How to Become a Captain of a Merchant Vessel
- 1). Enroll and attend a U.S. Coast Guard approved academy training. While you can start your career as a deckhand on supply boats, you must still complete a USCG approved training. Completing the training and passing final exams will allow you to skip entry-level labor on a boat.
- 2). Apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In order to qualify for the credential you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and pass a security screening.
- 3). Apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential from the Department of Homeland Security. In order to qualify for the credential you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and pass a security screening.
- 4). Apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential at the same time as your application for a TWIC. Entry-level seamen and deckhands that do not work on the open ocean are not required to obtain a MMC.
- 5). Apply for jobs as a deck officer or third mate while you complete licensing requirements for the type of vessels you want to captain. Types of licenses can vary depending on the type and size of boat on which you are working.
- 6). Work your way through the career chain by logging the necessary hours at third mate, second mate and first mate before applying for a captain's position. The hour requirements of captains make it rare for a seamen to skip any of the rungs on the career ladder.
- 7). Take classes and earn certifications in First Aid and certified pulmonary resuscitation before applying for a captains position. These certifications must remain up to date or you can lose your captains position.
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