The Crossword Centre Clue-Writing Competition

CCCWC April competition voters’ comments
 
Clue no. 11: Captain returning positive for maiden to begin to appear

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A clue to OPEN.
2 comments refer to this clue (from 2 competitors, 0 others)

Here is the text

Comments on the clue
1.'Captain' = 'Nemo' would be just about acceptable en clair, but reversed with a substitution is too indirect.
2.What does the surface actually mean?