A ship captain is the person legally responsible for a vessel, its crew, its cargo and the water around it. In the US you cannot do the job without a U.S. Coast Guard license, and that license is built on sea time, so this path is part study and part time on the water. You will start by learning the basics of seamanship and chartlessness-proof navigation. Then you will get your Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and medical certificate, and work as a deckhand. Next you will log sea days toward a first license such as the OUPV (6-pack) or M
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Every stage from beginner to expert, with lessons, practice drills, projects, interview questions and free resources. Free with a Rolearch account.
Stage 1 of 3 · about 16 weeks
Understand how vessels move and how to navigate safely, and get the credentials to work aboard as a deckhand.
Rules of the Road (COLREGs and Inland Rules)
Every collision-avoidance decision you make as captain is judged against these rules. They are also the biggest part of every Coast Guard exam, so learn them first and learn them well.
Chart reading and piloting
Before electronics, a captain must know where the vessel is and where danger lies. Charts show depths, hazards, aids to navigation and tides. Electronics fail, and the exam tests paper chart work.
Basic seamanship and line handling
Docking, mooring, anchoring and towing all depend on knots, line handling and knowing your vessel. Crew who do this well get promoted into mate and captain roles.
Safety, first aid and survival
A captain is responsible for everyone on board. Fire, flooding, man overboard and medical emergencies must be handled by reflex, and Basic Safety Training is required for most commercial jobs.
Marine weather and tides
Wind, fog, currents and tides decide whether a trip is safe. Core tasks of the job include directing courses based on weather, depth, tides and currents.
Then 2 more stages (about 172 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects, 6 interview questions with strong answers and free resources.