[OrionM42]

Still learning -- I have been playing for about 10 days. For the present, I prefer my Captain to be of the Science Officer class, with a starting skill of Ship's Surgeon. Obviously the Ship's Surgeon skill increases the survival chance of Away Teams; but it does so without requiring the Captain/Surgeon to accompany the Away Teams. As a result, I can choose another officer (usually from the Tactical Officer class) to be my Away Team leader. Choosing a Captain from the Science Officer class also dovetails well, with my usual choice of an Explorer class ship, to be my starting vessel. Other early promotions that I typically seek for my Science Officer class Captain are Researcher and Analyst.