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Boat Captain Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

Boat captains usually have to work their way up through the ranks of third, second and first mate before attaining captain status. This can take anywhere from three to four years or more. All boat ...

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

Boat captains usually have to work their way up through the ranks of third, second and first mate before attaining captain status. This can take anywhere from three to four years or more. All boat ...

Dann Marine Towing

Captain/Relief Captain

Either the Captain or Mate will be on watch at all times. * The Captain is responsible for setting ... areas of the boat and tow to ensure neatness, cleanliness, orderliness, safety and proper ...

United States Coast Guard

Boatswain's Mate

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$22 - $24.75/hr

Skills You'll Learn Boat operations Seamanship and navigation Leadership Training You'll Get * BMs ... Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water Vessels * General and Operations Manager * Emergency Management ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

4A Captain

Sulphur, LA · On-site

... boat and tow. While the Mate is generally responsible for daily supervision of the deck crew, the ... The Captain/Relief Captain is responsible for making certain that vessel navigation equipment ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

4A Captain

Memphis, TN · On-site

... boat and tow. While the Mate is generally responsible for daily supervision of the deck crew, the ... The Captain/Relief Captain is responsible for making certain that vessel navigation equipment ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

4B Relief Captain

Sulphur, LA · On-site

... boat and tow. While the Mate is generally responsible for daily supervision of the deck crew, the ... The Captain/Relief Captain is responsible for making certain that vessel navigation equipment ...

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Boat Captain Mate information

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$25

$48

How much do boat captain mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat captain mate in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat captain mate?

Boat Captain Mates, often referred to simply as mates, assist the captain in operating and navigating a boat or ship. They are responsible for supervising the crew, maintaining safety standards, overseeing the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and sometimes steering the vessel. Mates often act as second-in-command and may take over the captain’s duties when the captain is unavailable. Their role requires strong leadership, knowledge of maritime regulations, and hands-on experience at sea.

What are the typical responsibilities of a boat captain mate during a charter trip?

As a Boat Captain Mate, your primary responsibilities during a charter trip include assisting the captain with navigation, handling lines during docking and undocking, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the vessel, and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. You will often interact directly with passengers, helping them with boarding, providing safety briefings, and addressing their needs throughout the journey. Teamwork is crucial, as you work closely with both the captain and other crew members to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone onboard.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boat captain mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Captain Mate, you need a solid understanding of navigation, vessel operations, and maritime safety, often supported by relevant maritime certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with nautical charts, GPS systems, radio communication equipment, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you work efficiently with the captain and crew, especially during challenging situations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe vessel operation, timely voyages, and the well-being of everyone on board.

What is the difference between Boat Captain Mate vs Boat Deckhand?

AspectBoat Captain MateBoat Deckhand
CertificationsUSCG Captain's License, STCW certificationsSTCW certifications, basic safety training
Work EnvironmentOperate vessels, assist in navigation, oversee crewAssist with deck duties, maintenance, mooring
ResponsibilitiesSupport captain, navigation, safety oversightDeck maintenance, line handling, cleaning

The Boat Captain Mate typically holds a higher level of certification and has more responsibilities related to navigation and safety. The Boat Deckhand focuses on deck work and maintenance tasks. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry, but the Captain Mate has a more advanced skill set and supervisory duties.

Is there a demand for boat captain mates?

The demand for boat captain mates is steady in the maritime and recreational boating industries, especially for those with proper certifications such as STCW or USCG licenses. Employment opportunities are influenced by the boating season, industry growth, and regional maritime activity, with jobs available on commercial vessels, ferries, and private yachts.
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Boat Captain Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Captain Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Boat Captain - Construction Division

Crofton

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

Crofton offers industry leading solutions above and below the waterline, combining comprehensive expertise in all aspects of commercial diving, marine construction and crane rental & rigging. We execute our projects with safety and integrity. Crofton is a growing company with a highly collaborative and dynamic work environment. Our team members work vigorously to meet our customers’ needs. No two days are the same! Crofton is seeking a Boat Captain 100 Ton with a towing endorsement to join our construction division team.

This position is full-time, frequently requires long hours, weekend work and some out-of-area and overnight travel. Boat Captains determine if it is unsafe for the vessel to proceed, whether the operation endangers the vessel or the crew, and has the authority to stop the vessel if unsafe conditions exist. If you have a passion for boating, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to manage a vessel effectively, join our team and embark on exciting adventures on the water!

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Boat Captain serves as the commander of the assigned vessel, in charge of overall safe operations, maintenance, crew accountability and productivity in moving barges and other vessels from one location to another.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

  • Adhere to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (COI).
  • Compliance with applicable regulations; including but not limited to; OPA 90, Clean Water Act, 46 CFR, Subchapter M, Compliance with Company’s HSP, ensuring each crew member required to hold Merchant mariner Credentials (MMC) always have the credentials on board and available for examination.
  • Review HSP on a regular basis and report on conformities to shore based management.
  • Maintains records of daily activities, movements, and ports-of-call, and prepares progress and personnel reports, and other related documentation.
  • Making multiple movements of material barges, crane barges, and other vessels in the water channels of the Portsmouth Marine Terminal area.
  • Compute position, sets courses, and determines speed, using charts, area plotting sheets, navigation devices, like radar, sonic depth finder, compass and sextant and aids to navigation, like lighthouses buoys.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Must have valid Master Captain License (100 Ton) with a Towing Endorsement and knowledge of maritime practices.
  • Computer, organizational, and communications skills.
  • Ability to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
  • Must have basic firefighting skills and basic lifesaving and rescue techniques.
  • Able to influence and motivate people to act.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced and changing environment.
  • Able to work effectively with many different personality types.
  • Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong mechanical knowledge to troubleshoot and repair boat systems.

Education and Experience:

  • Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC) that includes 200 Ton Master or Mate of Towing
  • TWIC Card
  • Minimum of 5 Years of experience to include towing experience.
  • VSO, Vessel Security Officer
  • Radar unlimited

Physical Requirements:

  • Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hand and/or fingers.
  • Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations.
  • Color correct vision
  • Ability to respond quickly to sounds.
  • Able to travel all areas of the jobsite in all types of weather; this may require walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching.