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Boat Captain Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Captain

Portland, OR ยท On-site

Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Captains are master ...

Captain

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$875/wk

... boat/barge tie up. Expected Hours of Work * Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules (two weeks on and two weeks off) and hours. * Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night. Company Overview ...

Captain

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$780 - $875/hr

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ... boat/barge tie up. * Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules (two weeks on and two weeks off ...

Our new Job Captain will be primarily responsible for overseeing the development and execution of architectural construction documents. They work closely with outside consultants and provide guidance ...

Architectural Job Captain

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Our new Job Captain will be primarily responsible for overseeing the development and execution of architectural construction documents. They work closely with outside consultants and provide guidance ...

As a Team Captain - Apparel , you will coach teammates, drive sales, and ensure athletes feel confident in their selections. Be part of a team that delivers performance and style through great ...

As a Team Captain - Apparel , you will coach teammates, drive sales, and ensure athletes feel confident in their selections. Be part of a team that delivers performance and style through great ...

As a Team Captain - Apparel , you will coach teammates, drive sales, and ensure athletes feel confident in their selections. Be part of a team that delivers performance and style through great ...

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Boat Captain information

See Oregon salary details

$5

$27

$51

How much do boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat captain in Oregon is $27.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $32.26 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 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.

Are boat captains in high demand?

Boat captains are in steady demand, especially in regions with active maritime, tourism, and recreational boating industries. Employment opportunities often depend on experience, certifications such as a USCG license, and the ability to operate various vessel types. The job market can fluctuate with seasonal tourism and economic factors affecting water-based activities.

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.

Is being a boat captain a good career?

Boat captains oversee the operation and safety of vessels, often working in recreational, commercial, or maritime industries. The career can be rewarding for those with strong leadership, navigation skills, and proper certifications, but it may involve irregular hours and physical demands. Job prospects depend on industry demand and geographic location.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Captain jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Boat Captain jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Boat Captain jobs in Oregon? For Boat Captain jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Boat Captain jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Captain jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Boat Captain jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Boat Captain job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Boat Captain jobs in OR? For Boat Captain jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Boat Captain job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,597 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Captain

American Cruise Lines

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.

Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a

professional leader. American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.

Captains enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.

At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Oversee Shipboard Engineer.
  • Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction.

Work Schedule:

  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Captain: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:

  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.

*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

Company Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest river and small-ship cruise line in the United States, offering more than 50 itineraries across the country’s most scenic waterways and coastal destinations. From Alaska and New England to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, we provide personalized guest experiences aboard the finest ships in America, guided by our mission to share America’s story through exceptional travel.