s/v Marrakesh wrote:

What do you want to know? Where are you located?

If you're in the US, at a minimum, you'll need a sailing instructor
certification (ASA or US Sailing) and a USCG Master's LIcense ( or
OUPV, commonly called the "Six Pack"). You'll also need to be
enrolled in a Drug Screening program, which may be provided by your
employer or you may need to get it on your own. I've been a member
of the American Professional Captain's Association, and that
membership includes their drug screening program. You may also want
to investigate liability and/or license insurance, if this is not
provided by your employer.

As for skills, you should be able to thread the eye of a needle with
any boat, have the patience of a saint, and tie a carrack bend behind
your back blindfolded... ;-)

All that is probably necessary if you're going to get a job with J World or
whatever, but plenty of sailors simply hang a shingle, and/or go by word of
mouth.

Matt O.