<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Notes </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Ranks: Commander--RNR (Retired) Captain--White Star Line Honorific Rank of Commodore, as the White Star Line's most senior Captain </Td> </Tr> <P> Edward John Smith, RD (/ ˈɛdwərd ˈdʒɒn ˈsmɪθ /; 27 January 1850--15 April 1912) was a British Merchant Navy officer . He served as master of numerous White Star Line vessels . He is best known as the captain of the RMS Titanic who perished when the ship sank on its maiden voyage . </P> <P> Raised in a working environment, he left school early to join the Merchant Navy and the Royal Naval Reserve . After earning his master's ticket, he entered the service of the White Star Line, a prestigious British company . He quickly rose through the ranks and graduated in 1887 . His first command was the SS Celtic . He served as commanding officer of numerous White Star Line vessels, including the Majestic (which he commanded for nine years) and attracted a strong and loyal following amongst passengers . </P>

What was the captains name of the titanic