The Ship's Captain has the overall responsibility for - and command of the ship, its passengers, cargo and the crew. They will ensure procedures are followed and safety measures are adhered to. They will also be responsible for the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo.

To become a Captain you will have at least 5 years in a lower position on a ship.

Initially you could join the merchant navy as an officer cadet or marine apprentice from the age of 16 onwards. 

It would be useful to enrol at a specific maritime college to gain relevant qualifications, such as : 

Cadetships examples:

• Nautical Science

• Marine Electrical and Electronics Engineering/ETO

• Marine Engineering

Degree option examples : 

• BSc (Hons) Nautical Science

• BEng (Hons) Marine Engineering

• BEng (Hons) Marine Electrical and Electronics Engineering

• BSc Nautical Science

Maritime Apprenticeships examples:

• Seafarer (Deck Rating) - Apprenticeship

• Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic - Intermediate Apprenticeship

• Officer of the Watch (Near Coastal) - Advanced Apprenticeship

• Small Vessel Chief Engineer - Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Since working as a ship captain often requires many years of prior experience, seek out entry-level roles that will equip you for this experience after finishing your degree. Some aspiring ship captains choose to serve in the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve, or in the Navy or Naval Reserve. You will probably need to gain experience in deck work before moving up to higher levels of responsibility and eventually serving as captain of a ship.

For more information on training click here : 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-seafarer-careers-training-provision-and-information

https://maritime.solent.ac.uk/careers/officer-cadet-training/career-at-sea

https://www.clydemarinetraining.com/merchant-navy-careers/study-at-a-top-nautical-college/

https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/15-colleges-providing-marine-courses-in-the-u-k/