There is more than meets the eye when it comes to becoming a yacht captain. This career path is entirely different from what you get with other jobs, hence the need to get it right from qualifications down to skills.
Being a yacht captain is not for everyone. So, first and foremost, consider whether you have a suitable personality for the job. There are numerous methods to establish the employment criteria for boat captains. On any vessel, the captain is the ultimate person responsible for all that happens on board. This applies to passengers, crew, and the vessel as a whole.
Before you search for yacht captain jobs, keep in mind that the captain is the leader on board, whether it’s a small yacht or a large cruise liner. As a result, being a captain necessitates a certain amount of education, sea experience, and certain personality attributes.
This article will highlight some factors to consider if you intend to become a yacht captain.
Important Factors to Consider
Here are some factors to consider:
Choose the Right Flag Registry
When it comes to obtaining your captain’s license, political issues play a vital part, just like they do in any sector. To work on most boats, make sure you choose the correct ticket. Seafarers face problems boarding yachts and accessing different ports as a result of challenges such as Brexit and other political events. As a result, it’s critical to determine which flag state poses the least threat to its acceptability.
In terms of superyachts larger than 24 meters, the Transport Malta yachting registration is presently the largest in the world. This means that the majority of superyachts will accept the Transport Malta ticket, lowering the chances of your ticket being refused.
Get Trained by a Certified International Flag Registry
If you’re looking for training, be sure it’s STCW accredited. Avoid training programs that are only recognized locally. You don’t want to limit yourself to merely working onboard boats in your home territory’s waters. STCW is an acronym for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping. The STCW convention was established in 1978 as a result of many jurisdictions’ desire to establish a global standard of training that requires a certain degree of training.
Start as a Deckhand to Get a Feel of the Job
Because this is not a career for everyone and requires a lot of dedication to get to the top, it’s best to start as a deckhand and see how things go. The STCW Basic Safety Training and a small craft license are usually entry-level courses. This fundamental seamanship course is the barest minimum. Anything you do in addition to this will give you a leg up on the competition.
Starting out on local charters is a great way to get your feet wet. Many local boat captain positions are available to those with little or no experience. If you enjoy the experience and wish to further your knowledge, you can enroll in more STCW courses. As a result, you’ll have a better chance of reaching a higher place on the deck. Courses like Navigational Watch Rating, Efficient Deckhand, and radio communications can help you decide if this is the right job for you. You can also watch this video to get a visual representation of what the job entails.
Always Keep a Record of Your Seagoing Service
Begin tracking your sea time as soon as possible, and the more organized you can be, the better. It is necessary to have certain experience in order to meet all criteria while enrolling in a course. This can be accomplished by purchasing a training logbook. Whenever you learn a technique at sea, make a note of it and have your captain sign it. Furthermore, if the ship is not currently in training, the sea time must be recorded and signed by the captain.
Wrap Up
Although sea time is essential for success, the more courses you take, the more opportunities you will have to advance quickly in yachting. Obtaining the Accredited Engine Course (AEC), for example, boosts your chances of advancement. So don’t waste time; step up your game and begin learning right away.
