July 21, 2020
Skipper / first mate (skipper fishing under 24m)
First Mates are permitted to act as skipper of a vessel up to 24m, assuming they have all the necessary qualifications. Skippers and first mates must make decisions relating to the safety of the vessel and crew. As such they assume significantly more responsibility than the bosun or deck officer. Skippers are generally restricted to operate within South Africa’s 200 nautical mile limit, which encompasses the country’s exclusive economic zone (unless they have ‘unlimited’ certification).
Skippers / first mates require extensive navigational experience and training, including in emergency safety and medical procedures.
Skippers are ultimately responsible for the safety of their crew and must be able to work under pressure. They must at times delegate responsibilities to other crew members but must as far as possible must be aware of all aspects of the vessel and crew management.
Key tasks:
Key roles of Skipper (Captain or Master):
• Overall Command.
• Navigation.
• Safety Oversight.
• Watchkeeping.
Key roles of First Mate (Chief Mate or First Officer):
• Second-in-Command.
• Navigation Support.
• Cargo Operations.
• Record Keeping.
• Emergency Response Support.
Entry requirements/training:
Extensive work experience and sea-hours are required to
qualify as a skipper or first mate, with most successful candidates working
their way up through the deckhand ranks.
Skippers must typically function well under pressure and work well with people. A SAMSA-accredited certificate of competency for master and deck officers is required.
Career advancement:
Fishing skippers and first mates sometimes migrate to the merchant navy and can up-skill themselves accordingly via the relevant training courses. A seagoing skipper with extensive experience may also consider working as a shore skipper.
Associated job opportunities:
Individuals with experience as a Skipper (Captain) or First Mate in the maritime industry may explore various associated job opportunities within and beyond the traditional roles on a boat or ship. Here are some potential career paths and associated job opportunities:
Career Opportunities in Skipper (Captain or Master):
• Marine Pilot
• Harbor Master
• Port Captain
• Vessel Traffic Manager
• Maritime Instructor
Career Opportunities in First Mate (Chief Mate or First Officer):
• Port Operations Manager
• Safety and Compliance Manager
• Cruise Ship First Officer
• Quality Assurance Manager (Maritime)
• Offshore Operations Manager
