Just like any other well-paying and highly specialized position, becoming a yacht captain is a long job. , you will need to invest time and effort to gain qualifications and relevant experience. Assuming you’re relatively new to the industry, it’s best to start from scratch. In the chapters that follow, we’ll detail the certifications and qualifications you’ll need and show you how to become a yacht captain.
What is a Yacht Captain?
Simply put, a captain runs a ship, in some ways like a CEO runs a business. He or she assumes all responsibility on board and reports directly to the owner or his representative. Successful captains are good leaders, able to set a common goal for the crew and ensure motivation during tough seasons and long working hours. The important character trait is to remain calm at all times, but also to have the right personal Charm to maintain crew morale and high standards.
What Does a Yacht Captain Do?
Steering a boat is only a small part of a captain’s job—many say it’s the easiest part. The captain also employs and manages all other crew on board, plans and executes voyages around the expectations of the owner and charterer, organizes repairs and maintenance, controls costs, and adheres to all international, flag, and port state regulations while providing a personal touch first-class service and maintaining the highest level of safety.
As such, this role requires the captain to be more than just a navigator; he or she is also a project manager, accountant, mechanic, HR manager, concierge, and most importantly, a chief problem solver. They should know the perfect Anchorage, as Blizzi puts it, but also “have direct access to the most famous restaurants and be able to reserve the highest quality table at the last minute.”
On smaller boats, the captain will be involved in assisting with all tasks on board, from changing the oil to washing the dishes. On a large yacht, it is more of an executive position.
How Much Does a Captain Earn?
With the pressure of responsibility comes monetary rewards. Captains can be well paid, and longevity and vessel size usually have the biggest impact on how well a salary is paid. But just as the yachting industry is unique, so is each yacht and the fees it pays.
The captain’s remuneration is entirely dependent on what both the owner and the captain consider it worth.
Dockwalk’s salary survey does provide some good guidance. In its latest survey for 2021, crewing agencies offered a range of wages, from minimum wages for vessels under 80 feet: $5,000 to $10,000 per month; for the largest vessels over 280 feet: $23,000 to $28,000 per month. Many captains working on yachts ranging from 60 to 179 feet tall also shared their salaries, and their average responses for each boat size category were right in the middle of the range given by the agency.
9 Things You Can Do Now To Become A Yacht Captain
While these are the most basic steps, you need to know a range of additional details related to each step. Read on for details on each step, including insider secrets and best practice advice.
Create A Sailing Experience
One of the most important steps to becoming a yacht captain is gaining experience. For example, to obtain a captain’s license in the United States, you need to be at sea for at least 360 days. This is essential to ensure you have the experience needed to become a skipper – it’s not enough to just get on a yacht and ask to be one!
A day’s sea voyage is divided into 4 hours of non-stop sailing, and 360 days must be completed within 5 years. 360 days of logging since you started sailing at age 7 is not enough. You need to have recent experience that can be demonstrated with the relevant paperwork.
However, keep in mind that you do not need to work directly with the captain or work hours at sea as a yacht captain to count your experience. You can be a sailor or even a maid for hours on a cruise ship, which gives you more wiggle room. Remember that for entry-level roles on many yachts, you only need to take a one-week safety course. This gives you a great way to gain more experience at very little personal cost. As restrictions vary, be sure to check the requirements for the country in which you will be licensed as a skipper.
Research Related Topics
In addition to gaining a wealth of experience at sea, reading is also essential. First, you need to have at least a high school diploma. Ideally, you should also have a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as marine engineering or nautical and marine science. It’s even better if you can study at a professional marine academy, which can make it easier for you to get a job later. Alternatively, consider taking classes at a local university or college.
In addition to obtaining a formal qualification, you may also want to delve into topics related to navigation software, chart reading, ship safety, and maritime machinery. Self-study can help give you a head start when it comes to qualifying as a skipper and give you more confidence as you build your sailing experience. You can also read maritime magazines to find out what’s new in the industry, or look for reliable sources on the internet.
Get Qualified
Once you have gained enough experience and checked all the entry criteria, you can apply for a captain’s license. Again, the application process will vary depending on the country you are applying to, so be sure to double-check the details of where you live. You also need to decide what class you want to achieve – usually divided into inland, coastal and marine qualifications, as well as passenger numbers and vessel size.
In order to pass these requirements and obtain a skipper’s license, you will need to ensure that you have experience at sea and evidence of any courses you have previously taken. To apply for a yacht captain license in the U.S., you’ll also need to meet some additional criteria, including a medical exam, a background check, and a three-word certificate. Again, you’ll need to be drug tested and have a certificate in first aid and CPR.
