The captain of a boat is the ship’s commander. He is in charge of the crew and the entire operation of the boat. Depending on the type of boat they’re in charge of, such as a cruise ship or a fishing vessel, captains may be required to have a license. Boat captains may be classified as “Senior” or “Master” and have the appropriate identifying licensing depending on the country. A boat captain performs hands-on tasks like steering the ship, but he or she also engages in problem-solving and planning on a regular basis.
A boat captain’s responsibilities include understanding weather conditions, water channels, and maritime laws in international locations. Even when delegating duties to crew members, the captain must have a thorough understanding of all aspects of boat operation. The boat’s captain can’t afford to miss any details because he delegated most of his duties to a first mate who reports to him. He must ensure that the boat is in good working order and that it is on course.
The captain is in charge of planning and executing security strategies in the face of potential threats such as pirates or terrorists. He must also take security precautions to prevent stowaways or unauthorized passengers from boarding the plane. A boat captain’s job entails inspecting the ship on a regular basis. Captains must ensure that all aspects of the ship’s operations are legal, including the behavior of passengers and crew. Both the crew and the passengers are under the command of the boat captain.
The captain is also in charge of the cargo’s condition. The cargo of a boat could be non-perishable goods like textiles or perishable foods like fresh seafood. A boat captain is in charge of selling cargo and keeping records, such as customs and immigration papers.
The captain’s primary responsibility is to ensure the crew’s safety at all times. He must ensure that all government and other safety regulations are followed on board. Boat captains collaborate with other ship crew members, such as a harbor pilot, to keep the ship on course and ensure that all signals, gauges, and water depth measuring equipment are operational. Life jackets, rescue boats, and other life-saving equipment must be available on board. Boat captains must supervise regular safety drills.
A boat captain must make the final decision in the event of a shipwreck or collision at sea. If a crew member is seriously injured, for example, the captain may decide to arrange for air evacuation. If a specific option isn’t available, it’s up to the captain to come up with the best alternative in each situation.