How to Become a Ship Captain?

If you have always loved sea stories and dreamt of exploring the ocean, then a maritime career might be perfect for you. There are many job roles on ships, which aspirants can pursue through Maritime Engineering or an ETO course, but the most fascinating role on board is that of a captain. The captain is responsible for navigating the ship and supervising its maintenance by guiding the crew for routine checks. He directs all team members and ensures proper procedures are followed. If your goal is to become a master of a ship, this blog will give you a proper guide on how to become a Ship Captain.

What does a Ship Captain do?

Since we can’t control the winds, a captain can surely direct the sails. A ship captain is the chief of the vessel, responsible for navigating routes, assigning essential tasks, managing business functions, and commanding the crew. They ensure every part and machinery of the ship is maintained and functioning smoothly. Captains maintain records of their journeys, coordinate with other ships at the port, and supervise both crew and passengers.

The skipper is also responsible for the safety of the ship and everyone on board. They must act quickly during emergencies like pirate attacks, hijacks, or onboard injuries, and keep the crew prepared for any unforeseen situation. A ship captain must be able to read and interpret weather reports and adjust navigation accordingly, ensuring the ship stays on course and safe at all times.

What is the workplace of a Ship Captain like?

A ship captain’s workplace is, quite literally, the ship itself. Their environment changes with every journey, but their responsibility stays the same: keeping the vessel and everyone on board safe.

The captain usually works from the bridge or upper deck, where they have access to navigation systems, communication equipment, and controls for the ship. They also have a private cabin for sleeping, planning, and relaxing.

Their daily routine involves plotting the ship’s course, deciding its speed, and making sure every crew member is doing their job properly. Captains constantly communicate with the crew, port authorities, and sometimes even other ships nearby.

Apart from steering the ship, they also manage maintenance, coordinate repairs with engineers, keep logs of the ship’s activities, and look after the budget and supplies.

What are the requirements to become a Ship Captain?

To become a ship captain, several requirements must be met. Here are some major requirements.

• Educational Qualification:

A bachelor’s degree in Maritime Engineering, Marine Transportation, Nautical Science, or a related field is preferred.

• Professional Training:

Completion of a STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) course is mandatory for anyone working at sea.

• Sea Experience:

Several years of sailing experience are required. Most captains work their way up from cadet to third officer, second officer, chief officer, and finally captain.

• Licensing:

You need a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or equivalent license issued by the maritime authority in your country (for example, the Directorate General of Shipping in India).

• Soft Skills:

Leadership, decision-making, crisis management, and communication skills are crucial. A captain must stay calm and act fast in emergencies.

Also Read: Are NCERT Books Enough for JEE Mains?

Educational Qualifications

A ship captain needs education, sea training, and special licenses. The process takes time because captains carry big responsibilities for the ship and its people. Here is what students need to follow.

1. High School Education

A student needs to complete 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. A strong base in these subjects helps in navigation and ship safety.

2. Maritime Academy or University Degree

A student must join a Bachelor’s program in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, or Marine Technology at a recognized maritime academy.

• The program usually takes 3 to 4 years to complete.
  
• The course covers navigation, maritime law, and ship operations.
  
• Students can also choose a one-year Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), followed by onboard training.

3. Sea-Time Experience

A student needs hands-on training on ships. The journey usually starts as a Deck Cadet, then grows into Third Officer, Second Officer, and Chief Mate roles. Logged sea service hours are checked before promotion to captain.

4. STCW Certifications

A candidate must complete STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) courses.

• These include Basic Safety Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, and Bridge Resource Management.
  
• These courses make sure every officer is ready for emergencies and safe ship operations.

5. Licensing Exams

A future captain needs to pass licensing exams held by the country’s maritime authority (like DG Shipping in India or USCG in the USA). These tests check knowledge of navigation, ship stability, cargo work, and maritime law.

6. Medical & Physical Fitness

A ship captain must stay medically fit. Good eyesight, color vision, hearing, and overall health are checked before giving licenses.

7. Continuous Professional Development

A captain keeps learning even after getting the title. Refresher training is done every five years. New rules in 2026 will also add mental health, harassment prevention, and cyber security awareness training.

 “It is not the ship so much as the skilful sailing that assures a prosperous voyage.” – George William Curtis

Salary

Apart from receiving responses like ‘Aye Aye Captain!’, a ship captain has various monetary benefits. A ship captain earns one of the highest salaries in the maritime industry. The pay depends on the country, type of vessel, experience, and company. Captains also get perks like free travel, meals on board, and time off after contracts. 