Make Your CV Stand Out
If you want to become a yacht captain, you also need to take another look at your resume – or get a new one! This is crucial so that you take the best step possible when applying for jobs. Your CV should be appropriate for the position you are applying for, which means highlighting transferable skills, any relevant qualifications, and your sailing experience to date.
The basics of good resume writing still apply, so make sure the file is clearly formatted and free of grammar or spelling errors. Use formal language and put the most relevant experiences first. In conclusion, your resume should not exceed two pages. You want to give it to the busiest captain, let them skim it, and immediately decide if you’re a good fit for the job. Few captains take the time to read a lengthy and complex document.
Cultivate Industry Contacts
One of the easiest ways to become a yacht captain in no time and become a captain is to network with people in the industry. As with many roles, networking is key. If you have any acquaintances or friends in the industry, this is a great place to start. At the same time, you can get in touch with the captain for the first time and still keep in touch with them who may be helpful to you.
The goal is to connect with the captain so they can recommend you for a job. If you’re talking to a yacht captain, try to look professional. The people you’re talking to can be very busy, so you need to get your point across as quickly as possible and make a good impression. That said, on a good day, you might meet someone, and in this case, stay friendly and chat — it could be your first job interview.
How approachable the captain really depends on the type of yacht you wish to sail. For example, the requirements of a superyacht captain may be much stricter and require a higher level of professionalism than other captains. This is in large part because passengers on board have different expectations of captains and crew. It may also affect the feeling of working on that boat, so keep this factor in mind as you build your network.
Look For Relevant Jobs
In order to get a yacht captain position, you may need to demonstrate that you have at least 3+ years of professional experience. Few people will believe you own a yacht without more than 360 days of experience.
So how did you gain experience? Ideally, you should strive to find a role that is directly related to the management or operation of a ship or yacht. Working in a hotel is not enough to convince your future employer that you are capable of being a captain. Instead, try to find characters like 3rd, 2nd, or Sailor and work your way up.
Assess Your Finances
In your journey to become a yacht captain, you will also need to keep tight control over your finances. You must ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover pre-exam training courses, exam fees, and license processing fees. These fees vary widely and can reach upwards of $2,500.
Likewise, if you’re struggling to find a job, and you travel a lot to find new networking opportunities, there can be a lot of hidden costs added. If you’re not careful, you could be penniless before you apply for a driver’s license.
The easiest way to get around this is to get as much business experience as possible in a paid position, even if it’s not your first choice. Remember, you can gain valuable sea experience and precious days just by being a sailor on a local ferry. It might not be as glamorous as you might initially think, but it’s an important step toward achieving the ultimate goal.
Stay On Top of Industry Changes
It is vital to continue your studies even after you have qualified or even found a job. The best captains stay up-to-date with the latest developments in sailing and safe sailing, and there is much more to learn. Try to avoid complacency and stick to your own learning.
This is especially important if you are working or traveling internationally as you may encounter different and changing conditions. Whether it’s unpredictable waters or customs restrictions, yacht captains must be aware of and be prepared for every eventuality that may arise. As a captain, you will have someone to depend on you and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. Before and after getting your license, be vigilant and curious.
Persevere
If you don’t succeed at first, try again.
This is true for most things, and being a yacht captain is no exception. If you want to become a commercial skipper or work on a private yacht, you are unlikely to get a job straight away. Likewise, you may face obstacles to passing your test or getting your driver’s license.
In any case, it is important not to give up. Often, new captains struggle with inexperience. If this is your problem, you can gain more experience by working closely with the captain on the yacht. You’ll learn a lot and if you’re willing to put in the work, you should be able to work towards being a captain. Enjoy the process and always keep your end goal in mind.
Becoming a yacht captain takes commitment, but the benefits are enormous. You will have the opportunity to take control of a yacht, spend time at sea, and have the opportunity to see the world from one of the most beautiful vantage points. With these steps, you can start becoming a yacht captain in no time. Good luck.
Final Notes
After reading all of the above, you should have a better idea of how to become a yacht captain. You have a lot of coursework to complete, and a lot of personal sacrifices like sea time. That’s why only the most passionate people—those who are willing to go the extra mile—are in control.
Remember that it is important to get as much sailing time as possible between each certification and learn as much as you can from the captain of the ship. As with any training, your primary concern should be gaining a lot of experience.
The discipline and character you developed in previous years will help you understand the importance of continuing education. You will naturally want to familiarize yourself with the latest industry practices and improve your abilities.
