Ship's Captains

Ship captains work aboard boats in all types of weather conditions. They may work daytime hours only if they work on a tugboat, ferry, or sightseeing vessel, and return home at the end of each workday. Those who work on cruise ships, freighters, and fishing vessels work and live on the boats for extended periods of time, which could be days, weeks, or months. When they take breaks from work, first mates and officers take over until they return. The long trips at sea and the extended time away from family and home can be stressful. On cruise ships and other large boats accommodations for the captain may be pleasant, including air-conditioning and comfortable living quarters. Many boats now have entertainment systems with satellite TV and Internet and staff chefs and/or cooks.