Country	Average Salary (Per Month)
India	3.3 – 4.1 lakh
USA	16,000 – 25,000 USD
UK	9,000 – 13,000 GBP
Singapore	12,000 – 18,000 SGD
Foreign Companies	8,000 – 15,000 USD

What Affects a Ship Captain’s Salary

• Vessel Type: Tankers and LNG carriers usually pay the highest.
  
• Experience & Rank: Senior captains with 10+ years earn far more than first-time masters.
  
• Contract Duration: Longer contracts with risk zones often pay more.
  
• Company & Flag State: Foreign shipping firms typically offer better packages and perks.
  
• Performance Bonuses: Safety records, cargo handling, and timely voyages may bring extra rewards.

Also Read: How to Become an Anesthesiologist?

Skills Required

Leading a ship across oceans, bays, lakes, etc requires a strong will and a set of skills that will lead the way smoothly. The following are a few skills that are crucial for the journey to becoming a ship captain. 

• Sound Judgement
• Critical Thinking
• Technical skills
• Swimming skills
• Physical competence
• Effective Communication skills
• Social perspective
• Negotiation skills
• Management
• Persuasive skills
• Good Coordination
• Active listening
• Good emotional control

Being a ship Captain means constant learning and gaining experience. As fascinating as the job looks, it is important that aspiring students are prepared to face unusual conditions in the sea. Keep building up on your education. There are various Maritime courses that offer professional courses that can keep you updated with your knowledge about new technological advancements.

Choosing the Right Education Ship Captain

The journey to becoming a ship captain starts with choosing the right education. A student must complete a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Maritime Engineering, Nautical Science, or Marine Technology. Many universities and maritime academies across the world offer these programs with a focus on navigation, ship handling, and maritime law.

The course usually takes 3–4 years to finish and builds a strong foundation for a career at sea. This degree also acts as the gateway to maritime training academies, where students gain hands-on sea-time experience. Selecting the right program is the first big decision that shapes the entire career path toward becoming a captain.

Top Marine Engineering Colleges in the World

After completing a basic academic qualification, the next step is to join a maritime training academy. These academies are known for equipping students with world-class skills required to work on a vessel. 

Most academies offer full-fledged degree programs or diplomas that combine classroom learning with hands-on training at sea. Admission can be competitive, as academies have strict selection procedures. Candidates must clear written exams, interviews, and medical tests to qualify. Some of the top maritime academies in the world include:

• Tokyo University of Maritime Science and Technology.
• Australian Maritime College
• California Maritime Academy
• Florida Institute of Technology
• United States Naval Academy
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy
• Dalian Maritime University
• Korea Maritime University
• The Marine Society College of the Sea
• International Maritime University of Panama

Gaining Experience

Gaining experience is a must for anyone who dreams of becoming a ship captain. Just like in any other technical field, hands-on practice matters as much as theory. The best way to gain experience is through onboard training and internships.

Students from top maritime academies often get placements on merchant vessels through academy partnerships, which makes finding internships easier. This experience helps students learn how to manage a crew, handle emergencies, and operate a ship under pressure.

Obtaining Ship Captain Certification

Becoming a professional ship captain requires official certification, which works as a license to command a vessel. The certification process varies by country but generally involves:

• Medical and Vision Tests: Ensures the captain is physically fit and able to safely command the ship.
  
• Written Exams: Tests knowledge of navigation, safety rules, and maritime law.
  
• Practical Assessments: Includes simulations and sea trials to check readiness.
  
• Background Checks: Includes drug screening and security clearances.

In the USA, certification fees range from 50 to 100 USD. After passing all tests, candidates receive a certificate of competency, officially making them eligible to work as a ship captain.

Work Environment

The work environment of a ship captain is challenging, exciting, and unlike any other job. A captain’s main workplace is the ship’s bridge, where navigation and decision-making happen. The work can vary based on ship type, passenger liners, naval ships, cargo vessels, or oil tankers, and each type brings unique challenges.

Captains often spend weeks or even months at sea, sometimes with limited communication. Around 33% of ships worldwide still have no internet access, while only 9% offer limited online connectivity. The length of a captain’s stay onboard depends on the route, speed, and unforeseen factors like weather.

Also Read: MBA After Mechanical Engineering

FAQs

Relatable Reads

How to Become a Behavior Analyst?	Commerce Entrance Exams After 12th
BSc Agriculture vs BTech Agricultural Engineering	How to Become an Ayurvedic Doctor?
How to Calculate CGPA to Marks	Best Countries For Life Sciences Research

A career as a Ship Captain is an adventurous and demanding one. Controlling ship is a matter of pride and a task of great responsibility. If you are someone who is adventure-loving and have a great zeal for voyages, then the maritime career is right for you. To get a complete overview of the job profile and information on the best institutes to take your learning to a new level we are here to help you. On your journey to becoming a shipmaster, let Leverage Edu be your chief mate.