The captain is at the top of the ship’s chain of command. This is also the job with the highest level of responsibility. A captain not only has to navigate, manoeuvre and adhere to sailing and delivery schedules, but also plan the work for the entire ship operation together with the nautical and technical officers, keep an eye on operating costs and lead the crew prudently in every situation. This high-tech job therefore requires a high level of leadership, a sense of responsibility, resilience and diplomatic skills.
To become a captain, you need many years of maritime work experience. The career path includes practical training and seagoing service, which you can acquire either through ship mechanic training or as a nautical officer’s assistant, and a degree in nautical science. Graduates must complete one year as a nautical officer of the watch in order to obtain the “Chief Mate“ certificate. If they also fulfil the personal requirements after gaining experience, they have a good chance of being promoted to captain by the shipping company.
For more information visit: www.machmeer.de/ausbildung/nautik-ausbildung
