Ship and Boat Captains

Course Advisor; Nevada (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in maritime navigation is seeking a skilled Ship Captain to lead vessels across oceans, bays, and rivers. This role demands strong decision-making abilities, critical thinking, and effective communication skills to ensure safe and efficient operations. As a Ship Captain, you will be responsible for navigating through complex waters, managing crew tasks, and utilizing advanced navigational equipment. This position offers a rewarding career with competitive salary potential, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about maritime adventures and leadership on the open water.

Qualifications

• Strong judgment and decision-making skills are crucial for navigating and operating vessels.
• Education in maritime studies is often required to become a Ship Captain.

Responsibilities

• Command vessels in various bodies of water, ensuring safe navigation.
• Signal crew members and compute positions using navigational tools.

Skills

Judgment and Decision Making

Complex Problem Solving

Active Listening

Speaking

Critical Thinking

Operation and Control

Education

High School Diploma

Maritime Training

Tools

Depth-measuring equipment

Charts and area plotting sheets

Compasses and sextants

Job description

Example of Ship Captain Job: Command vessels in oceans, bays, lakes, rivers, or coastal waters.

Life As a Ship Captain: What Do They Do?

• Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries.
• Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.
• Sort logs, form log booms, or salvage lost logs.
• Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios.
• Compute positions, set courses, and determine speeds, using charts, area plotting sheets, compasses, sextants, and knowledge of local conditions.
• Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts.

Things a Ship Captain Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most Ship Captains say are important on the job.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

How Much Does a Ship Captain Make?

The salary for Ship Captains ranges between about $35,410 and $144,690 a year.

Ship Captains who work in Texas, Oregon, or Maryland make the highest salaries.

How to Become a Ship Captain

Individuals working as a Ship Captain have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a Ship Captain?

Where Ship Captains Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Ship Captains employed by various industries.