Career Compass—Captain
- J.Anthony Tedpahogo
- Sep 2
- 4 min read
Among the many occupations available in the marine construction and dredging industry, the role of captain stands out. These individuals are at the forefront, using their navigational expertise to transport work crews, equipment, and materials that help shape and restore national infrastructure and waterways around the world.
Commander of the Ship
From tugboats to cutter suction dredges, captains are responsible for the safe navigation, overall maintenance, and supervision of vessels and crews on the water. These mariners are masters of their craft, dedicating years of sea time and experience to command seafaring vessels that are essential to maritime projects, commercial transport, and military operations.
“I like my job as a captain because the work is exciting and rewarding,” says Tony Perez, Captain of Manson tugboat HARRY M. “The longer I’ve been in my role, the more I love my job, the maritime culture, and the ability to make lots of friends.”
Getting Aboard
Individuals interested in getting behind the wheel must first meet five basic requirements to be approved by the United States Coast Guard (USCG):
Be 18 years of age or older
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Be certified in CPR and First Aid
Pass a required physical examination
Earn 360 days of sea service (work on the water)
Understanding the Types of Licenses
When pursuing a captain’s license, it’s important to consider your personal and professional goals on the water. There are several endorsements to choose from:
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV/Six-Pack)
This license allows individuals to operate vessels carrying up to six passengers on inland waters and up to 100 miles offshore. Captains with a six-pack license can operate vessels classified up to 100 tons (approximately 75 to 90 feet in length).
Master’s License
This license permits the operation of inspected vessels, which are subject to more rigorous safety regulations. It is available in 25, 50, or 100-ton versions, which refers to the maximum tonnage of vessels you can operate. A master’s license allows you to carry more than six passengers and is ideal for larger charter operations. It also includes all privileges of the OUPV license.
Additional endorsements consist of a sailing endorsement, which permits licensed professionals to operate sailing vessels, and an assistance towing endorsement, which authorizes them to tow inoperable boats.
Earning Sea Time
One of the most critical requirements for obtaining a captain’s license is sea time, meaning the number of hours spent on the water aboard private or commercial vessels. To officially log sea time, individuals must use the USCG’s sea service form. Four hours at sea counts as one full day; additional hours do not count toward extra days.
Aspiring captains can earn sea time in several ways:
Working as a deckhand or mate on private or commercial vessels under a licensed captain
Chartering rental boats (with sea time verified by the owner or company)
Sailing personally owned vessels
Active members of the U.S. Navy and USCG can also convert their service into sea time. Typically, the USCG allows 60 percent of service days to count toward sea time requirements. For example, 200 days of service would equate to 120 days of recognized sea time.
Union and Non-Union
Behind every ship’s captain stands a community of maritime professionals, many of whom are supported and represented by boatmen unions. These unions, such as the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) and the American Maritime Officers (AMO), play a vital role in representing the rights, safety, and professional development of captains and their crews. Membership provides access to collective bargaining for fair wages, comprehensive benefits, and secure working conditions.
Depending on your region, aspiring captains should consider joining a boatman union to seek mentorship and camaraderie with fellow mariners. Unions can create a bridge between new and experienced mariners to foster education, training, and networking with other experienced boatmen.
It is important to note that the maritime industry—like other trade industries—recognizes both union and non-union states.
In union states, unions and their representatives can negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members. Unions demonstrate collective bargaining power that can result in comprehensive compensation packages and enhanced job security.
In non-union states, captains and maritime workers normally negotiate terms directly with employers, offering greater job flexibility but less formalized support.
Both environments present valuable opportunities for aspiring captains which allow them to choose which route fits their personal and financial needs.
From Deckhand to Skipper
Once the USCG’s 360-day sea time and other requirements have been met, individuals can enroll in a USCG-approved course to prepare for the Captain’s License Exam. These courses are often self-paced and allow up to 12 months for completion. When ready, candidates can take the exam through their course provider or at a USCG Regional Examination Center.
