An officer in command of any warship is informally referred to as "the captain" on board, even if holding a junior rank. The formal title is Commanding officer (CO). Destroyers and frigates afloat were grouped into squadrons, which was commanded by the Captain (D) and Captain (F) respectively.[1] Apart from operational command of the squadron, he also commanded the lead ship of the squadron.
To distinguish the rank from the junior rank of captain in the Indian Army, the term Captain (IN) is used.[2]
Captains in the Indian Navy command the important ships. Officers in the rank of captain also serve as executive officers of shore establishments like INS Valsura, INS Shivaji, etc.[4][5] The naval attachés and naval advisors at India's high commissions and embassies in most countries are officers of the rank of captain.[6][7][8] At Naval headquarters, captains hold the appointments of directors of directorates and branches.
Insignia
The badge of rank consists of four rings of gold braid with a loop in the upper ring. A captain wears gorget patches which are golden patches with white braids. In addition to this, the double-breasted reefer jacket has four golden sleeve stripes with a circle above.
Pay scale
Captains are at pay level 13, with a monthly pay between ₹130,600 and ₹215,900 with a monthly service pay of ₹15,500. This is the first selection-grade rank. The promotion to the rank can happen through selection or on time-scale basis. A minimum of 15 years of commissioned service is required for an officer to be considered in the selection grade. This is the highest rank which may be attained by officers on time-scale promotion if not promoted to captain by selection after 26 years of commissioned service.[9][10][11]
