What Can You Do With a Captain’s License?

“What can you do with a captain’s license?”

I get this question a lot, and my response remains the same: Getting your license is like picking up a key that opens many doors. If an opportunity presents itself, you can either walk through the door or go around it.

However, you’ll never unlock the door if you don’t have the right key. 

The more keys I have hanging from my belt, the luckier I get. That’s why I encourage serious boaters to get their captain’s licenses. For those still on the fence, let’s explore what doors you can unlock as a licensed captain.

What Can You Do With a Captain’s License?

The Coast Guard requires anyone who takes paying passengers aboard their boat to be a licensed captain. Passing the captain’s license test proves that an individual has the knowledge and experience necessary to operate a vessel and provide services safely. 

So, to turn your passion for boating into a paycheck, you’ll need a captain’s license.

Most people get their captain’s license so they can:

• Work as a paid captain or mate
• Start a fishing charter business
• Learn or refresh boating and seamanship skills
• Earn a credential that shows experience and potentially reduces insurance costs

Do Licensed Captains Have Part-Time Opportunities?

Many of our students want to supplement their current full-time income. They easily find jobs as licensed captains for companies like BoatUS, Duck Boats, or Sea Taxi. Ferrying passengers and towing boats can be seasonal, so it doesn’t need to interfere with a full-time job.

Other captains work part-time independently. For instance, Captain John Luchka of Long Run Fishing Charters offers six-hour in-shore ocean trips for $800.00. Although he works full-time for Princeton Tec as an industrial sales manager, he gets to do what he loves on many weekends throughout the year.

Here’s what he has to say about what he can do with a captain’s license:

“Since getting my license, besides earning additional income, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at and market my business at fishing and boating shows. It has also led to writing for numerous magazines and appearing on Addictive Fishing TV and Northeast Angling TV. I’ve even appeared with George Poveromo on his Saltwater Sportsman Seminar Series.”

What If You Don’t Want to Become a Professional Captain?

Around 80% of our clients know working as a full-time captain isn’t for them.

Many don’t want to use their license professionally at all. These students get their licenses to gain personal knowledge and safety education. 

They also recognize that their plans may change in the future. Like me, they want the keys to open any door before them.

What Doors Will You Open?

So, what can you do with a captain’s license?

A better question might be this: What can’t you do with a captain’s license? Whether you want to make a little additional cash or launch a full-time career, earning a captain’s license is the first step to making your dream a reality. 

Ready to get started? Browse our courses today.