Q&A for How to Become a Boat Captain

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What education do you need to become a boat captain?

Nitzan Levy
Sailing Instructor
Captain Nitzan Levy is a Sailor, Social Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Sailors NYC, a recreational sailors’ club based in Jersey City, New Jersey that specializes in cruising boats and a variety of community programs. Capt. Levy has over 20 years of sailing experience and has sailed in many places around the world including: the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, The Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Capt. Levy is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master of vessels up to 50 Tons with Auxiliary Sail and Assistance Towing Endorsements. Capt. Levy is also a NauticEd Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor, an American National Standards Assessor, an SLC instructor, an ASA (American Sailing Association) Certified Instructor Bareboat Chartering, and an Israeli licensed skipper on Boats for International Voyages.

Nitzan Levy

Sailing Instructor

Expert Answer

You have to have a certain number of hours that you've actually spent on the water, so spend plenty of time getting hands-on experience. You can take a classroom or online course, but the information you'll cover will make a lot more sense if you're already familiar with boats. In addition to sending in a log of your hours, you'll also need to register for a TWIC card, which is a transportation worker identification card, and you'll need to pass a medical exam and take a first aid course.

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How do I train to become a boat captain if I live inland?

Community Answer

I would recommend you go to a maritime academy on the coast. You would need to travel, but that shouldn't be much of an issue.

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If I have my coast guard deck hand license , what would I have to do to make it a Captain license for boats under 45 foot?

Community Answer

You'll still need to log 360 days of sea-time, apply for a captain's license, and take the exam.

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If I own a toy boat, am I automatically it's captain because I'm it's owner?

Community Answer

Being owner of a ship doesn't necessarily mean you are also captain -- plenty of owners hire captains to be in charge of their ships in their steads. The great thing about being an owner, though, is that you get to decide. If you want to be captain as well, you get to!

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Does experience mean time at sea or in open water only, or would experience in rivers, lakes, and bays also count?

Community Answer

Assuming that you are going for your OUPV license, the requirement is 360 days experience on Inland or Near Coastal waters. That would include rivers, lakes, and bays.

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Do you need a captain's license to teach someone to fish

Community Answer

If you plan to charge your passengers for fishing lessons, then yes, you will need a captain's license.

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Question

I have my captains license, now where do I apply for jobs?

Community Answer

Try boatcaptainsonline.com, or search any online job board for captain jobs. You will likely find postings for cruise ships or charter boats hiring captains.

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How do I study marine engineering?

Community Answer

Look for bachelor's degree programs in marine engineering at your local college or university, or apply for a program at the Coast Guard Academy.

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What level license do I need to take people out fishing for a fee?

Community Answer

You can take up to 6 people fishing with a basic OUPV license, otherwise known as the "Six-Pack."

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