How to become a sea captain?
Must be at least 18 years old. Must be able to document 360 days of experience on a vessel, of which at least 90 days must be on Near Coastal/Ocean waters otherwise license will be limited to Inland Waters ONLY. See: What Counts as Sea Service) 90 days of sea service must be within the last 3 years of when you apply. Candidates require extensive work experience at sea and can pass several challenging exams to earn the certification.To begin a career at sea as a Rating, all applicants must pass a Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) and complete basic STCW training to obtain the relevant certification for working at sea.
Can I become a captain in 5 years?
Being promoted from the rank of First Officer to Captain (or Co-Pilot to Pilot) can take anywhere from about 4 to 20 years from joining an airline, depending on the type of operation and the competency of the pilot. Assuming you are not picked early for promotion, you typically promote every six years. You will become a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) at approximately 6 years, a Commander (CDR) at 12 years, and a Captain (CAPT) at 18 years.
Do you need a degree to be a Ship Captain?
Earn a postsecondary degree Most positions as a cruise ship captain require a bachelor’s degree. After finishing high school or an equivalent, seek out programs from a specialized academy that can give you the skills needed to succeed as a captain. The qualifications that you need to get a job as a cruise ship captain include experience, management skills, and a license. You need to obtain a degree from an accredited maritime academy and a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Most captains start their careers as junior deck officers or in another onboard position.Typically, the merchant navy starting salary ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 per month (INR 4. LPA). An experienced merchant navy officer salary with 10+ years can reach an average of ₹1. The merchant navy officer salary varies depending on rank and experience.Avg Salary Ship captains earn an average yearly salary of $84,941. Wages typically start from $42,696 and go up to $168,987.The salary of a Cruise Ship in India varies based on experience, location, company & Industry. On average, Cruise Ship salaries ranges from ₹1. Lakhs to ₹20. Lakhs per year.The estimated take-home salary of a Captain at Indian Navy in India typically ranges from ₹2,12,488 to ₹2,20,959 per month. This is based on the average salary range of ₹30. Lakhs to ₹40. Lakhs per year for employees with experience ranging from 26 years to 33 years.
How long does it take to be a sea captain?
Becoming a Ship Captain takes time—typically 10 to 15 years. It’s a long climb up the ladder, through operations, exams, sea service, and certifications. Each level—each hour logged—brings you closer to command. But here’s the truth: every minute is building the muscle you’ll need when you’re finally in the chair. Salary Recap The average pay for a Ship Captain is INR 1,633,907 a year and INR 786 an hour in India. The average salary range for a Ship Captain is between INR 1,133,931 and INR 1,990,099.As of Sep 20, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Sea Captain in the United States is $37.Entry-level positions, such as Deck Cadets, earn between ₹25,000 to ₹60,000, while senior roles like Chief Engineers and Captains can get salaries ranging from ₹3,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 per month.
What is Ship Captain’s salary?
The average pay for a Ship Captain is INR 1,631,568 a year and INR 784 an hour in India. The average salary range for a Ship Captain is between INR 1,132,308 and INR 1,987,250. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Ship Captain. There are currently an estimated 39,600 ship captains in the United States. The ship captain job market is expected to grow by 1.To become a Captain you will have at least 5 years in a lower position on a ship. Initially you could join the merchant navy as an officer cadet or marine apprentice from the age of 16 onwards. The Merchant Navy Deck Officer job description provides further details of how to get started.Salary Range: ₹15,000 – ₹50,000 per month As a deck cadet, you will be undergoing training while gaining practical experience on the ship. The salary for a deck cadet in India is modest, typically ranging between ₹15,000 and ₹50,000 per month.The average pay for a Ship Captain is INR 1,631,568 a year and INR 784 an hour in India. The average salary range for a Ship Captain is between INR 1,132,308 and INR 1,987,250. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Ship Captain.
Is it hard to become a sea captain?
The journey to becoming a captain, boatswain, or mate is challenging and requires dedication to learning and gaining practical experience at sea. It can take several years to attain the necessary qualifications and skills for these roles. Becoming a Ship Captain takes time—typically 10 to 15 years. It’s a long climb up the ladder, through operations, exams, sea service, and certifications. Each level—each hour logged—brings you closer to command. But here’s the truth: every minute is building the muscle you’ll need when you’re finally in the chair.