Becoming a Charter Captain

[Fletcher51]

What does it take to be a charter captain? I know all the legal aspects of it, and the licenses one must obtain, but what do the charter companies look for in a captain? Would they care more about experience, or would they want someone with a college degree?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Becoming a Charter Captain

It's all about the experience and that will be revealed in the license you get from the Coast Guard.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Becoming a Charter Captain

Don't worry about the experience when being a captain on a fishing charter boat. They just want someone to hold liable while they make lots of money and pay you little. As Captains, we all know that we are responsible once ya untie the lines, well when the weather is bad and you the Captain says it is a no go, "YOU WILL BE FIRED!!" "When it's not about money, it's all about money!!"

Around my way, when you captain for the day you make about $160.00 for the day.

And if you don't have a Master 100 ton license you will not be a Captain on the boats that take out 30-50 people.

 

[saltysenior]

Re: Becoming a Charter Captain

don't forget the lack of benefits...and when your all done--no retierment....

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Becoming a Charter Captain

First it takes the love of the ocean, then it takes liking to being around and getting along with people to be a charter captain.

Second it takes approximately 365 days of documented sea time in a three year period to get a captains license and you do not ever have had to operate a boat to receive a license. You could have just swabbed decks. Depending on tonage of boat that you are on will make you qualify for either a 25 ton, 50 ton or 100 ton masters.

You should get yourself a site on a charter boat as a mate, which could be hard if you do not have experience. If you were up my way you could get a site on a Yankee Capts boat, they take anybody in the summer and you would qualify for a 100 ton license. Plus their boats will be a good test to see if you get sea sick.

Enough gibbering, Good Luck!!!!