Captain’s License vs. Pilot’s License: Why Many Want Both and How They Compare

It’s fascinating how many people express interest both in becoming a licensed boat captain and earning a pilot’s license. I’ve met countless students over the years who are drawn to both the sea and the sky.

What makes these careers so appealing to the same type of person? And what are the similarities and differences in earning a captain’s license vs. a pilot’s license?

Let’s dive into the similarities and differences between these two exciting paths.

Common Qualities Between Captains and Pilots

The draw to the open ocean isn’t all that different from the call of the open skies. Whether someone ends up in a cockpit or a wheelhouse, a common thread runs through both groups.

General Characteristics

The people who pursue a captain’s license or pilot’s license tend to share a few key traits, including curiosity, discipline, leadership, and a relentless hunger to learn. These are folks who don’t settle for “good enough” — they want to master their craft.

Qualities like this not only set captains and pilots apart but also ensure they’re ready to tackle the demands and relish the rewards of their chosen path. 

Passion for Exploration

At their core, both aspiring captains and pilots are explorers. They’re people who look at a map — whether nautical or aerial — and see possibilities, not boundaries.

I’ve found most of my students have that same adventurous spirit to go, see, and explore!

Commitment to Mastery

Neither a captain’s license nor a pilot’s license is a walk in the park; both paths demand serious dedication. Becoming proficient in either requires rigorous training, countless hours of practice, and a continuous pursuit of excellence.

As such, people who are drawn to these licenses aren’t easily daunted. Instead, they embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and hone their skills.

Thrive Under Pressure

Life on the water or in the air is unpredictable. Weather changes fast. Equipment malfunctions. Decisions need to be made on the fly.

It’s no accident that those interested in captain’s and pilot’s licenses are cool under pressure, capable of thinking clearly and acting effectively even when stakes are high.

Governing Bodies: USCG vs. FAA

One fundamental difference between the captain’s license vs. the pilot’s license is the governing body overseeing each credential. In the maritime world, it’s the US Coast Guard (USCG). For aviation, it’s the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Coast Guard Requirements

To get your captain’s license, some of the requirements include:

• Submitting an application and paying the fees
• Documenting the required boating experience
• Completing a USCG-approved course and exam
• Obtaining medical certification

Federal Aviation Administration Requirements

The FAA oversees the licensing of pilots with a similarly rigorous but slightly different approach. To earn a pilot’s license, requirements include:

• Completing flight training at an approved school
• Logging required supervised flight hours (which vary by license type)
• Obtaining FAA-approved medical certification 
• Completing knowledge and skills tests
• Getting appropriate ratings for any specialized aircraft equipment needed

Different Emphases for a Captain’s License vs. a Pilot’s License

Pilots tend to begin with theory, learning the science of flight, aerodynamics, control systems, and more before being trusted with a plane. It’s a more formal, classroom-style education. Everything is structured and standardized, which makes sense when you think about how precise aviation needs to be.

Maritime training, however, is often informal, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and real-world problem-solving. Many of us grew up working on family boats, learning by doing. We learn from mentors, crewmates, and most of all, the water itself.

When we built Mariners Learning System, we took the best of both worlds — structured curriculum plus real-world scenarios — and made it flexible enough for anyone to learn online and at their own pace. 

We didn’t just write the first-ever Coast Guard-approved online course, either. We wrote the test, too, so you’re not training for some mystery exam, hoping you’ve learned all the right points.

Flight schools, however, can’t offer their own tests, which are administered by the FAA directly. Instead, they function as prep schools, doing their best to prepare you for the FAA’s exam.

Some other differences in emphasis between a captain’s license vs. a pilot’s license education include:

• Regulatory Focus: The USCG emphasizes practical maritime experience and safety protocols, while the FAA focuses on formal flight training and health standards.
• Educational Requirements: The FAA requires extensive flight training, reflecting the technical nature of aviation.
• Operational Scope: Coast Guard licensing highlights cumulative sea time, ensuring deep practical knowledge.
• Safety Emphasis: Both prioritize safety, but the FAA’s health evaluations are particularly stringent.

Medical Standards: Different Approaches

Both captain’s and pilot’s licenses require medical certification, but the standards and processes vary significantly.

Coast Guard Medical Requirements

The Coast Guard requires a thorough medical exam that checks your vision, hearing, and general physical health. Major conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or significant joint problems could be disqualifying. 

One advantage on the captain’s license side is its lack of an upper age limit. The focus is on your ability to perform the necessary captain’s duties safely. In fact, the oldest captain I’ve helped license was 94!

FAA Medical Certifications

The FAA uses a class-based medical certification system:

• First Class: For airline pilots (most stringent)
• Second Class: For commercial pilots
• Third Class: For private pilots

These certificates must be renewed periodically based on the class and the pilot’s age. For example, a First Class certificate must be renewed every six months for pilots over 40.

The FAA also has specific disqualifiers, including vision issues (though corrective lenses are acceptable), hearing problems, and certain medical conditions like epilepsy. Commercial airline pilots must also retire by age 65, though private pilots have more flexibility as long as they maintain required health standards.

Captain’s License vs. Pilot’s License Renewal Requirements

A captain’s license is valid for five years from the issuance date and then needs to be renewed. 

For pilots, renewal frequency varies by medical certificate type. Additional requirements include flight reviews every 24 months, depending on their specific certifications and endorsements, and potentially staying current with various endorsements, such as instrument or multi-engine ratings.

Skills That Transfer Between Sea and Sky

Certain skills and experiences transfer well between being a captain and a pilot, though having a captain’s license doesn’t technically make it easier to get a pilot’s license, or vice versa. However, overlapping skill areas could give you a head start.

Transferable Skills

• Navigation Experience: If you’re good at reading charts at sea, you’ll likely have an easier time learning aerial navigation.
• Leadership Qualities: Leading a crew, whether on a ship or a plane, requires strength and responsibility.
• Safety Emphasis: Both pursuits demand a deep understanding of and adherence to regulations and safety protocols.

Practical Overlaps

• Emergency Knowledge: Both captains and pilots have experience staying calm and handling emergencies.
• Weather Familiarity: Monitoring and interpreting the weather is crucial in both endeavors.

Captain’s License vs. Pilot’s License: Final Thoughts

When you stack it all up, the captain’s license vs. pilot’s license debate comes down to passion and preference. Both paths require commitment, precision, and the ability to think clearly under pressure. And both open doors to incredible adventures — whether that’s island-hopping in the Keys or flying cross-country under blue skies!

If your heart’s in the water, and you’re ready to start your journey toward becoming a licensed boat captain, I’d be honored to help guide the way. At Mariners, we’ve helped thousands of students get their captain’s licenses — and we’d love to help you do the same.