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Ship's Captains

Overview

Ship's captains, also known as masters, command vessels and oversee crews. They are licensed mariners who make sure procedures are followed to ensure the safety of the crews, cargo, and passengers. They supervise and delegate work to crews, including other officers, and keep records and logs of the ship's activities and movements. According to the Department of Labor, there were 15,840 ship's captains and boat operators employed in the United States in May 2019.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Associate's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Little Change or More Slowly than the Average
Personality Traits

Hands On

Problem-Solving

Technical

Career Ladder
Ship Captain

First Mate

Deckhand

Related Professions