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Can you become a ship captain without a degree?

Although not required to obtain work as a captain, a bachelor's degree may accelerate your career. For instance, non-degree candidates start out as ordinary seamen or deckhands aboard a vessel, accumulating thousands of hours of work experience before being promoted to ship captain.



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Individuals must possess an in-depth knowledge of navigation, logistics, maritime/safety laws, and management. They also require a great deal of training to be a cruise ship captain. A captain's license obtained by a federal maritime authority is required for the position. Obtaining this license may take 10 years.

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In the United States, the demand for cargo ship captains is expected to grow by 8% by 2029, while the demand for cruise ship captains is expected to decline by 9% due to the pandemic's impact.

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The average Ship Captain salary is $120,745 as of July 25, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $106,555 and $136,310. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

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Must be at least 18 years old. Must be able to document 360 days of experience on a vessel, of which at least 90 days must be on Near Coastal/Ocean waters otherwise license will be limited to Inland Waters ONLY. (See: What Counts as Sea Service) 90 days of sea service must be within the last 3 years of when you apply.

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The average age of male Ship & boat captains & operators in the workforce is 41.9 and of female Ship & boat captains & operators is 34, and the most common race/ethnicity for Ship & boat captains & operators is White.

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The general rule is that tattoos should not be visible when cruise ship crews are in their uniform and in passenger areas. For staffs who wear shorts, skirts, or short-sleeve shirts, this would apply to tattoos and other body art on their calves, shins, forearms, and perhaps even their ankles.

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5 entry-level jobs on a cruise ship
  • Cabin steward.
  • Deckhand.
  • Bartender.
  • Activity coordinator.
  • Bellperson.


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A ship's captain generally does NOT have the legal right to officiate a wedding at sea. In order for a Captain of a ship to perform a marriage at sea, he must also be a judge, a justice of the peace, a minister, or an officially recognized officiant such as a Notary Public.

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Ship's captains hold command and responsibility of a vessel. They are responsible for navigation, taking care of the crew, paperwork, and in some cases, keeping the ship safe from pirates.

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