Ship Captain
Nature of the Work
A Ship Captain would have begun his seafaring career as a Third Officer before eventually progressing to become a Captain.

The Ship Captain is in charge of the entire ship. He is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship, along with the safety of passengers, crew and cargo onboard through monitoring and maintaining procedures for fire hazard and damage control requirements. He makes sure that national and international codes of conduct are observed in guiding sea transportation, and is responsible for the budgets and expenses pertaining to the ship.

The Chief Officer is second-in-command on board a ship. He oversees the planning involved for smooth cargo operations, assists during navigation and allocates duties for the maintenance and upkeep of the ship. His responsibilities include ensuring that discipline and order are maintained on board a ship.

A Second Officer is responsible for the bridge and navigational equipment such as charts used for the navigation of vessels. He keeps navigational watch at sea and supervises cargo operations while in port. A Third Officer maintains the safety equipment, lifeboats and firefighting equipment on board a ship. He also functions as the Signal Officer, in charge of giving signals to ships, ports and shore personnel.

A Third Officer will also oversee the loading and discharging of cargo when the ship calls at a port.

Typical employers include:
• Shipping companies
• Cruise companies
• Port authorities
• Ship agencies

Working Conditions
A Ship Captain may travel onboard a ship for about 24 weeks at a stretch, with paid rest periods of about 12 weeks between sea voyages.

(This varies from company to company based on contract)

Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required:
• A Deck Officer Class 1 (Master) Certificate of Competency (CoC)

Opportunities abound for Ship Captains beyond seafaring. Ship Captains may make use of their leadership experience accumulated from careers onboard ships to take up management positions in maritime or non-maritime companies.  

A typical career progression track for seafarers would be:
Third Officer -> Second Officer -> Chief Officer -> Ship Captain

Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Ability to make decisions under pressure
• Able to lead and manage a crew
• Willing to spend time at sea
• Normal colour vision and health

Job availability
Ship Captains and officers are in demand due to the increase in shipping trade activities globally, and the consequent high demand for ships needed to transport the cargo.

Earnings
With a starting pay of $2500, Third Officers can work their way up to Ship Captains, who can earn around $7200 and above.