how to become a ship captain

Ship's officers navigate and supervise the safe operation of ships at sea, in port and at anchor. They coordinate the activities of the crew and control cargo stowage loading and unloading operations.

Personal requirements for a Ship's Officer

Willing to spend time at sea, away from home for long periods
Pass a medical examination
Pass an eyesight test and have normal colour vision
Responsible and diligent
Able to work as part of a team

Education & Training for a Ship's Officer

To become a ship's officer you usually have to complete a four-year cadetship with a shipping company involving on-the-job training at sea and study at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). To get into the cadetship, you will need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English, mathematics and physics.You can also become a ship's officer by studying nautical science or marine engineering at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, physics and chemistry are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

Those who do not sign on as a cadet may achieve the level of Watchkeeper (the basic requirement for a ship's officer) by obtaining employment as an integrated rating (sailor). This training must include experience at sea, as well as off-the-job training. This training can be provided by RTOs approved by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), including TAFEs. This method can take at least eight years because it requires private study outside working hours. Once you have completed this training, you may be eligible to sit the AMSA Certificate of Competency test. You must be at least 18 years of age to gain a Certificate of Competency. You will also need to pass a medical examination. The AMSA Certificate of Competency is an internationally recognised qualification.

Duties & Tasks of a Ship's Officer

Ship's officers:

Liaise between the master and the crew of the ship
Keep watch from the bridge in watches (shifts)
Determine the position of the ship and other vessels and obstructions by using navigational aids
Supervise the work done by the crew
Provide medical and/or first aid treatment for the crew
Make sure safety regulations are observed
Perform designated safety and firefighting drills in emergency situations
Observe and record the ship's course and any alterations, the weather conditions and the ship's position in the daily logbook
Observe the ship's on-board security procedures and take part in security drills
Coordinate cargo loading and discharge operations and maintenance
Update charts and other nautical publications
Ensure that all necessary documentation has been completed.

Tasks

Navigates a ship by supervising the ship's course and speed according to pre-determined passage plans and safety procedures..

Working conditions for a Ship's Officer

Officers may be required to work or remain on duty for long periods. Generally they work in two watches of four hours on and eight hours off over a 24-hour period, depending on the type of ship they are working on. Other duties are performed during off watch periods.

Employment Opportunities for a Ship's Officer

There are opportunities for officers with Australian qualifications to work overseas. To do this you will need to have an internationally recognised qualification from AMSA. With experience and further study, there are opportunities for promotion to ship's captain/master.

Specializations

Ship's Pilot

A ship's pilot assists the ship's master with navigating and steering ships in and out of harbours. Ships' pilots direct the speed and course of the ship with their specialised knowledge of wind, tides, current and weather. They are sometimes on stand-by duties at a port with a tugboat so that they can assist an incoming ship when needed.

Ship's Master

A ship's master oversees navigation and manages the operation of ships at sea, in port and at anchor. They consult weather forecasts, make voyage plans and conduct equipment and inventory inspections in preparation of a vessel leaving port.

Ship's Officer

Average age

38 years
Future Growth

Moderate
Gender Share

9% female
Average full-time

63 hours
Weekly Pay

$2,123
Skill level rating

Very high skill
Unemployment

Average unemployment
Full-Time Share

93% Full-Time
Employment Size

620 workers
Employment by state

ACT: 2.1%
NSW: 23.6%
NT: 3.4%
QLD: 24.4%
SA: 4.2%
TAS: 7.5%
VIC: 12.5%
WA: 21.8%
Age brackets

15-19: 0.5%
20-24: 7.9%
25-34: 30.8%
35-44: 28.3%
45-54: 19.1%
55-59: 6.7%
60-64: 5.8%
65 and Over: 1%
Education level

Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 44.9%
Bachelor degree: 23.8%
Certificate III/IV: 13.7%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2%
Year 10 and below: 4.6%
Year 11: 0.5%
Year 12: 10.4%