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Boat Captain Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Petersburg, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Captain 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 ...

Amazon - South Block

Team Captain

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

As a Team Captain, you will contribute to the success of South Block by assisting the store management team with operations, focusing on maintaining the South Block Experience for our Blockstars and ...

Del Ray - South Block

Team Captain

Alexandria, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

As a Team Captain, you will contribute to the success of South Block by assisting the store management team with operations, focusing on maintaining the South Block Experience for our Blockstars and ...

Clarendon - South Block

Team Captain

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

As a Team Captain, you will contribute to the success of South Block by assisting the store management team with operations, focusing on maintaining the South Block Experience for our Blockstars and ...

Falls Church - South Block

Team Captain

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

As a Team Captain, you will contribute to the success of South Block by assisting the store management team with operations, focusing on maintaining the South Block Experience for our Blockstars and ...

Gainesville - South Block

Team Captain

Gainesville, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

As a Team Captain, you will contribute to the success of South Block by assisting the store management team with operations, focusing on maintaining the South Block Experience for our Blockstars and ...

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All JobsBoat Captain JobsBoat Captain Jobs in Virginia

Boat Captain information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat captain in Virginia is $25.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $30.29 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

Is being a boat captain a good career?

Being a boat captain can be a rewarding career for those interested in maritime operations, navigation, and leadership. It requires obtaining proper certifications such as a captain's license, gaining experience, and maintaining safety standards. Job opportunities vary by industry, including recreational, commercial, and transportation sectors, with potential for advancement and varied work environments.
More about Boat Captain jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Captain jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Boat Captain jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Captain jobs in Virginia?

For Boat Captain jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Captain jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Captain jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Boat Captain jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Boat Captain job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Captain jobs in VA?

For Boat Captain jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Captain job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,072 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Boat captain

JOLIE LUXURY PARTY N CRUISES LLC

Virginia Beach, VA

$25 - $50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Looking for a boat captain with an USCG  OUPV/ six pack or a master license for 25 tons or more. The duties of the captain include; driving the boat through the inland waters of Virginia beach, broad bay, Cheasapeake bay ect... You will be working at you own pace, and most employees set their own schedule 75% of the time.

Company Description

This is a family owned and operated business with myself as the activities director and my husband as the skipper/captain. I have been hosting and party planning for over 20 years and I'm excited to bring the party to cruising in the water. My husband is a 9 Year US Navy Veteran.
Jolie Luxury Party N Cruise is a unique experience in the waters of the bays of Virginia Beach. We have a 18 foot and a 26 foot Pontoon Party Boats that will take guests out on a tour of various channels and inlets where there will be much to see. We will stop the boat in a shallow area where they can enjoy water toys such as lounge tubes, water guns, and a water slide. While guests are enjoying the water we will be grilling up a fresh lunch and providing refreshments.