Boat captain.?

Question

What kind of education would you need to become a cruise liner captain/ ferry captain. And what would the salary be? Also what requirements would you need.

Thanks,

Sean

Answer 1

You don't get to be a captain just by going to school, though that is part of it.  Getting a captain's certificate is a lot of work, and you don't start as a captain.  You would be more likely to start as a junior officer, and gradually work your way up to first mate, and then eventually to captain.  There are many levels of ratings, and there are various routes to becoming a captain.  Here is one link that will give you an idea of one possibility.   Do a search for "how to become a ship's captain" and you will find more information.

Answer 2

You really cannot go from the classroom to the pilot house as a captain.  You will either need to start as a deckhand and work your way up through the years, testing for various ratings as you go,  or attend a Maritime Academy and start as a 3rd mate and through sea time aboard proper tonnage vessels, eventually write your captains ticket.  The very few, if any, American flagged cruise ships makes that a long shot.

Ferries come in all sizes, the license you need will depend on the job you are seeking.  

The money is not bad, considering you get housed and fed while working.  Depending on the routes you run, you may or may not have a chance to spend a lot of money in port.

Answer 3

Your talking about a "Ship" Captain. There is a difference.

I know that you need an engineering degree and probably some courses in maritime law and a lot of experience.

As for pay,"I have never heard of a "rich" sea captain.

It's got to be a great gig though. Just stay away from Bligh Reef.

Answer 4

You need to know which is the top and which is the bottom of the boat so that you know when you are wrong side up (or down). Also you have to know that the pointy end is the front. Apart from that as long as you know words like "aft" , "oft" and possibly "ift" you will only need to be able to remember the steering man's name and you are there.

Answer 5

In the USA, to get a Captian's License from the USCG you must log a certain number of hours woking on a vessel and take a written exam.  There is no "practical" exam.  Contact the USCG.