Captain
Recommended Time In Role
A Captain should stay in their role for as long as it is a suitable and rewarding position. They can stay in a yacht Captain role and continue to build their skills and experience, or pursue a Fleet Captain position or a Build Captain position, dependent on their skills and experience
Mandatory Qualifications
To be eligible to be a Captain, all candidates must have completed STCW – Basic Safety Training A-VI/I, and MCA Master (Yachts) <500gt, or <3000gt, or Unlimited CoC (vessel size dependent).
Recommended Qualifications
It is recommended to pursue CPD courses, especially in leadership, accounting, project management, and Ships Surveyor. Additionally, IAMI Guest purser modules could be completed to top up any learning gaps. Please see Purser Career Map for details of IAMI GUEST modules.
Notes
As MCA ‘Pass’ certificates are only valid for three years, you are advised to obtain the MCA Master 500 GT (Yachts) CoC if you think you may run out of time (for example to gain enough sea time to apply for the Master 3000 GT (Yachts) Notice of Eligibility (NoE)). If however, you hold a Master 500 GT (Yachts) CoC (with the exception of Celestial Navigation), you will not need to re-take the courses and exams again.
A Captain’s position may include rotation, relief, or delivery. To obtain your first captain’s position, you may need to take a step down in vessel size.
Character Attributes
- Resilient
- Confident
- Flexible
- Positive
- Budgeting & accounting skills
- Self-aware
- Strong work ethic
- Honest
- Trustworthy
- Personable
- Self-regulated
- Strong problem solver
- Good communicator
- Good listener
- Inspirational & motivational
- Ability to delegate,
mentor, support, train &
develop others
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Collaborative
- Strong negotiator
- Discreet
- Well presented
- Takes initiative
- Organised
- Diplomatic