How to become A Ship Captain

As the sole commanding officer of the entire vessel on whose shoulders rests the success of its voyage, a Ship Captain excels in all aspects of running a ship, from navigation to maintenance to perhaps playing host to its passengers.

• Boat Captain
• Sea Captain
• Shipmaster
• Seamaster
• Skipper
• Commodore

What do Ship Captains do?

A Ship Captain would typically need to:

• Be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the ship and the persons and cargo on board, including its seaworthiness, safety and security, cargo operations, navigation, crew management and legal compliance
• Coordinate crew members or workers loading/unloading cargo, steering the ship, operating engines or operating/maintaining/repairing ship equipment
• Direct the course and speed of the ship based on their expert knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents and hazards
• Consult maps, charts, weather reports and navigation equipment to determine the ship’s course so as to avoid subjecting it to unsafe operations
• Use radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys and lighthouses to steer and operate the ship safely to the designated port
• Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange relevant information; stand watch on the ship at regular intervals during the voyage
• Inspect the ship to guarantee the efficient and safe operation of the vessel and its equipment as per relevant regulations
• Monitor gauges to confirm that the hydraulic fluid, air pressure and oxygen are at adequate levels; use depth-measuring equipment to measure the depth of water
• Ensure maintenance of engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers and life preservers
• Use electronic sounding devices and follow contour lines on charts to calculate sightings of land
• Serve as the ship’s docking master upon arrival at a port or berth; dock or undock the ship, sometimes manoeuvering through narrow spaces such as locks
• Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps or pull guard chains across entries
• Report any violations and aid local authorities in the investigation of cargo damage/loss, improper pilotage or the injury/death of a crew member
• Provide thorough documentation and accounts of the adverse event to help investigate and solve the issue 
• Educate the ship management and passengers on harbour rules and customs procedures
• Assist in maritime rescue operations; use whistles, flashing lights, flags and radios to signal passing vessels; check for oil spills/pollutants around ports and harbours
• Maintain a regular record of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts or cargo/passenger status
• Oversee loading/unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure their handling and storage are done as per specifications
• Arrange for the ship to be fuelled, restocked with supplies or repaired; oversee crew in charge of cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures and bridges
• Assign watches and living quarters to crew members; interview, hire and train crew members, if necessary; 
• Keep track of passengers and crew members embarking and disembarking the ship; conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills
• Ensure the ship, its equipment, and occupants meet the requirements of local and international customs and inspections if sailing in international waters
• Assist with the ship’s financial operations and accounting, including petty cash and payroll, if there is no purser on board
• Ensure the ship’s security, if under threat from terrorists, pirates, hijackers and stowaways

The ship they are qualified to operate comprises the work environment of a Ship Captain either for a part of the day or several days, weeks or months. They spend the better part of the day outside, although they may need to work inside occasionally. Either way, they work in a team, in close physical proximity to other crew members or passengers.

Exposure to whole-body vibration, cramped workspaces, very bright or very dim lighting conditions, distracting noises, hazardous equipment and situations and contaminants such as diesel fumes and solvents is likely.

A Ship Captain usually works full-time for around three months on the water, after which they can take three months off. The hours of actual work at sea are very irregular and depend a lot on what is happening at a given point in time. 

The nature of the job demands that the Ship Captain remain available at all times to deal with any kind of emergency. You are responsible for ensuring you have adequate rest so you can discharge your duties efficiently.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Ship Captains can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment is a viable option when you become the owner of a ship.

Ship Captains are generally employed by:

• Cruise Lines
• Cargo Shipping Companies
• Oil Service Companies
• Research Organisations
• Regional Ferry Operators
• National Coast Guards
• The Navy
• Owners of Private Yachts
• Marine Insurance Companies
• Manufacturers of Boilers & Related Machinery

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations, are crucial for Ship Captains interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Need to work outside regularly regardless of weather conditions and consequent hazards
• Long, irregular work hours; probability of being away from family for months at end
• Whole-body vibrations, cramped workspaces and very dim/very bright lighting conditions
• Regular exposure to loud and distracting noise levels
• Occasional exposure to hazardous equipment and situations

Most Ship Captains begin their career as third mates. Typically, a year of commendable service will elevate them to the ranks of the second mate, where they must put in another year of service and pass multiple examinations to graduate to chief mate. Just one more year of service will qualify you to take the master of vessels licensure, a critical move in becoming a Ship Captain.

