Captain

JOB

Captains steer and are responsible for ships; the welfare and conditions of crew, cargo, catch and passengers. Captains’ tasks vary according to their level of qualifications and the size and utilization of ships. Captain is a legally protected job title.

There are 5 levels of captain’s qualifications:
A qualifications extend to ships up to 24 meters

B qualifications extend to ships up to 45 meters in domestic waters as well as cargo and passenger ships up to 500 gross tons

C qualifications extend to fishing vessels of unlimited size as well as cargo and passenger vessels up to 3,000 gross tons

D qualifications extend to all ships except Coast Guard vessels

Captains work on fishing vessels, cargo vessels and Coast Guard vessels (E qualifications) the role of the latter being to provide general law enforcement as well as performing search and rescue operations at sea, in addition to providing remote settlements, inland institutions and other vessels various assistance and services.

Main tasks

• planning and deciding about on navigation and direction
• steering a ship in special circumstances such as when docking
• coordinating work on board
• selecting fishing grounds, planning fishing operations and ensuring that fishing equipment is in order
• overseeing the loading and unloading of the ship
• recruitment and registration of the crew

Competence requirements

A captain must have the knowledge and skills to manage a ship according to their qualifications. It is important to be able to assess climatic conditions and the dangers that can arise on board and at sea. A captain needs to be familiar with all types of navigation equipment and charts, as well as fishfinding instruments when appropriate.

Study

Training in captaincy is divided into five levels of qualification, each of which gives the right to work on board ships of different sizes and types. Level D is a four-year course which provides unlimited qualifications to all ships, except Coast Guard ships. The study program is available at Tækniskólinn, while levels A and B are also available at Menntaskólinn á Ísafirði.

Validation of prior learning has taken place and/or may be available.

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