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Captain's License Upgrade: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how fishers can upgrade their maritime qualifications to legally command larger vessels and increase their professional capacity.

This scheme allows fishers to upgrade their professional maritime qualifications so they can legally command vessels with a larger tonnage.

Who it's for

This program is specifically designed for fishers who are looking to advance their careers and take on more responsibility. If you are currently working on the water but wish to command larger vessels, this upgrade provides the necessary legal path to move into those higher-capacity roles.

What you get

By completing this process, you receive the legal qualification necessary to operate and command larger tonnage. This upgrade changes your professional status, allowing you to serve as a captain on larger ships, which expands your professional capacity and your options within the maritime industry.

What it costs you

Moving to a higher level of command involves both time and financial commitments. You will be required to pay for necessary exam fees to demonstrate your competency. Additionally, you must invest the necessary time at sea to meet the mandatory sea-time requirements required for the upgrade.

The catch to know

The most important thing to remember is that your experience must be officially verified. You cannot simply state how much time you have spent working; your sea-time must be strictly documented in your 'livret maritime' to be recognized by the issuing authorities. Without these official records in your maritime booklet, you will likely be unable to prove you meet the requirements.

How to apply

  1. Review the specific sea-time requirements to ensure you have enough logged experience.
  2. Check your 'livret maritime' to confirm that all your time at sea is correctly and officially documented.
  3. Contact the maritime authorities to find out the schedule for upcoming examinations.
  4. Register for and successfully pass the required examinations to obtain your new qualification.