How to become a captain, mates, and pilots of water vessels

Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels do

• Maintain records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts, or cargo or passenger status.
• Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.
• Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.
• Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.
• Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
• Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is captain, mates, and pilots of water vessels a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 81% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Maryland $138,950
• Tennessee $132,710
• Louisiana $117,160
• Texas $111,390
• California $110,090

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.