Career roadmap
How to Become a Ship Captain
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a ship captain, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a ship captain: (1) attend a maritime academy or start as crew, (2) earn sea time, (3) pass Coast Guard exams, (4) work as a mate, (5) upgrade to master. Most people need about Years of sea time and credentials. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a ship captain
Attend a maritime academy or start as crew
Two paths.
Earn sea time
Required hours.
Pass Coast Guard exams
Licenses.
Work as a mate
Officer.
Upgrade to master
Captain.
Education and training requirements
A maritime academy degree or postsecondary program plus Coast Guard credentials is typical.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | Less than 5 years |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | Years of sea time and credentials |
Certifications and licenses
- USCG Master or Mate license: Required.
- STCW certificates: International training.
- TWIC: Port access.
- Radar observer: Required endorsement.
Skills to build now
Start with navigation, ship handling, and radar and ecdis, and practice leadership and decision-making. Learning the ship captain vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Deckhand or Cadet: Entry.
- Mate: Officer.
- Chief Mate: Second in command.
- Master or Pilot: Command.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Ship Captain training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long are rotations?
Often weeks at a time.
How long does it take to become a ship captain?
Most people need about Years of sea time and credentials of training. A maritime academy degree or postsecondary program plus Coast Guard credentials is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a ship captain?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.
What certifications are available for ship captains?
Common credentials include USCG Master or Mate license, STCW certificates, TWIC, and Radar observer. Captains and mates need a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with the right officer endorsement.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-5021 (Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.