Answer:
Choppy seas might be ahead, but we have to tools to help you weather the storm!
None of this is meant to scare you – it’s meant to prepare you. This Dispatch is your call to batten down and get ready. The outlook may be clouded, but a skilled captain can navigate even the roughest times with the right preparation and mindset.
Staying Afloat:
When the market tightens, adaptability and excellence become the name of the game. Here are some ways to prepare, adapt, and stay competitive in this climate:
- Keep Your Skills and Credentials Sharp: Take this time to refresh and expand your skill set. Renew or upgrade your Coast Guard license if you’re eligible for a higher tonnage or additional endorsements. Consider adding specialized certifications (towing, sailing, STCW, etc.) that make you qualified for a wider range of jobs. The more you can do, the more indispensable you are.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: A true professional never stops learning. Attend webinars, workshops, or refresher courses (many are available through Confident Captain and the Professional Captains Association). Stay on top of new technologies in navigation and safety. If you haven’t already, get familiar with emerging trends like hybrid propulsion or advanced radar systems. Showing employers that you’re up-to-date with the latest know-how signals that you’re proactive and future-focused.
- Network and Be Willing to Diversify: In lean times, who you know can be as important as what you know. Tap into the Confident Captain and PCA community – connect with fellow captains, instructors, marina operators, and charter companies. Let them know you’re looking for opportunities. Be open to gigs that are outside your usual wheelhouse: deliver boats for owners, run shorter trips, or consider seasonal work in regions still seeing tourism. Flexibility can keep you earning and add breadth to your experience.
- Differentiate Yourself: When jobs are few, you need to stand out in a crowded field. What sets you apart as a captain? Maybe it’s your flawless safety record, your knack for entertaining guests with local lore, or your dual skill as a mechanic. Make sure your resume, PCA profile, and interviews highlight these strengths. As one PCA advisor notes, effectively showcasing your unique value proposition can “set you apart in a very crowded market”. Don’t be shy about what you bring to the table – this is the time to shine a light on every asset you’ve got.
Above all, stay hungry and proactive. The captains who land on their feet will be the ones who refuse to go adrift. This might mean making tough choices – taking a pay cut for a season, relocating for a contract, or hustling harder to line up the next job. It’s not easy, but it’s what the times demand. Remember, our profession has never been for the faint of heart. We are problem-solvers by nature; when conditions change, we adjust our sails.
Got more questions about getting your captain’s license or navigating the USCG application process? Send them in, and I’ll answer them in the next Ask Captain Kent!