Ship Captain

Your Fit

Income

$83K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

1.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Ship Captain?

A Ship Captain is the commanding officer of a vessel, responsible for its safe and efficient operation, navigation, crew management, and compliance with international and local laws. They oversee all aspects of a voyage from planning to execution and are ultimately responsible for the vessel and its passengers or cargo.

Sample job titles:

Boat Captain, Captain, First Mate, Mate

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Ship Captain.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Ship Captain earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Ship Captain.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$60K per year	$83K per year	$100K per year	$129K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $18K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Ship Captain do?

Work environment

Ship Captains work on a variety of vessels, including cargo ships, passenger ships, and fishing vessels. The environment is challenging, requiring the captain to be at sea for extended periods. Conditions can vary significantly based on the weather, sea state, and the type of ship they are commanding.

Quick task list

Navigates the ship using various navigational tools and systems.
Oversees the loading and unloading of cargo or the boarding and disembarking of passengers.
Manages the ship's crew and ensures compliance with maritime laws and regulations.
Coordinates with maritime authorities and other ships.
Handles paperwork related to the ship's voyage, cargo, and crew.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Cargo Ship Captain: Specializing in the transportation of goods and managing cargo operations.
Passenger Ship Captain: Operating cruise ships or ferries and focusing on passenger safety and experience.
Fishing Vessel Captain: Overseeing fishing operations and managing fishing crews.
Research Vessel Captain: Commanding ships that conduct scientific research at sea.
Naval Captain: Serving in the navy and commanding military vessels.

Description

The role of a Ship Captain is both prestigious and demanding. It requires a deep understanding of maritime navigation, ship mechanics, and international maritime law. Captains must be skilled in decision-making, often under challenging and stressful conditions. They are responsible for plotting the safest and most efficient course, considering factors like weather, tides, and potential hazards.

Leadership is a critical aspect of the captain's role. They are responsible for the welfare, safety, and performance of the crew. Effective communication, team management, and conflict resolution are essential skills. Captains must also maintain the vessel's compliance with environmental regulations and international maritime laws, often requiring extensive knowledge and attention to detail.

The career of a Ship Captain is marked by significant responsibility, requiring unwavering commitment to safety and excellence. Captains often have a profound connection to the sea and take pride in their ability to navigate the world's oceans successfully.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Commanding and operating a major vessel.
The challenge and responsibility of ensuring safe and efficient voyages.
Leading and managing a professional crew.
The opportunity to travel and experience different parts of the world.

You might make a good Ship Captain if you are...

Passionate about maritime life and the operation of ships.
A strong leader with excellent decision-making abilities.
Capable of handling stress and making critical decisions under pressure.
Detail-oriented, especially regarding safety and legal compliance.
Committed to a career that requires extended periods away from home.

Pros:

Prestige and respect associated with the role of commanding a ship.
Opportunities for extensive travel and unique experiences at sea.
High level of autonomy and responsibility.

Cons:

Long periods away from family and home.
High-stress situations, particularly in bad weather or emergencies.
Significant responsibility for the safety of crew and passengers or valuable cargo.

How to become a Ship Captain

Typical education

Becoming a Ship Captain typically requires a bachelor's degree in marine engineering, naval science, or a similar field, followed by years of experience at sea. Captains also need various certifications, including a captain's license issued by a recognized maritime authority, which requires passing rigorous exams.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and physics for understanding navigation and ship operations.
Geography for maritime routes and oceanographic understanding.
Leadership or team-based extracurricular activities for developing management skills.
Physical education for maintaining good physical health.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in sea cadets or naval reserve programs.
Sailing clubs or maritime-related hobbies.
Volunteering in marine conservation or community service to foster responsibility and environmental awareness.

Preparation after high school

Maritime academy or university degree in marine engineering, naval science, or a related field.
Gaining experience at sea in various roles leading to a captain's position.
Obtaining necessary certifications and licenses, including a captain's license.
Continuous professional development in maritime law, safety, and technology.

More resources

International Maritime Organization (IMO) - Provides global standards for maritime safety and security.
Maritime Administration (MARAD) - U.S. Department of Transportation's agency for maritime affairs.
The Nautical Institute - Offers resources and information for maritime professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.