What does a Captain do?

A captain is the leader of an entire vessel ranging from a small yacht to a cruise liner. They have vast experience with operating ships having likely worked their way through the ranks of ship-related positions. They are proficient in every aspect of running a ship from its operation to its maintenance and if they work on a touring ship including a cruise liner they play host to passengers.

A captain ensures equipment receives proper maintenance and that the vessel follows environmental regulations. They keep regular logs throughout the journey and supervise passengers and crew members, embarking and disembarking from the ship. If traveling to international waters, a captain must meet local and international customs and inspections’ requirements. They are also responsible for security aboard the ship in terms of basic operations and under extreme circumstances, including a response to threats from terrorists, pirates, hijackers, and stowaways. Captains need a master's degree in marine engineering or marine science, preferably from a maritime academy or college.