Schettino did not attend the hearing on Wednesday - and is entitled to two appeals - meaning he may not be jailed at all.
The judge branded Francesco a 'reckless idiot' for sailing close to the Italian island of Giglio, where the boat hit rocks, capsized, and began to sink.
To make matters worse, when the boat got into trouble the captain told passengers not to panic or evacuate, leading many to return to their cabins where they became trapped and drowned.
Others died jumping it falling from the ship in the pandemonium that ensued.
He was found guilty of multiple manslaughter charges, causing a shipwreck and abandoning his passengers.
Surviving passengers have slammed the verdict, many of whom are now launching their own legal proceedings against the cruise company.