How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More
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Ship Pilots
Ship Pilots command ships to steer them into and out of harbors, estuaries, straits, or sounds, or on rivers, lakes, or bays. Must be licensed by U.S. Coast Guard with limitations indicating class and tonnage of vessels for which license is valid and route and waters that may be piloted.
What degree do you need
High School Diploma
One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Ship Pilots or what courses do I need to take.
We also asked Ship Pilots what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.
| Commercial Fishing |
| Marine Science or Merchant Marine Officer |
Most ship pilots have a bachelor’s degree from a merchant marine academy. The academy programs offer a bachelor’s degree and a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) with an endorsement as a third mate or third assistant engineer. Graduates of these programs can also choose to receive a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Merchant Marine Reserve, or U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.
How hard is it
You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be a Ship Pilot. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Careers in this difficulty category will usually need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers. These careers usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Similar careers include hydroelectric production managers, travel agents, electricians, court reporters, and medical assistants.
License and certifications
All ship pilots working on ships with U.S. flags must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Transportation Security Administration. Most ship pilots must also have a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC). They can apply for an MMC at a U.S. Coast Guard regional examination center. Ship pilots are licensed by the state in which they work. The U.S. Coast Guard licenses pilots on the Great Lakes. The requirements for these licenses vary, depending on where a pilot works.
Skills required
We asked other Ship Pilots if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.
| 1. | Operation and Control what does this mean |
| 2. | Operation Monitoring what does this mean |
| 3. | Critical Thinking what does this mean |
| 4. | Monitoring what does this mean |
| 5. | Active Listening what does this mean |
= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for
Knowledge required
Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Ship Pilots are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.
| 1. | Transportation what does this mean |
| 2. | Geography what does this mean |
| 3. | Public Safety and Security what does this mean |
| 4. | Administration and Management what does this mean |
| 5. | Mechanical what does this mean |
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Learn more about Ship Pilots
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Related to Ship Pilots Requirements
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