On February 5th 1867, aged just 16 years, Edward J. Smith left his home town in Stoke-on-Trent (See Birth Place), and traveled to Liverpool to enlist in the Mercantile Marine. He was signed on as " boy " aboard the "Senator Weber", of which, his half brother, Joseph Hancock was Captain. As an official apprentice of Messrs. Andrew Gibson & Co. of Liverpool, the young and ambitious Smith began, what was to be, an impeccable career at sea.

Smith took several exams to aid his chances of promotion during his early career, and received his Master's Certificate on 26th May 1875, he was now 25 years of age. By 1880 he had joined the White Star Line as Junior Officer, and in 1887 he took command of his first ship, "The Celtic". The following year he joined the Royal Naval Reserve, and, due to him obtaining a Master's Certificate, Smith was qualified as a full Lieutenant, and received the right to have the letters "R.N.R." after his name. It also meant that any Ship under his command could fly the "Blue Ensign" , and in a time of War, Smith, his Ship and the Ship's Company could be enlisted to serve in the Royal Navy.

In 1899 the Boer war started in the British-held Cape Colony, and sure enough, Smith was called for duty. At the time, he was in command of the "Majestic", and it was on this ship, with his own crew, that he helped transport troops into the War Zone. The Majestic made two trips to South Africa, both without incident, and for Smith and his crew, it was merely a variation on the transporting of his "usual passengers". In 1903, for his efforts during service, King Edward V11 presented Smith with the Transport Medal showing the "Africa Clasp", of which he wore with pride from that day on.

The end of Smith's 9 yr command of the Majestic came in June 1904, when he took control of the Largest Ship in the World, the White Star Line's newest vessel, "S.S. Baltic". Her maiden Voyage, from Liverpool to New York, went without incident, and Smith was to remain with this ship until 1907 when he received command of his second "Big Ship", the "S.S. Adriatic". Once again the Maiden Voyage was safely made, and the Ship returned to Liverpool several days later. But whilst they were docked in New York,  Smith gave an interview to the "New York Times", and, commenting on his Career at Sea, the Captain made the following statement : 

During his command of the Adriatic, Captain Smith had received the R.N.R Long Service Medal, which he once again proudly wore next to his Boer Service Decoration, and it was shortly after this he gained a promotion from the White Star Line. Captain E.J. Smith had now become Commander Edward John Smith R.D., R.N.R. (R.D. being Royal Distinction). With his impeccable reputation as one of the World's most experienced Sea Captains, Smith was entrusted with the command of yet another "Big Ship", this time, he was to take the helm of the "Olympic". 

The Olympic's maiden Voyage ended on June 21st 1911, with Smith, yet again,  making a successful crossing. But when the Ship slowly came to dock at Pier 59 in New York, under the command of the harbour pilot, an incident occurred that, to some,  gave a warning of what was to come from these "Giant Ships". As 12 tugs gently eased the Olympic into position, one of them suddenly got caught in the backwash from the Ship's Starboard propeller. The 198 ton tug was spun around and trapped under the Stern of the liner, it's ensign mast shattering against the Olympic's hull. The smaller vessel, after finally managing to free itself from the backwash, was seen by an anxious crowd to "limp" over to a nearby Pier and out of danger. This was just one of several incidents to involve the Olympic in the shallow waters of harbours and estuaries. Granted, Smith was in overall command of the Ship, but, at the time of the incidents they were under the control of a Harbour Pilot.

Not willing to have the limelight taken away from them, The White Star Line announced the Maiden Voyage of yet another of their "Great Ships". Sailing from Southampton at Noon April 10th 1912, was the Largest most Luxurious Liner ever to be known. Her name....."Titanic", and she was to be under the command of their most prized Captain....Edward John Smith.