What does a Captain do?
A captain is the leader of an entire vessel ranging from a small yacht to a cruise liner. They have vast experience with operating ships having likely worked their way through the ranks of ship-related positions. They are proficient in every aspect of running a ship from its operation to its maintenance and if they work on a touring ship including a cruise liner they play host to passengers.
A captain ensures equipment receives proper maintenance and that the vessel follows environmental regulations. They keep regular logs throughout the journey and supervise passengers and crew members, embarking and disembarking from the ship. If traveling to international waters, a captain must meet local and international customs and inspections’ requirements. They are also responsible for security aboard the ship in terms of basic operations and under extreme circumstances, including a response to threats from terrorists, pirates, hijackers, and stowaways. Captains need a master's degree in marine engineering or marine science, preferably from a maritime academy or college.
Captain Salaries
Average Base Pay
Captain Career Path
Learn how to become a Captain, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Captain Insights
Star Line“The pay is really good and somehow compensates for the seasonal nature of the job.”
Piedmont Airlines“Certain Management positions tend to try to go out of the way to persecute employees for personal reasons”
GSK“occasionally get little notice for an upcoming trip or last minute changes to a current trip.”
US Army“Training on items assigned or of interest to you at all phases of your career.”
Delta Private Jets“Fun Place to work and the people are very nice and helpful.”
Flink“People are great and communicative.”
Wheels Up“Good people and clientele.”
Genric“•Very competitive and fair pay.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Captain
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