<P> In the Russian Navy the equivalent rank to commander is "captain of the second rank ." </P> <P> The rank was introduced in Russia by Peter the Great in 1722 . From the introduction of the Russian Table of Ranks to its abolition in 1917, "captain of the second rank" was equal to a court councillor, at the sixth level out of 14 ranks . Until 1856 it was also conferred hereditary nobility on the holder . </P> <P> The equivalent rank in the Soviet Navy from 1918 to 1935 was "first mate", (старпом корабля 1 ранга; starpom korablya pervogo ranga). The rank returned to the Imperial Russian Navy form of Captain 2nd rank in 1935 . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Imperial Russian Navy (1909 - 1917) </Th> <Td> Soviet Navy (1917 - 1935) </Td> <Td> Soviet Navy (1935 - 1991) </Td> <Td_colspan="2"> Russian Navy (current) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> </Td> <Td> </Td> <Td> </Td> <Td> </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Captain 2nd rank </Td> <Td> First mate </Td> <Td> Captain 2nd rank </Td> <Td_colspan="2"> Captain 2nd rank </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Sleeve insignia </Td> <Td> Shoulder insignia </Td> <Td> Sleeve insignia </Td> <Td> Sleeve insignia </Td> <Td> Sleeve insignia </Td> <Td> Shoulder insignia </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Who has a higher rank captain or commander