Find Out The Average Salary Of A Cabotage Captain In Brazil, Job Demand, And How To Train For A Position Offshore Or Maritime.
The Cabotage Captain is the professional responsible for commanding a ship that navigates along the coast of a country, transporting cargo and/or passengers between ports within the territorial waters of that country, often aiming to serve the offshore oil and gas industry. Check out the entire OFFSHORE FUNCTIONS series here.
Cabotage is a maritime activity that involves the transportation of goods and people on coastal routes, without crossing international borders. In Brazil, for example, cabotage is regulated by Law No. 9,432/1997 and is considered a strategic activity for the country’s development, as it allows for the integration of regions and reduces dependence on road transport.
The Cabotage Captain is responsible for ensuring the safety of navigation, the integrity of the ship and the transported cargo, as well as complying with all laws and regulations relevant to the activity. He must also lead the ship’s crew and make important decisions in emergency situations or unforeseen events during the voyage. To perform this function, it is necessary to have specific training and licensing, along with prior experience in coastal navigation.
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How Much Does A Cabotage Captain Earn In Brazil?
The salary of a Cabotage Captain in Brazil can vary significantly, depending on various factors such as the size and type of the ship, the professional’s experience, the hiring company, and the region of the country in which he works.
According to data from the job site Catho, in March 2023, the average salary for a Cabotage Captain in Brazil is approximately R$ 15,000.00 to R$ 20,000.00 per month. However, it is important to note that this amount can be higher or lower, depending on the specific conditions of each employment contract.
In addition to the salary, Cabotage Captains can also receive other benefits, such as meal vouchers, health plans, life insurance, among others, which vary according to the company and individual negotiation with the professional.
What Types Of Ships Or Vessels Is A Cabotage Captain Authorized To Work On?
The Cabotage Captain is authorized to work on various types of ships and vessels, as long as they are qualified in his license issued by the competent maritime authority.
In Brazil, the licensing for Cabotage Captain is divided into different categories, which correspond to the different types of ships and vessels that the professional is authorized to command. The main licensing categories for Cabotage Captain in Brazil are:
- Cabotage Cargo Captain – for merchant ships that transport cargo;
- Cabotage Passenger Captain – for merchant ships that transport passengers;
- Cabotage Maritime Support Captain – for maritime support vessels, such as tugs, barges, drilling platforms, among others.
It is worth noting that for each type of vessel, a specific certification is required, including those serving the offshore industry, as well as appropriate training and qualification courses to perform the function safely and efficiently.
Where To Study Or How To Take Courses To Become A Cabotage Captain?
To become a Cabotage Captain, it is necessary to follow some training steps and obtain the certifications required by the competent maritime authority. Some institutions that offer courses and training for the formation of Cabotage Captains in Brazil include:
- Merchant Marine Officer Training School (EFOMM) – offers training courses for Nautical and Machinery Officers, lasting 4 years, in units located in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Belém (PA);
- Admiral Graça Aranha Instruction Center (CIAGA) – offers training courses for Nautical and Machinery Officers, lasting 3 years, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ);
- Admiral Áttila Monteiro Aché Instruction and Training Center (CIAMA) – offers training courses for Aquatic Professionals, with different positions and durations, in Fortaleza (CE) and Manaus (AM);
- Technical and Higher Education Institutions – various technical and higher education institutions offer training courses for Nautical or Machinery Technicians, lasting 2 to 3 years, in addition to undergraduate courses in areas such as Naval Engineering and Nautical Sciences.
In addition to initial training, Cabotage Captains also need to undertake update and improvement courses, as well as meet other legal requirements to keep their certifications up to date. The Ministry of Infrastructure, through the National Agency of Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ), is the competent maritime authority in Brazil and is responsible for regulating cabotage activities and the requirements for professionals working in this area.
Companies In Brazil That Usually Hire Cabotage Captains
The demand for this professional can vary according to several factors, such as the region of the country, the type of ship or vessel, the professional’s specialization, among others.
However, it is possible to list some companies that operate in the cabotage sector in Brazil and may hire Cabotage Captains:
- Aliança Navegação e Logística
- Log-In Intermodal Logistics
- Mercosul Line
- Grimaldi Lines
- Wilson Sons
- Hydrovia do Brasil
- CBO
- DOF Subsea
- OceanPact
These companies operate in different segments of cabotage, such as cargo transport, passenger transport, maritime support, among others. It is worth remembering that this list is not exhaustive and that there are many other companies that may hire Cabotage Captains in Brazil, depending on job opportunities and market demands.

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