Careers as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

People in many locations who have strengths in leadership, communication, and flexibility may be perfect candidates for becoming captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels.

These professionals work on ships, managing the operation of boats, ships, tugboats and ferryboats as well as transporting goods, leading fishing expeditions, and tour groups. They must safely steer boats on oceans, rivers and lakes, through straits, harbors, and sounds.

Captains are responsible for setting courses, maintaining and inspecting vessels, measuring water depth, monitoring passengers and cargo during loading, reading maps and charts, signaling other ships, and managing crew members.

Pilots are in charge of setting courses, steering ships through reefs, shoals and rocks, reading charts, analyzing weather reports, and managing boat docking.

Mates do the hands-on work on a ships steering boats, using navigation equipment, managing the fueling, stocking and repair of ships, and supervising crew members.

In general, employment opportunities for captains, mates and pilots of water vessels are expected to increase quickly. To land this dream job will require being licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Regardless of your sea background or experience, you can embark on a diverse career as a captain, mate and pilot of water vessels today in many locations. What are you waiting for? Enroll today!