While I was in the Caribbean skippering a sportfish boat, I had a guest of the owner, and he was a retired US Army Captain. (I personally dislike anyone calling me "Captain", cause I'm just a guy that drives a boat, okay?)
My new deckhand arrived from Florida, came down to the boat and my guest and I met him. When he greeted me "Hi, Captain" I said ( in my stern voice) "Don't call me Captain. This man here IS a real Captain." indicating to my guest. My new crew said "nice to meet you, sir" and the retired Army gent said "Nice to meet you son...and uh, you don't have to call me captain, just don't call me "dude"."

__________________
Halfway and one more step