Water Vessel Captain

Explore This Path

Navigate the seas and ensure safe voyages with expert knowledge and precision.
Play a crucial role in global trade and transportation by guiding water vessels.
Experience the thrill of docking massive ships at bustling ports worldwide.

💰 Earn $53K-$105K

📚 Vocational Training

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 2.3% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Vocational Training

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

4,400 Annually

Median Earnings

$70,780 in California

$88,730 Nationally

$25K

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$125K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Water Vessel Captain? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@captainkatemccue

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Water Vessel Captain

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years