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Boat Captain Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Georgetown, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Millsboro, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Camden, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Wyoming, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Milford, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Ocean View, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Harrington, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Wilmington, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Seaford, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Townsend, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Lewes, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Delmar, DE

... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsBoat Captain JobsBoat Captain Jobs in Delaware

Boat Captain information

See Delaware salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat captain in Delaware is $25.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Boat Captain Do?

A Boat Captain is the leader of a naval vessel and has overall command and control of the navigation, maneuvering, stowage, communications, and safe handling of the ship. The Boat Captain is a licensed professional and ensures that the ship complies with local and international rules and policy regarding their vessel. Not only does this professional oversee the tasks of the crew, but they also ensure that all daily duties are completed, and that equipment is operational. There is generally a Captain onboard no matter the type of vessel, such as a deep-sea fishing boat or an aircraft carrier. The Boat Captain is an organized individual with years of experience working on a boat.

What are some common challenges Boat Captains face when managing a crew and passengers during trips?

Boat Captains often encounter challenges balancing crew management with the safety and comfort of passengers. They must ensure clear communication among crew members, address unexpected weather or technical issues, and respond calmly to emergencies. Captains also need to provide excellent customer service, handle passenger concerns, and enforce safety protocols, all while maintaining operational efficiency. Successfully managing these aspects requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a thorough understanding of maritime regulations.

What is the highest paid boat captain?

The highest paid boat captains are typically those working in the luxury yacht industry, commercial shipping, or offshore oil rigs, with salaries reaching over $150,000 annually. Factors such as experience, certifications, vessel size, and location influence earning potential for boat captains.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boat Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Captain, you need a thorough understanding of navigation, seamanship, maritime laws, and often a U.S. Coast Guard license or equivalent certification. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, radar, radio communication equipment, and safety protocols is essential. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills set exceptional captains apart. These abilities ensure safe vessel operation, compliance with regulations, and the effective management of crew and passengers.

What are the career paths for a boat captain?

Boat captains can advance their careers by gaining experience to become senior or master captains, managing larger vessels, or moving into supervisory roles such as fleet managers or maritime safety officers. They may also pursue certifications in specialized areas like yacht management, commercial shipping, or offshore operations to expand their opportunities.

Are boat captains in high demand?

Boat captains are in steady demand, especially in regions with active maritime, tourism, or recreational boating industries. Employment opportunities often depend on certifications, experience, and the specific sector, such as commercial or recreational boating.

What is the difference between Boat Captain vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectBoat CaptainMarine Deckhand
CertificationsCaptain's license, STCW certificationSTCW certification, basic safety training
Work EnvironmentOperates vessels, manages crew, plans routesAssists with vessel maintenance, handles cargo, supports navigation
Industry UsageCommercial, recreational, passenger vesselsCommercial ships, yachts, ferries

While both roles work on vessels, the Boat Captain is responsible for navigation, safety, and overall vessel operation, requiring a captain's license. The Marine Deckhand supports these operations, focusing on maintenance and assisting the crew. The roles often overlap in the maritime industry, but the Boat Captain holds more responsibility and required certifications.

How do I become a captain of a boat?

To become a boat captain, you typically need to obtain the necessary maritime licenses or certifications, such as a Coast Guard captain's license, which requires completing approved training, gaining sea time experience, and passing written and practical exams. Additionally, developing navigation, safety, and leadership skills is essential, along with accumulating relevant experience on vessels of increasing size and complexity.

What does a Boat Captain do?

A Boat Captain is responsible for operating and navigating boats or ships, ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and cargo during voyages. Their duties include overseeing the maintenance of the vessel, complying with maritime laws and regulations, and managing the crew on board. Boat Captains may work on various types of vessels, such as ferries, private yachts, fishing boats, or commercial ships. They are also trained to handle emergency situations and weather-related challenges to ensure smooth and safe operations.
More about Boat Captain jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Captain jobs in Delaware? The most popular types of Boat Captain jobs in Delaware are:
What are popular job titles related to Boat Captain jobs in Delaware? For Boat Captain jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Boat Captain jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Captain jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Boat Captain jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Boat Captain job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Boat Captain jobs in DE? For Boat Captain jobs in DE, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Captain job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,577 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Natural Resources Police Captain - Fish & Wildlife

State of Delaware

Dover, DE • On-site

$109K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states

Job description

Introduction
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has three Natural Resources Police units that work with the public to ensure safety, investigate environmental crimes, and make sure that Delawareans and visitors to the state can enjoy Delaware's natural resources.
Click here for more information about Natural Resources Police.
Summary Statement
This class is a supervisory level position overseeing all aspects of operations within the Offices of Boater Education and Boat Registration & Commercial licensing; serves as outreach and media coordinator for the unit; compose directives and procedures pertaining to law enforcement operations; oversees boating accident reporting; manages grants; coordinates training for law enforcement personnel.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Implements appropriate law enforcement action in response to complaints, traffic, criminal, regulatory and other activities.
  • Investigates suspicious and criminal activity which includes detecting, collecting and preserving physical evidence, interviewing victims, witnesses, suspects and defendants, processing charging documents, executing search and arrest warrants and processing defendants.
  • Performs vehicle and foot patrol of assigned areas.
  • Performs community policing through informational presentations and educational seminars for other state agencies, schools, the public and community organizations.
  • Provides protective services to state employees, visitors and the general public.
  • Conducts surveillances and performs undercover assignments.
  • Provides assistance to other law enforcement agencies as back-up or primary response.
  • Takes into custody and transports felons and prisoners.
  • Presents evidence and testimony and prosecutes cases in court.
  • Prepares and maintains a variety of reports pertaining to response of an incident, daily activity and investigations.
  • Calibrates, maintains and uses various technical instruments and equipment to determine safety compliance and operational readiness.

Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Natural Resources Police Captain
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. Possession of a State of Delaware Council on Police Training Certificate.
  2. Three years experience in planning, developing, coordinating and implementing in-depth, long-term law enforcement investigations.
  3. Three years experience in presenting training courses which includes using a variety of training methods such as lecture, structured exercises, role play or group discussion as well as the use of training materials such as overheads, PowerPoint, handouts or videos.
  4. Knowledge of developing policies or procedures.
  5. Knowledge of budget development which includes developing a budget, analyzing financial data and making long and short range plans and projections.
  6. Knowledge of operations management which includes planning, directing, coordinating, controlling and evaluating operations typically through subordinate supervisors.
  7. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving

Additional Posting Information
Applicants may only apply if they are current permanent employees of the recruiting Department in a position covered by the Merit System who have completed their initial probationary period.
Conditions of Hire
DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
Benefits
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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