Ocean-Going Cargo and Passenger Ship Captain
がいこうかきゃくせんせんちょう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Ocean-going cargo and passenger ship captains serve as the overall supervisors of cargo-passenger ships navigating international waters, responsible for route planning, safe operations, and management of cargo, passengers, and crew.
Description
Ocean-going cargo and passenger ship captains oversee cargo-passenger ships, selecting routes, formulating navigation plans, ensuring safety management, and handling cargo and passengers. They secure safe navigation through bridge steering, operation of navigation equipment, and analysis of weather information, and are required to make swift judgments and responses in emergencies. Additionally, they manage a wide range of tasks including crew instruction and control, coordination with port authorities, compliance with international maritime regulations, and directing long-term voyages to operate the vessel.
Future Outlook
Demand for international maritime shipping remains stable, and due to crew shortages, demand for captains is high. Strengthening of environmental regulations and introduction of digital navigation technologies are advancing, requiring broader specialized knowledge.
Personality Traits
Calm and level-headed / Excellent communication abilities / Excellent judgment skills / Possesses leadership / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
International voyages / Long-term voyage duty / Shift work / Unaccompanied posting
Career Path
Third Mate → Second Mate → First Mate → Chief Mate → Captain → Maritime company manager
Required Skills
Cargo and passenger management / Chart reading and navigation instrument operation / International maritime regulations / Meteorological information analysis / Radio communication / Vessel handling techniques / Vessel safety management
Recommended Skills
Basics of ship engineering / COLREG / Communication skills (English) / Risk management
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Need to quickly adapt to sea conditions and schedule changes. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because overlooking details can lead to accidents. |
| Communication Skills | Essential for coordination with multinational crew and port officials. |
| Initiative & Leadership | Makes proactive decisions as a leader. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Physical stamina needed to endure long hours of work and operations in bad weather. |
| Planning & Organization | Route planning and schedule management are crucial. |
| Problem Solving | Quick responses to emergencies and malfunctions are required. |
| Stress Tolerance | To calmly cope with long hours and emergencies. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because duties center on operations based on regulations and manuals. |
Related Qualifications
- First-Class Deck Officer License (Navigation)
- STCW (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) Certificate
Aliases
- Cargo and Passenger Ship Captain
- Ocean-Going Ship Captain
Related Jobs
- Chief Engineer
- Coastal Ship Captain
- Navigator