Being a cruise ship captain is a dream that attracts many people, combining a passion for the sea and a taste for adventure. To achieve this objective, it is essential to follow a rigorous training course and acquire varied skills. This comprehensive guide will enlighten you on the key steps to follow to become captain cruise ship, detailing the necessary diplomas, the skills to develop and the experiences to accumulate in this exhilarating profession.
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To realize your dream of becoming cruise ship captain, it is essential to follow a specific course. The first step is to obtain the shift manager certificate, which is the basis of your training. Subsequently, you will need to acquire the Diploma of Higher Studies in the Merchant Navy (DESMM), a journey that requires about a year of hard work.
The steps to achieve this are clear: start by choosing the right training, then integrate a national maritime school. It is also recommended that you take an interest in related fields such as marine mechanics and electronics, as a good captain must be proficient in the maintenance and repair of shipboard equipment.
Training to become cruise ship captain is demanding and typically requires five years of study after the baccalaureate. You will need to focus on developing technical skills, while working on your sense of responsibility and your ability to manage a team. If you want to learn more, check out this link: Which degree to choose to work on a cruise ship.

Becoming a cruise ship captain is a dream for many people who are passionate about the sea and adventure. It requires not only the right training, but also a personal commitment to gaining the necessary skills and experience. In this guide, we will explore the steps and qualifications required to become a cruise ship captain, as well as the important skills and knowledge to excel in this exciting profession.
Necessary qualifications
To qualify for the position of cruise ship captain, it is crucial to have the right set of qualifications. The first step is to obtain a watch leader certificate, which is essential for sailing. Following this, the Diplôme d’études supérieures de la marine marchande (DESMM) will be an important milestone in your career. This is a one-year training course that covers various aspects of navigation, maritime safety and crew management.
Choosing the right training
There are several educational paths to becoming a captain. Joining a National Maritime Higher School is often the best option, highly prized by those wishing to pursue a career in the naval sector. These institutions offer comprehensive programs up to a bac + 5 level, thus preparing you for the demands of this profession while familiarizing you with related disciplines such as mechanics and electronics.
Gain maritime experience
Beyond studies, gaining practical experience on board ships is essential. Future captains must go through different stages to gain competence: working on board cruise ships as officers, sail on various boats and become familiar with the management and maintenance of equipment. This step is crucial for understanding the daily challenges of life at sea and developing leadership skills.
Develop complementary skills
Being a great captain isn’t just about navigation. It is also important to develop skills in crisis management, communication and teamwork. The captain must be able to make informed decisions quickly and ensure the safety of the crew and passengers. In-depth knowledge of maritime rules and regulations is also essential.
Obtain the necessary patents
Any candidate for a position of captain must obtain the various required patents. Among these, the certificate of boat captain 200 miles is essential. This diploma allows sailing on vessels of a certain size and ensures that the candidate has the necessary knowledge to operate in international waters. Once these qualifications are acquired, it becomes possible to apply for captain positions on cruise ships.
Career prospects and salary
The profession of cruise ship captain opens the way to numerous career prospects. Experienced captains can continue to advance in their field or choose to specialize in specific sectors, such as luxury yachting. As for salary, it can vary greatly depending on experience and the size of the vessel, with remunerations often high for those who manage to advance to this position.
Concluding your journey to captaincy
Becoming a cruise ship captain requires unfailing commitment and a passion for the maritime world. By following the training steps, gaining experience and developing varied skills, you will be well on your way to achieving this dream. The sea awaits you!
- Step 1: Choose the training appropriate.
- Step 2: Integrate a maritime school recognized.
- Step 3: Get the Watch Chief Officer Certificate.
- Step 4: Acquiresailing experience.
- Step 5: Pass it Diploma of Higher Studies in the Merchant Navy.
- Step 6: Train yourself on technical equipment of the ship.
- Step 7: Develop skills in crew management.
- Step 8: Obtain specialization certificates.
FAQ: How to Become a Cruise Ship Captain
What training is needed to become a cruise ship captain? To access this position, it is essential to follow specific training, often starting with a shift manager certificate, then obtaining the Postgraduate Diploma in the Merchant Navy (DESMM), which requires about a year of training.
What are the steps to follow to become a captain? To achieve this, it is advisable to follow five steps: choose the appropriate training, integrate a national maritime school, take an interest in related disciplines, gain experience at sea and ultimately obtain the boat captain certificate 200 miles.
Is it necessary to have a bachelor’s degree? Yes, one baccalaureate is essential to begin a course in the maritime field and to be able to enroll in the training necessary to become a captain.
What qualifications are required to become a captain? The journey often begins with a college diploma, followed by specific qualifications such as seagoing watchkeeping officer certificate and other professional certifications.
Are there any technical skills to master? Indeed, becoming a cruise ship captain requires having skills in mechanical and in electronic, because it is essential to know how to maintain and repair the ship’s equipment.
How long does it take to become a captain? Initial training generally lasts approximately five years, encompassing both theoretical teaching and practical training at sea.
Is the job of captain rewarding? Yes, becoming a cruise ship captain is often considered a dream job, because it combines leadership, responsibility and passion for the sea, while allowing you to travel with the currents.
To realize your dream of becoming cruise ship captain, it is essential to follow rigorous and specialized training. The journey begins by obtaining a shift manager certificate, a fundamental diploma which will allow you to access the following training. Subsequently, the Postgraduate Diploma in the Merchant Navy (DESMM) is an essential degree, requiring approximately one year of additional study. This diploma will give you the skills necessary to pilot a cruise ship.
It is also advisable to integrate a national maritime school, which will provide you with in-depth training in navigation and maritime management. At the same time, it is beneficial to look at related disciplines such as mechanics and electronics, which are crucial for the maintenance of modern cruise ship equipment.
Gaining practical experience is an essential step. To do this, joining ships as a sailor or officer will allow you to develop your skills in crew management and navigation. An increase in skills over the years is necessary to access positions of responsibility such as yacht captain Or cruise captain.
Finally, it is important to stay informed of technological and regulatory developments in the maritime sector. Initial training, which lasts approximately five years, must be followed by continuing education to remain competitive. The profession of cruise ship captain, although requiring an investment of time and effort, can be extremely rewarding for those who dream of experiencing adventures at sea while pursuing a profession of passion.