Being a cargo ship captain is all about managing a massive vessel. This can be a difficult task as the ships get bigger and global trade increases. A cargo ship captain needs to have excellent navigation skills, as well as strong leadership skills…
Cargo ship captain salaries vary greatly depending on the size of the ship, the type of cargo being carried, and where the ship is located.
On average, a cargo ship captain’s salary ranges from $55,000 to $80,000 annually. However, some captains can earn as much as $200,000 per year.
The following factors have an impact on a captain’s salary:
- The size of the cargo ship he or she commands. Larger ships require more crew members for operation, so the captain’s salary will increase accordingly.
- The type of cargo being carried. Carrying more valuable goods will increase a captain’s pay.
- Where the ship is located. Captains who work in international waters will be paid more than those who work only in domestic waters or ports within one country’s borders.”
Salary for cargo ship captain
There can only be one captain on a ship. Focused on a safe voyage, a ship captain navigates a water vessel through calm and rough seas. In addition to keeping the ship afloat, a captain oversees crew, unloading of cargo and safe delivery of passengers. Pay varies, depending upon the vessel size and responsibility.
Job Description
Working on small charter boats, cargo liners and large cruise ships, the primary responsibility of a ship captain is safety. Being weather aware, understanding engine mechanics and serving as a student of navigation are three important tasks of a ship captain. The intensity of these tasks varies, based upon the type of vessel. For example, a cargo ship captain traveling through the Suez Canal must be aware of pirates. Studying anti-piracy planning charts and coordinating response procedures is essential for the safety of the crew and cargo. A cruise ship captain is in charge of a boat that serves as a large, floating city. The well-being of 3,000 passengers and a large crew is at stake. Once out of port, most large ships are equipped with auto-pilot for smooth sailing. Charting a course, avoiding the danger zones and focusing on potential weather changes are essential job duties. All ship captains are on call around the clock.
Education Requirements
If you want to become a ship captain, attaining an undergraduate degree in marine transportation is the best preparation. This program combines classroom learning, with one year of practical experience at sea. You will study naval science, marine engineering, nautical science, maritime business management, and cargo transportation. A year at sea will help you apply classroom learning to live watercraft exercises and practice important safety maneuvers. Required licensing exams are incorporated into a marine transportation degree. The U.S. Coast Guard requires ship captains to take a comprehensive Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) exam and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) exam. Seeking an internship will help you become more marketable, as you search for a position.
Industry
In 2017, the average pay for a ship captain was $80,970. The highest earners garnered $138,620 and the lowest reported salary for a ship captain was $35,640. Inland water transportation captains have the highest earning potential. The size of the boat and cargo influences the pay.
Years of Experience
You will have to pay your dues at sea for you to considered for a ship captain position. A typical career trajectory for this position includes serving as a deckhand, becoming a first officer and learning seamanship through entry-level experience, before commanding a vessel. Some ship captains start their journey in the military, before they work in the commercial market.
Job Growth Trend
Job opportunities for ship captains are scheduled to rise by 8 percent between now and 2026. Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi and Louisiana have the greatest number of positions available for this job.
