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A Sea Captain takes charge of a ship, boat or other type of marine vessel. You might transport passengers, carry cargo or operate a recreational vessel. A Sea Captain, or Shipmaster, navigates the ship and ensures all safety procedures are being adhered to. You might communicate with authorities via marine radio, give instructions to crew members and provide leadership during emergencies.
Sea Captains should have strong leadership skills and be able to remain calm during stressful situations. It’s important that you can communicate clearly and remain focused for long periods of time. Sea Captains require excellent observational skills and strong situational awareness.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become a Sea Captain.
Possible job outcomes:
Become a ship Master <24 metres NC on private and commercial vessels with the MAR30921 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal). This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to skipper vessels up to 24 metres and work as chief mate on vessels up to 80 metres. Competencies include: performing routine vessel maintenance, planning routes and navigating passenger vessels (up to 80m), using wheelhouse equipment, dealing with onboard emergencies, surviving at sea, and more. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, AMSA certification outcomes, and opportunities for enrolment near you..
Average duration: 2 months.
Command commercial vessels up to 35 metres long with the MAR40320 Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 35 metres Near Coastal). This nationally recognised training course is endorsed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Your training is carried out at an advanced maritime training facility in a 6-week intensive. The course covers: vessel navigation and manoeuvring, crew management, forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions, cargo storage and discharge, shipboard safety and survival at sea.Enquire now for the list of training centres and enrolment dates..
In Australia, a full time Sea Captain generally earns $1,350 per week ($70,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
There has been a decrease in employment numbers in this industry over recent years. There are currently 7,700 people working in this field in Australia, and many of them specialise as a Sea Captain. Sea Captains may find work across regions of Australia where maritime activities are common.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re planning a career as a Sea Captain, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal). This course covers topics such as shipboard safety, survival at sea, vessel abandonment, first aid, routine maintenance, navigation and seamanship operations. You could also consider a Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master up to 500GT).
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within maritime. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Maritime
Assistant Shipwright
$960 weekly pay
Coxswain
$865 weekly pay
Deckhand
General Purpose Hand
Second Engineer
Boat Builder
$1,200 weekly pay
Chief Cook
$1,050 weekly pay
Chief Engineer
$1,350 weekly pay
Engineer Watchkeeper
Marine Engineer
$1,600 weekly pay
Marine Mechanic
$1,250 weekly pay
Marine Surveyor
$1,440 weekly pay
Sea Captain
Ship Mate
Shipwright
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
Master Mariner
Naval Architect
$1,730 weekly pay
Ship Master
Learn more about Sea Captain courses in your area.