Edward John Smith RD RNR (27 January 1850 – 15 April 1912) was a British naval reserve officer and merchant sea captain who served as the commanding officer of the ocean liner RMS Titanic on her maiden voyage. A long-serving captain for the White Star Line, he was widely respected for his experience and leadership. Smith went down with the ship when Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean, becoming one of the most notable figures associated with the disaster.