What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- STCW Regulation II/2 Master certificate of competency (management level), in the variant matching tonnage: ≥ 3,000 GT or 500–3,000 GT.
- Spain: professional title of Captain of the Merchant Navy (Royal Decree 973/2009), with command attributions without tonnage or trade-area limit on Spanish merchant ships.
- Additional endorsements per ship type: V/1-1 and V/1-2 (oil, chemical, gas tankers), V/2 (passenger ships), V/3 (IGF Code) and polar certification where the trade requires it.
Basic STCW
- A-VI/1-1 Personal survival
- A-VI/1-2 Fire fighting
- A-VI/1-3 First aid
- A-VI/1-4 Prevention and fight against pollution
Specific courses
- GMDSS GOC (STCW IV/2) in force
- Generic ECDIS (IMO model course 1.27) plus equipment familiarisation where fitted
- BRM / leadership and teamwork at management level (A-II/2)
- Medical care on board (A-VI/4-2)
- Ship Security Officer (VI/5) where designated
- Crowd and crisis management (A-V/2) if commanding passenger ships
Indicative experience
STCW II/2 (≥ 3,000 GT): minimum 36 months' seagoing service as deck officer, reducible to 24 if at least 12 were served as chief mate. Under the Spanish route, the Captain title additionally requires the chief-mate/command time set by RD 973/2009 (indicative, check the DGMM call).
Observations
Typical route: Second Mate (OOW, II/1) → Chief Mate (II/2 management level) → Master. Exact certificate name and limits depend on tonnage and flag; revalidation every five years by sea service or course. The master holds the overriding authority recognised by SOLAS and the ISM Code.
What this role does
The ship's ultimate authority: responsible for safety of life, cargo, the vessel and protection of the marine environment, representing owner and flag. Directs the bridge at management level, approves the voyage plan, decides in manoeuvring, emergencies and refuge, and answers for ISM, ISPS and MLC compliance on board. The master's signature binds the ship before the administration, the port, the P&I club and port state control.
Typical watches
Not applicable.
Key responsibilities
- General command of the ship, safety and regulatory compliance.
- Final decision on navigation, operations and emergencies.
- Coordination with company, ports and authorities.
Operational scope
- Bridge
- Cargo
- Safety
- Command
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.