Becoming the captain of a ship can be a time-consuming process. Experience and training requirements are not necessarily strict; it depends on what type of boat you want to steer, but to get a license from the Coast Guard and find a job in this area you must have the necessary qualifications.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Training
Step 1. Graduate from a high school
Regardless of the type of vessel you want to be the captain of, you will still need to earn a diploma.
- If you are still in high school, consider taking a four-year course that includes math, algebra, geometry, or even trigonometry, pre-analysis, or analysis. You should also study physics and chemistry.
- Improve your communication skills with Italian and other language courses.
- You should also consider computer classes, mechanical drawing, mechanical workshop, and college preparatory courses.
Step 2. Get a bachelor's degree
While not strictly necessary, obtaining a bachelor's degree from an institution recognized by the Coast Guard is highly recommended.
- You can become the captain of a freight ship or an inland waterway vessel by starting to work as a sailor, successively moving up through the hierarchy. If you want to be the captain of a ship on the open sea, however, you will need institutional training.
- Graduates in disciplines related to maritime transport, maritime engineering, maritime technology and operations, or maritime engineering and port management.
Step 3. Acquire the necessary skills and knowledge
Regardless of your training background, there are some skills you will need to acquire if you want to become a good captain.
- He studies topics related to navigation software, facility management software, maritime communication operating systems, and the structure of mechanical equipment for ships.
- You also need to develop good coordination and communication skills.
Part 2 of 4: Experience
Step 1. Accumulate at least 360 days of navigation
Before obtaining the captain's license, you must have accumulated at least 360 days of sailing in the last 5 years. A "day" in this context refers to a period of four consecutive hours.
- If you spend these hours under the command of another captain, you will need to have his signature on your license application when the time comes.
- Keep in mind that these hours of navigation do not necessarily have to be related to the performance of the duties of a captain. For example, you could work as a waiter or a sailor on a cruise ship, and these hours would be equally valid.
Step 2. Consider taking extra time to train on a boat
Even if you only need 360 days of sailing to get your license, if you want a real job as a captain, you will need at least three or four years of professional experience. This experience should be related to the navigation operations of a vessel.
- If you earn a bachelor's degree from the naval academy, you will often have the opportunity to work as a bridge officer in various operations with the Navy, or the Coast Guard.
- If you are not planning to study at the naval academy, or none of the courses mentioned so far are right for you, you should try to get a basic job on a cruise ship or freighter, and then work your way up the ranks. Even if you choose this route, you will likely have to work as a bridge officer before a company decides to sign you as a captain.
Part 3 of 4: Obtaining the License
Step 1. Submit your application
You will need to obtain and complete a license application form from the Coast Guard. This license is formally called a Nautical License.
- You will need to complete the application completely and accurately.
- Please note that you will need to attach documentation that certifies your browsing experience.
- You can submit the application with the documentation directly to the Coast Guard offices or send it by post.
Step 2. Present three references about your personality
In addition to the application, you will need to submit three letters of recommendation. These must illustrate your personality.
- If the references you present are related to the shipping industry it is certainly very useful. In this way, they can illustrate both your disposition and your familiarity with boats.
- References from other captains, fish operators, and other operators who own and steer a boat they own are usually the best.
- These reference letters must be notarized.
Step 3. Meet the physical and legal requirements
Once you have submitted your application and references, you will need to pass a physical exam and drug test. You will also need to have a first aid certificate.
- Expect your criminal record and fingerprints to be checked.
- You will also need to show your Tax ID to the officer you are applying to.
- While it's not always necessary, you may also need to get a Transportation Operator certification from the Department of Transportation. You must obtain this certification if you want to do any browsing activities that could be considered a risk to public safety.
Step 4. Take the test
There is no navigation test when you apply to become a captain, but there is a written test that you need to pass.
This exam typically consists of 60 questions regarding bridge and safety procedures, 20 general navigation questions, 10 problematic navigation scenarios, 30 multiple choice questions regarding the rules associated with navigation in maritime traffic waters
Step 5. Pay the fee
In 2014, the standard tax was 255 euros. You will have to pay this fee when you apply and complete the test.
The cost of the assessment is 100 Euros and the cost of the exam is another 110 Euros. The remaining 45 cover the cost of insurance
Step 6. Receive your qualification
After submitting the application, the receipt of the fee, and all related documents, the office will process the practice by entering it in its electronic database. From here, the application will be sent to the head office for evaluation.
- Once at the headquarters, the application will be evaluated by the relevant officers who will take into consideration your professional qualifications and your medical record. Your reliability and suitability will also be evaluated.
- If accepted, your license and qualification will be printed and mailed to you.
Part 4 of 4: Finding a Job
Step 1. Know what to expect
Finding a job as a captain may seem difficult at first, but the maritime sector is expected to grow faster than other sectors until 2020.
- The growth of the sector is expected above all for inland, coastal and large lakes.
- In 2011, the average salary of a captain was around 71,760 Euros.
Step 2. Look for a job
The easiest way to find a job as a ship captain is to use the contacts acquired during the period of training and professional experience.
- Contact the shipping companies you have worked for in the past and find out if there are any vacancies with them.
- Stay in touch with the captains and owners of boats you have worked for, and ask them if they can give you any professional contacts.
- Take a tour of the harbor and spend some time with the captains and bridge officers. Ask them if there are any job opportunities.
- Search for jobs online. There are some internet sites, such as https://www.boatcaptainsonline.com/, designed specifically for those looking for this type of job.
Step 3. Continue with your training
If you want to increase your chances of getting a job or keeping it, you should consider attending training courses on an ongoing basis at the Navy Academy.
- These courses can help you develop new skills and teach you how to use the latest maritime technologies.
- These lessons can also help you prepare for retraining exams.
