Who do you think is more respected. A pilot or a captain that drives big boats?

Question

Who do you think is more respected. A pilot or a captain that drives big boats?

Answer 1

Are you talking air plane pilot, or harbor / docking pilot?

Answer 2

There are about 3000 licensed Master Mariners in the US with unlimited licenses to drive the world's biggest ships. Compare that to the number of commercial pilots which far outnumber them. Pilots are a dime a dozen. Masters deserve more respect.

Answer 3

A pilot could be a fresh license with 50 hours, could be combat Ace, could fly a mail plane or Jumbo.  Could be shuttle pilot.

A captain could have a harbor license for a 50 h.p. 8 passenger boat.  Could qualify for super Tankers or the QE 2.  

More people have walked in space than have been Captain of a nuclear powered Aircraft Carrier.  

How can you determine who has the most respect when the fields are so broad?  If you're in a bar, chances are it's easier to meet a pilot than a licensed 'Master' which is the proper name for a captain before states, counties and other authorities started to issue 'boat driving licenses.

Answer 4

I guess it depends on how big the boat is... probably still pilot though.