Captain Resume Example (Free Guide)

Are you looking for a perfect example of a captain resume? Look no further! Our Captain Resume Example article provides a comprehensive guide to crafting an effective, professional resume that will help you land the job you want. We provide a detailed overview of the skills and qualifications necessary to become a successful captain, as well as tips and tricks for creating an impressive resume. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new captain, our guide will help you create an effective resume that will help you stand out from the competition.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Captain do?

A Captain is responsible for the overall operation of a ship or boat. This includes commanding and managing the crew, overseeing navigation and communication systems, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo, and maintaining the vessel's log. The Captain is also responsible for the vessel's compliance with maritime regulations and laws.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Captain related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Captain?

Lead and supervise the crew
Manage the ship's operations
Ensure the safety of the passengers and crew
Maintain a safe and secure environment
Ensure the ship is maintained according to regulations and standards
Navigate the ship according to charts and navigation instruments
Communicate and coordinate with other ships, ports, and land-based authorities
Monitor the ship's performance and manage its resources
Keep accurate records and logbooks

Sample Captain Resume for Inspiration

Captain
Personal Details:

Phone: +1 123 456 7890
Email: captain@gmail.com
Address: 1234 Anywhere Street, Anytown, USA

Captain is an experienced seafarer, who has been sailing for the past 10 years. He has a strong background in ship navigation, management, and operations. He is highly knowledgeable in maritime regulations and is an excellent problem solver. Captain is a leader with excellent communication skills, who is able to motivate his crew and bring out the best in them.

Work Experience

Captain, XYZ Shipping Company - 2013 - Present
- Responsible for the safe operation of a container ship
- Navigated vessel in high seas and bad weather
- Managed crew of 20+ people
- Ensured compliance with maritime regulations
First Mate, ABC Shipping Company - 2010 - 2013
- Assisted in navigation and operation of cargo ship
- Supervised crew of 10 people
- Ensured compliance with maritime regulations

Education

Maritime Academy - Diploma in Maritime Studies - 2010

Skills

Navigation
Operations
Leadership
Communication

Certifications

USCG Master Mariner - 2016
STCW-95 - 2016

Languages

English - Native
Spanish - Fluent

Resume tips for Captain

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Captain resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Captain - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Ensure your resume is up to date, comprehensive, and error-free.
Highlight your qualifications, certifications and experience.
Focus on accomplishments rather than job duties.
Include keywords from job descriptions to ensure your resume is picked up by applicant tracking systems.
Include contact information that is easy to locate and professional.

Captain Resume Summary Examples

A resume summary or resume objective is an important component of a resume that can help draw the attention of potential employers. A resume summary or objective can provide employers with a brief overview of your experience, skills, and qualifications. It can also serve as a way to showcase your unique abilities and highlight key points that make you stand out from other applicants. By using a resume summary or objective, you can quickly demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the job.

For Example:

Seasoned Captain with 10+ years of experience in marine navigation, operations, and safety. Skilled in vessel management and training personnel.
Experienced Captain with 15+ years of maritime experience. Proven success in leading crews, coordinating operations, and managing vessels.
Capable Captain with 20+ years of experience leading and managing vessels. Expertise in navigation, vessel operations, and personnel management.
Highly experienced Captain with 25+ years in the maritime industry. Adept in vessel operations and navigation, crew management, and safety protocols.
Accomplished Captain with 30+ years of expertise in navigating vessels, managing operations, and supervising personnel. Proven track record of success.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Captain Resume

Building a strong experience section for a captain resume is important because it highlights your qualifications and skills in a way that is easy to understand and that stands out to potential employers. Captains are responsible for the safety and efficiency of their vessel, so it is important to demonstrate your experience in the maritime industry, including the number of years you have been in the industry and any leadership or management positions you have held. Additionally, it should include any certifications or training you have completed, such as first aid and CPR, which can be beneficial to potential employers. Lastly, it should detail any accomplishments you have had in the industry, such as docking the vessel successfully or completing a successful voyage. A strong experience section can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your qualifications and experience to potential employers.

For Example:

Captain of a tourist boat with up to 50 passengers, responsible for vessel's safe operation and passengers' welfare.
Supervised crew of 10 personnel and provided leadership and training.
Successfully navigated vessel in all weather conditions.
Responsible for vessel's voyage planning, including fuel calculations and route selection.
Maintained accurate records of vessel's voyage logs, charts and other paperwork.
Familiar with all applicable safety regulations and procedures.
Managed vessel's inventory and supplies.
Performed daily inspections of vessel and equipment.
Provided customer service and hospitality onboard vessel.
Conducted security checks of vessel prior to departure.

Captain resume education example

A Captain needs to have a good understanding of maritime law, navigation and seamanship, as well as a thorough knowledge of the vessel and its equipment. They should also possess strong leadership skills, good communication and decision-making abilities, and knowledge of relevant safety regulations. In many cases, Captains must also hold a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the US Coast Guard.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Captain resume:

Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, 2002
Master of Science in Ocean Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 2006
Advanced Ship Command and Tactical Training, Surface Warfare Officers School, Newport, RI, 2009
Certified Mariner, U.S. Coast Guard, 2011

Captain Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to a Captain Resume is important because it allows employers to quickly assess the candidate's qualifications and experience. Skills demonstrate the potential of the candidate to be successful in the job, and can help employers decide who is the best fit for the job. Skills also show how the candidate has grown and developed in their career, so employers can get a better understanding of their capabilities.

Soft Skills:

Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Organizational Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Adaptability
Decision-Making
Teamwork
Conflict Resolution

Hard Skills:

Leadership Skills
Problem Solving
Fleet Management
Navigation
Maritime Law
Ship Maintenance
Emergency Response
Team Building
Safety Protocols
Radio Operations

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Captain Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Captain resume

Highlight your certifications, licenses, and relevant experience.
Include a detailed list of the vessels you have captained.
Describe any special qualifications or awards you have received.
Demonstrate your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Specify any safety or environmental training and experience.
Showcase your knowledge of navigation, operation, and maintenance.
Discuss your ability to manage a crew and coordinate activities.
Demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.