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Career Details : Ship and Boat Captains

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Description

Command vessels in oceans, bays, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Signals crew or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates and ramps, and pull guard chains across entry.
  • Commands water vessels, such as passenger and freight vessels, fishing vessels, yachts, tugboats, barges, deep submergence vehicles, and ferryboats.
  • Tows and maneuvers barge or signals tugboat to tow barge to destination.
  • Steers and operates vessel or orders helmsperson to steer vessel, using radio, depth finder, radar, lights, buoys, and lighthouses.
  • Purchases supplies and equipment, contacts buyers to sell fish, and resolves questions or problems with customs officials.
  • Interviews, hires, and instructs crew, and assigns watches and living quarters.
  • Monitors sonar and navigational aids and reads gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, and oxygen.
  • Computes position, sets course, and determines speed, using charts, area plotting sheets, compass, sextant, and knowledge of local conditions.
  • Collects fares from customers or signals ferryboat helper to collect fares.
  • Maintains records of daily activities, movements, and ports-of-call, and prepares progress and personnel reports.
  • Signals passing vessels, using whistle, flashing lights, flags, and radio.
  • Calculates sighting of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on chart.
  • Inspects vessel to ensure safety of crew and passengers, efficient and safe operation of vessel and equipment, and conformance to regulations.
  • Directs and coordinates activities of crew or workers, such as loading and unloading, operating signal devices, fishing, and repairing defective equipment.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
    • Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    Related Majors

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    Marine Sciencesadd Marine Sciences to MyFSA
    Marine Studiesadd Marine Studies to MyFSA
    Marine Technologyadd Marine Technology to MyFSA
    Marine Transportationadd Marine Transportation to MyFSA
    Marine/Environmental Scienceadd Marine/Environmental Science to MyFSA
    Small Vessel Operationsadd Small Vessel Operations to MyFSA
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