Duties Of Captain In Merchant Navy

The Captain of a ship, also called the Master in the merchant navy, is the highest rank on a vessel, which is obtained after many years of experience, expertise, skill, hard work and dedication since the captain is the ultimate authority. He or she is held accountable for the smallest accident that happens on their ship, and so this position, while it gives a lot of dignity, respect and a handsome package, comes with a lot of responsibilities and duties which will be discussed in this article.

However, before that, let us understand how one becomes a ship captain.

Who is a Ship Captain and what does he do?

The Master or Captain is incharge of and is held responsible for navigation, safety procedures, crew management, cargo handling and compliance with international rules and regulations. It is a significant responsibility, as every decision made on the ship impacts the safety of the vessel, the cargo, and the crew members, and the captain is responsible for ensuring the well-being of all those onboard.

To become a captain, one needs to have extensive seafaring experience, complete maritime training, possess leadership and management skills, and pass several exams to obtain the required certifications.

How To Become A Ship Captain?

Though the minimum requirement to become a ship captain is a high school diploma, captains usually have impressive credentials and degrees from maritime academies and colleges in subjects like Marine Engineering, Maritime Operations or Marine Transportation.

They are not only trained in navigation or maritime law, but also taught how to think rationally, and calmly in a crisis situation, when timing, accuracy and clear communication will save the day.

They train on simulators, study the new regulatory changes, new ship systems, and technological shifts to keep themselves up to date.

In India, one can become a ship captain by taking different paths.

• First, it is mandatory to complete Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with at least 60%.
• After this, students can join either a Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) or a B.Sc. Nautical Science. DNS graduates undergo 18 months of ship training, and B.Sc. graduates undergo 12 months of training.
• After completion of sea time, cadets must go for STCW advanced courses like AFF, PSCRB, MFA, ARPA, ECDIS, and GMDSS.
• Once ready, they appear for the Second Mate exams (written, oral, and signalling). 
• After passing the exam, you get the Second Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC), allowing you to sail as a Third Officer and later as a Second Officer.
• There is a requirement for 12 months of sea service as Third or Second Officer, in which you handle navigation charts, firefighting appliances and life-saving equipment.
• After sea service, you have to again complete the compulsory STCW courses (RANSCO, Chief Mate Phase I & II) and give the Chief Mate Exam. After you pass, you receive the Chief Mate CoC, allowing you to sail as Chief Officer.
• Working for a year as chief officer gives you the experience of handling cargo operations, safety drills, deck management, etc. After your sea time, you can give the Master’s exam.
• If you clear the exam, you get the Master’s Certificate of Competency (CoC), officially qualifying you to become the Captain of a ship.

Other Requirements

• Minimum 36 months of sea time on a ship not less than 500 GT, including sea time of at least 18 months on ships not less than 3000 GT.
• At least 12 months of sea time after getting a Chief Mate CoC, and 6 months of that should be on ships of 3000 GT or more. 
• If watches were doubled or done as an assistant watchkeeping officer, then sea service would be two-thirds of the actual service performed.

Completing post-sea courses, including

• Advanced Shipboard Management (ASM) Course
•  Ship Manoeuvring Simulator and Bridge Teamwork (SMS) Course
•  ECDIS Course (if not done earlier)
• Once completed, you can go for the written and oral examination. 

 Duties of a Captain in the Merchant Navy

• Navigating the ship safely in all kinds of conditions. The Captain has to be on the bridge while the vessel is arriving or departing from a port, crossing from heavy traffic regions, or sailing through busy canals or caught in rough weather.

• Managing and leading the entire crew.

• Planning, executing and monitoring voyages with the help and advice of other officers. Though usually the 2nd Officer drafts the voyage plan, the Captain has to review and approve it.

• Ensuring compliance with maritime laws and regulations. For example, the captain must ensure adherence to MARPOL regulations, prevent oil spills, ensure that garbage is disposed of correctly and control emissions.
  

• Handling emergencies at sea, such as a fire accident, medical issues, collisions, etc.

• Overseeing cargo loading, unloading and stowage. The Chief Officer oversees the loading and unloading of cargo, and the captain oversees that the cargo is carried safely to its destination, ensuring the ship is not overloaded and that the cargo is properly secured to prevent any damage.

• Checking sail adjustments, structural integrity and ship stability.

• Coordinating with coastal authorities and port officials.

• Organising medical care and ensuring the physical and mental well-being of the crew. The captain has to make sure that the Work/Rest hours are complied with, and also intervene to resolve conflicts between crew members of different cultures or nationalities.

• Ensuring that hazardous materials are handled carefully.

• Manage port clearance documents, crew immigration forms, customs declarations, etc.

• Oversee the vessel’s budget and approve requisitions for provisions, spare parts, and repairs.
• During pilotage, the Captain does not leave command as the pilot is only the advisor, but the captain is legally responsible for the ship and can also intervene if he or she feels the pilot’s orders can compromise the safety of the ship.

Salary of Captain/Master in the Merchant Navy

The salary of a captain depends on the vessel type, the company they work for, experience, trade route, etc. Usually, those working on specialised ships like tankers and LNG carriers can expect more because of the cargo risks and specialised handling.

Mentioned below is the monthly salary range of captains operating-

• Bulk Carriers: $8,500 – $10,000+
• Container Ships: $10,000 – $13,000+
• Oil/Chemical/Gas Tankers (LNG Carriers): $12,000 – $21,000+
• Cruise Ships: $20,000 – $25,000+ 

Another advantage is that the income earned at sea outside the home country is tax-free, boosting net earnings.

Conclusion

Becoming a ship captain is a life’s journey which takes a decade or even more. It is not easy to climb the ladder of success as one needs to face many challenges in operations, examinations, and obtaining certifications. Most importantly, learning to be calm when the engine fails and take the right decision or stay focused and resilient when everyone else is frozen and confused is something which is learnt over years of sailing. Ship Captains are the heroes of the industry, who help keep the wheels of the industry running smoothly. 

You might also like to read-

• Duties Of 2nd Officer In Merchant Navy
• 10 Things About Merchant Navy You Must Know
• 10 Things About Merchant Navy You Must Know
• A Guide to Merchant Navy Ranks (With Illustrations)
• Merchant Navy Recruitment Process – Salary, Entrance Exams And Jobs

About Author

Zahra is an SEO-Strategist & a Technical Writer with over 5 years of experience crafting top-tier content for the shipping world. From news, articles, ebooks, blogs and marketing pieces to industry white papers, she has written it all and now brings that experience to her role as Senior Editor. She makes complex maritime stories clear, sharp, and engaging.

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