Captains, Water Vessel
Description OES Code: 97502
Captains or masters are in overall command of the operation of a vessel, and they supervise the work of any other officers and crew. They determine the course and speed, maneuver to avoid hazards, and continuously monitor the vessel's position using charts and navigational aides.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $15.61
25th Percentile $20.15
50th Percentile $27.94
75th Percentile $33.04

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 1,100
Projected Employment 2008 1,300
Percent Change 1998-2008 18.2%
Separations 1998-2008 500

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
People in water transportation occupations work in all weather conditions. Although merchant mariners try to avoid severe storms while at sea, working in damp and cold conditions is often inevitable. While it is uncommon nowadays for vessels to suffer sea disasters such as fire, explosion, or a sinking, workers face the possibility that they may have to abandon their craft on short notice if it collides with other vessels or runs aground. They also risk injury or death from falling overboard, and hazards associated with working with machinery, heavy loads, and dangerous cargo.

Most newer vessels are air-conditioned, soundproofed from noisy machinery, and equipped with comfortable living quarters. Nevertheless, some mariners dislike the long periods away from home and the confinement aboard ship, and consequently leave the industry.

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Education and Training
Entry, training, and educational requirements for most water transportation occupations are established and regulated by the All officers and operators of watercraft must be licensed by the Coast Guard, which offers various kinds of licenses, depending on the position and type of craft. The formal training takes place at the, or at one of six state academies, and includes a written exam, a physical exam, and drug screening. A graduate is a third officer who can work his or her way up to captain.

Skills and Other Requirements
Captains must have a love of being on the open water. Additionally, they need the ability to direct and oversee crew members, ensure that proper proceedures and safety practices are followed, check that machinery and equipment are in good working order, and maintain logs and records of navigational movements, pollution controll efforts, and cargo/passenger records.

References
California Occupational Guide: Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Water Transportation Occupations

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)