What Is a Boat Captain and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

What Does a Boat Captain Do?
How to Become a Boat Captain?
Where Are There Boat Captain Jobs?
When Is a Captain's License Required?
Can Boat Captains Perform Weddings?

What Does a Boat Captain Do?

A Boat Captain is the leader of a naval vessel and has overall command and control of the navigation, maneuvering, stowage, communications, and safe handling of the ship. The Boat Captain is a licensed professional and ensures that the ship complies with local and international rules and policy regarding their vessel. Not only does this professional oversee the tasks of the crew, but they also ensure that all daily duties are completed, and that equipment is operational. There is generally a Captain onboard no matter the type of vessel, such as a deep-sea fishing boat or an aircraft carrier. The Boat Captain is an organized individual with years of experience working on a boat.

How to Become a Boat Captain?

Becoming a Boat Captain, sometimes called a Skipper, takes time and experience. When you are beginning a maritime career, there are generally no higher education requirements, though some employers may prefer a high school diploma or GED. Experience as a deckhand and officer is key. Once you have significant experience working on a ship, you can pursue your Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), as both required to be a Captain. You will also need an appropriate license. In the United States, all mariner licenses are issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Where Are There Boat Captain Jobs?

Boat Captain jobs aboard vessels of various kinds and sizes can be found in any coastal area in the United States and abroad. Some are for Sea Captains, while other vessels are on lakes and rivers. Licensing requirements vary by the size of a vessel, and the numbers of passengers.

When Is a Captain's License Required?

If you are operating your private boat and not receiving any compensation from your passengers, you do not need a captain’s license. However, most states do require that you have passed the state boat safety exam to operate your craft with passengers. If you are being compensated in any way by passengers, you must have a captain's license, properly issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Can Boat Captains Perform Weddings?

A marriage at sea is not as simple as movies make it out to be. By definition, Boat Captains do not have the authority to marry people unless they are also judges, notaries, or otherwise recognized marriage officiants. Although many movies portray marriages on the seas performed by a ship’s Captain, U.S. law does not recognize a Naval Captain as having authority to perform marriage ceremonies.