The captain of the cruise ship is the captain. The captains usually have years of experience in the field of navigation, starting from high school. They must be very experienced in analyzing speed, weather and other factors that can affect the navigation of a ship, as well as managing a staff of officers. The skills required for a captain include communication, customer service, delegation and organization. However maritime employment projections may vary, competition for positions on cruise ships will remain competitive. In fact, you may need to study for four to eight years and gain decades of experience to qualify. Learn here how to become a cruise ship captain.
Steps
Step 1. You must have a diploma from a nautical technical institute or a professional institute of the sea or a qualification recognized as equivalent by the competent offices of the Italian port authorities
In the US, if you choose not to finish high school, you can get the equivalent certificate of general educational development (GED).
Step 2. Apply and attend a Merchant Marine Academy
Merchant Navy academies allow access to a specialization after studying very in-depth technical subjects.
- Attending a nautical technical college and the Merchant Marine Academy is the fastest way to get on a ship. If you are in a country other than the US, try to access naval education or gain experience, depending on the best path in your area. In any case, you will have to ask the Port Authority for the navigation book.
- Get experience instead of going to an academy. At first he starts working on an inland waterway vessel. You can spend thousands of hours gaining experience in all levels of maintenance and passing maritime qualification exams, but you won't be guaranteed a job as a cruise ship captain yet. Although many of the current cruise ship captains have achieved their roles through experience, newly hired captains are required to graduate from a maritime academy, and some shipping companies even require a degree.
Step 3. Find an internship on a ship while you are still studying
Most students are required to have practical experience before graduation.
Step 4. Apply for a job as a third mate or deck mate on a vessel
Most maritime academies offer job escort services to help you find your first job and develop qualifications along your career path.
Step 5. Take an assessment exam
As you move up the ship's hierarchy, you will need to take assessment exams which will be held by the Coast Guard.
Step 6. Get a bachelor's degree in marine engineering or a related field
With an internship - a boarding of at least 18 months - and the subsequent examination for aspiring captain at an authorized Harbor Master's Office, with further boarding as an officer registered in the booklet, with 30 months of navigation and an exam, you will be able to achieve the objective of the license as a long-time commander.
Step 7. Aim for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) certification
Step 8. Certification exams require medical tests, eye checks, drug screening, and written and practical exams
Academies and some training centers train their students in the subjects that will be featured in these exams. People who earn their qualifications through experience may need to take exam preparation courses to ensure they pass it.
Step 9. Take the exams at the Coast Guard
Step 10. Work as a sea captain
You must hold the position of Navy captain for a number of years before you can apply to become a cruise ship captain. Try to develop an excellent resume.
Step 11. Apply for cruise ship captain positions in your country
Most cruise ships hire staff from their home country. For example, most of the management positions for Norwegian Cruise Lines are held by Norwegian citizens.
