A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 18:17

"for in an hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any wither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off," — Revelation 18:17 (ASV)

Shipmaster (κυβερνητης). Old word (from κυβερναω, to steer), helmsman, sailingmaster, in N.T. only here and Ac 27:11. Subordinate to the ναυκληρος (supreme commander).

That saileth any whither (ο επ τοπον πλεων). "The one sailing to a place." See Ac 27:2, τους κατα την Ασιαν πλεοντας (those sailing down along Asia). Nestle suggests ποντον (sea) here for τοπον (place), but it makes sense as it is.

Mariners (ναυτα). Old word (from ναυς, ship), in N.T. only here and Ac 27:27,30.

Gain their living by the sea (την θαλασσαν εργαζοντα). "Work the sea." This idiom is as old as Hesiod for sailors, fishermen, etc. See verses 10,15.