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What does a Boat Captain do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A boat captain is responsible for the operation and navigation of a vessel. They are in charge of the safety of the crew and passengers, as well as the cargo. Boat captains must have a thorough knowledge of maritime law and regulations.

Boat Captain job duties include:

  • Act as a ship's officer in charge of the deck and its associated equipment and personnel
  • Plan and direct navigation of the vessel
  • Maintain control of the vessel's speed and heading at all times
  • Oversee the loading, unloading, and securing of cargo and passengers
  • Monitor the vessel's radio communications and respond to distress calls as necessary
  • Prepare and maintain navigational charts and publications
  • Keep watch for other vessels, obstacles, and hazards at all times
  • Supervise the work of deck crew members in maintaining the vessel and its equipment
  • Inspect the vessel regularly to ensure that it is seaworthy and compliant with all regulations

Boat Captain Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for becoming a boat captain, but most employers prefer to hire candidates with at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some companies may require captain candidates to have a certain amount of experience working on boats, and many captains also choose to pursue voluntary certification through organizations like the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition to on-the-job training, new captains may also be required to complete a captain's license course, which covers topics like navigation, boating safety, and emergency procedures.

Boat Captain Skills

  • Seamanship
  • Navigation
  • Rules of the road
  • Weather
  • Charting
  • Dead reckoning
  • Piloting
  • Radio communications
  • Engine maintenance
  • First aid
  • CPR

Related: Top Boat Captain Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Boat Captain

A boat captain is responsible for the vessel and everyone on board. They are in charge of navigation, safety, and crew management. To become a boat captain, you will need to have experience working on boats and completing boating safety courses. You will also need to obtain a captain’s license from the United States Coast Guard.

Related: Boat Captain Resume Example

Related: Boat Captain Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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