Career: Ship Captains and Marine Pilots
NOAA/Department of Commerce
When we think of transportation, we usually think of planes and cars. But ships are still a major part of commercial transport, and in some areas, they also play a part in commuter transit. Ship captains control sea-going vessels, from cruise ships to barges to ferries to freighters. The captain is master of his ship, managing its crew as well as its course and speed.
A marine pilot, on the other hand, controls ships when they’re in crowded harbors or other confined waters. While the captain knows his ship well, the pilot is expert on his particular waterway.
Ship captains and marine pilots direct sea-going vessels on the ocean, on rivers, and in and out of harbors.
“We have to be relaxed and calm because that's part of the job … but you also have to be ready for anything. ”
Greg, Ferryboat Captain
Are You Ready To...?
- Take responsibility for a ship, its crew, and passengers
- Hire crew members
- Keep detailed logs
- Oversee the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers
- Join a union
It Helps to Be...
Decisive, organized, and able to handle several tasks at once. If you work well under pressure, get along with large groups of people, and communicate well, then this could be the career for you.
Make High School Count
- Take college preparatory classes and try your hardest. Most members of the class of 2006 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy were in the top twenty percent of their class.
- Take four years of math (including algebra; geometry; and trigonometry, precalculus or calculus) as well as physics and chemistry.
- Sign up for computer classes, mechanical drawing, and machine shop.
- Work hard in English. Part of being a captain or pilot is communicating clearly with your crew and with any passengers you may carry.
“If you're not a Maritime Academy graduate or you don't have a lot of experience … start working as a deckhand. ”
Greg, Ferryboat Captain
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for ship captains and marine pilots to grow faster than the average for all jobs through 2016. One reason for growth is the launching of new cruise ships and ferries. Another reason is the growth of international trade, which keeps ships and ports busy. Water transportation of freight within the
Compensation
Salaries can vary widely depending on the size and type of vessels involved. Captains with many years of experience working on container ships, oil tankers, or passenger ships may earn $100,000 or more each year. Captains of tugboats also tend to earn high pay.
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that ship captains, mates, and marine pilots, studied as a group, earned an average salary of $67,730 in 2008.
