Capitão

Capitão is a Portuguese word that translates to "captain" in English. It is a title of rank in the military, maritime, and aviation sectors, as well as in certain professional and volunteer organizations. The term "capitão" is derived from the Latin word "caput," meaning "head," and originally referred to the leader of a group or a chief. Over time, it evolved to denote a high-ranking officer in various fields.

In the military, a capitão is typically a senior officer, ranking above a tenente (lieutenant) and below a major. The exact rank and responsibilities can vary between different countries and branches of the military. For example, in the Brazilian Army, a capitão is a field officer with the rank of O-4, equivalent to a lieutenant colonel in some other armies. In the Portuguese Navy, a capitão is a senior officer, ranking above a tenente de fragata and below a contra-almirante.

In the maritime sector, a capitão is the person in charge of a ship or a vessel. This role is crucial for the safe navigation, operation, and management of the vessel. The capitão is responsible for ensuring that all crew members follow safety protocols, maintain the ship's log, and handle any emergencies that may arise. In some countries, such as Brazil and Portugal, the term "capitão" is used to refer to the captain of a ship.

In aviation, a capitão is a senior pilot or flight officer. This rank is typically held by pilots with extensive experience and is responsible for the safe operation of aircraft and the management of flight crews. The term "capitão" is used in some countries, such as Brazil, to denote this rank, while in others, such as the United States, the equivalent rank is "commander."

In certain professional and volunteer organizations, the term "capitão" can be used to denote a leader or a senior member. For example, in some sports teams, a capitão can be the team captain, responsible for leading and motivating the team. In volunteer organizations, a capitão can be a senior member or a leader, responsible for coordinating and managing the activities of the organization.