The military offers an alternative career path. Officers, quartermasters and ship operators receive on-the-job training to qualify for a period of committed service and potential combat duties. Candidates with a good track record may aim to be promoted as Ship Captain.

Enrollment in a renowned maritime academy may guarantee a hands-on internship on one of the better ships. You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Read about the profession and interview/shadow experts working as Ship Captains to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Aspiring Ship Captains must attend schools that adhere to the educational standards set by the International Maritime Organisation or the U.S. Coast Guard International. Competition to enter these exclusive schools approved to train and prepare candidates for the licensing exam is intense.

Completing a four-year BSc (Bachelor of Science) program comprising courses in meteorology, navigation and cargo management will qualify you to take the licensing exam that facilitates finding an entry-level job as a deck officer or third mate aboard a ship.

Further education within a stipulated period will equip you with the skills to progress through the ranks of second mate and chief mate until you become a Ship Captain. Extensive knowledge of transportation, geography, public safety and security and customer/personal service will be helpful.

Take note that the length of training may differ according to the size and type of ship and waterway you choose to work on. Deep-sea vessels would require more complex training than ships that travel on a river. 

The IMO guarantees that all Ship Captains who earn the STCW certification adhere to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Some locations stipulate a Master Mariner Credential (MMC) in place of a Merchant Mariner’s Document, merchant mariner license, Certificate of Registry and STCW. 

You may need to acquire a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from your national security agency to prove that you are a bonafide citizen of the country and passed a security screening. You will also need to obtain certification in basic first aid and CPR.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements may differ from region to region.

Whether they receive training through academic or military experience, all Ship Captains require a license as per the regulations of the International Maritime Organisation or the U.S. Coast Guard. 

After passing a standardised exam, candidates with a BSc in relevant subjects can acquire a license to work as deck officers or third mates. You will need to obtain applicable licenses as a second mate and chief mate before qualifying for the master of vessels licensure, which will enable you to progress to the position of Ship Captain.

In addition, candidates require a license to operate the specific size and type of boat they wish to captain and pass vision, drug and physical screenings. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of a Ship Captain. You can measure your progress in terms of increased salary and command of a bigger ship. 

Moving across industries to captain ships used for a different purpose is just as viable as taking up land-based positions with shipping companies, marine insurance companies and manufacturers of boilers or related machinery. 

It is also possible to become the owner of and captain a ship without being answerable to another individual. Those employed by the navy can seek to advance to the level of Admiral who commands a fleet of ships.

Candidates with requisite licenses, certifications and work experience have the best job prospects. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Ship Captain build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Keep abreast of new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators or models. Maritime academies offer continuing education courses to help you learn new skills or stay updated on state-of-the-art global marine distress safety systems.

CPD allows you to upskill continually and enables the regular renewal of relevant licenses and certifications, like those for radar systems.

Remember!

The shipping industry is ranked among the ten most dangerous occupations. Note that individuals with short sight and a compromised immune system will face significant physical and mental challenges.

It may be acceptable for a Ship Captain to develop a personal relationship with one of the crew members. However, it will not be tolerated if you indulge in an intimate relationship with the passengers. You will be instantly fired, primarily if employed by cruise lines that take a zero-tolerance view of rape allegations and legal liabilities. Always remember to avoid being the only crew member in the elevator with guests, and make sure both your hands are visible if asked to pose for a picture with the guests. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Ship Captains have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Ship Captain has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Rooted in the Italian Quaranta Giorni (40 days), ‘quarantined’ came into being from a Venetian policy that quarantined ships from plague-stricken areas for 40 days to prevent the spread of infection.

Sailing on the high seas with only the sky and water for companions would seem like a heaven-sent blessing to those who have a passion for such life. No wonder then that the role of a Ship Captain who is in complete charge of the ship, cargo and crew continues to capture our imagination and respect. 

Most often, a happy crew translates into a successful voyage.