Absalom Macquarie Dowling has not been in charge of a vessel since Hetty has been able to walk, but he still retains a certain confidence and air of command that gives the impression of captain; the locals still refer to him as such. A steady man if a stubborn one, he transferred to the post after Hetty's father's disappearance and has taken up something of his brother's role in looking after his niece, young grown woman that she is.