naval ranks, they refer to different positions or levels of command. A "Commander" is typically a rank that may oversee a specific task force or unit, but they do not have the overall authority of a ship's Captain. "Chief" often refers to senior enlisted personnel or roles within various departments onboard but does not imply command of the ship. An "Admiral" is a high-ranking officer, typically in charge of large organizations or fleets, rather than individual vessels. Thus, the appropriateness of "Captain" as the title for a ship's commanding officer is clear and well-established in naval operations.