noun

the person in command of a ship.

he found a vessel whose captain was prepared to sign him on

commander,master,skipper,old man

verb

be the captain of (a ship, aircraft, or sports team).

all the boats are captained by professional sailors

command,skipper,run,be in charge of,have charge of,control,have control of,govern,preside over,direct,rule,manage,supervise,superintend