How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Cruise Ship Captain?

By Anna Duncan

Becoming a cruise ship captain is not an easy task, and it takes many years of hard work to make it happen. You must first become a deck officer and then gain additional qualifications and experience in order to be eligible for the position of cruise ship captain. It can take upwards of 10 years to become a qualified and experienced cruise ship captain.

The first step in becoming a cruise ship captain is to obtain a degree in maritime operations or nautical science from an accredited university or college. This degree will give you the foundational knowledge you need for the job, such as navigation, seamanship, marine engineering and other related subjects. Many universities have programs specifically designed for aspiring cruise ship captains.

Once you have obtained your degree, you must then find employment in the maritime industry as a deck officer. As a deck officer, you will gain experience in operating vessels and managing personnel on board. To be eligible for the position of cruise ship captain, most employers require that you have at least five years of experience as a deck officer.

In addition to your experience as a deck officer, there are several other qualifications that are required before you can apply for the position of cruise ship captain. These include certification from the Nautical Institute (NI), which requires passing their four-part exam known as Master’s Certificate.

You must also obtain certification from both STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) and GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress Safety System). Finally, you may also need additional certifications depending on where you plan on sailing.

Conclusion:

Becoming a cruise ship captain takes many years of hard work and dedication. It typically takes upwards of 10 years to become qualified and experienced enough to apply for this prestigious role. In addition to obtaining an accredited degree in maritime operations or nautical science, aspiring cruise captains must also gain experience as a deck officer while obtaining various certifications such as those from NI, STCW and GMDSS.