1

Boat Captain Jobs in Boca Raton, FL (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Boat-captain credentials or significant boat-operating experience * Commercial Driver's License (CDL) * Crane-operating experience or relevant certification * Residence in or near Deerfield Beach ...

The Naturalist is also the acting First Mate on the vessel, responsible to help the Captain in any way. Pre- and post-trip boat cleaning is also an important part of the tour. Some hours will be ...

The Naturalist is also the acting First Mate on the vessel, responsible to help the Captain in any way. Pre- and post-trip boat cleaning is also an important part of the tour. Some hours will be ...

The Naturalist is also the acting First Mate on the vessel, responsible to help the Captain in any way. Pre- and post-trip boat cleaning is also an important part of the tour. Some hours will be ...

The Naturalist is also the acting First Mate on the vessel, responsible to help the Captain in any way. Pre- and post-trip boat cleaning is also an important part of the tour. Some hours will be ...

As a Captain with Alerion Aviation you are highly motivated, extremely organized, service-driven, and safety minded. You will be responsible for conducting flights in accordance with the company ...

We currently have an opportunity for a well-rounded Bell Captain to join our Pier Sixty-Six Resort team! Reporting to the Director of the Front Office, the Bell Captian will perform all duties ...

Showing results 41-60

Boat Captain information

See Boca Raton, FL salary details

$5

$24

$46

How much do boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat captain in Boca Raton, FL is $24.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $28.99 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?

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 are popular job titles related to Boat Captain jobs in Boca Raton, FL?

For Boat Captain jobs in Boca Raton, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Captain jobs in Boca Raton, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Captain jobs in Boca Raton, FL are:

What cities near Boca Raton, FL are hiring for Boat Captain jobs?

Cities near Boca Raton, FL with the most Boat Captain job openings:

Infographic showing various Boat Captain job openings in Boca Raton, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,799 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Marine Dredge & Barge Operator

Eastern Dredging

Deerfield Beach, FL • On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 9 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, dependable Marine Dredge and Barge Operator to join our team. This is a hands-on position operating a cutterhead-driven vacuum dredge throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties, with our primary operations based in Deerfield Beach.

The operator will pilot and position the barge while safely operating the crane, cutterhead, hydraulic pump, and related dredging equipment. The ideal candidate has at least two years of marine dredging experience, strong mechanical abilities, and the physical capacity to perform demanding work in an outdoor marine environment.

Responsibilities

  • Pilot, maneuver, position, and secure the dredging barge
  • Operate the cutterhead-driven vacuum dredge
  • Safely operate the barge-mounted crane, cutterhead, hydraulic pump, and associated controls
  • Handle, position, connect, and move dredging hoses and pipelines
  • Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs
  • Maintain the Caterpillar engine and hydraulic systems that power the pump, crane, and cutterhead
  • Monitor equipment performance and identify mechanical or hydraulic issues before they cause downtime
  • Assist with mobilization, demobilization, setup, and breakdown of dredging equipment
  • Follow all company, marine, environmental, and jobsite safety requirements
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe barge and work area
  • Communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors

Minimum Qualifications

  • At least two years of experience operating a marine dredge
  • Experience operating or working aboard barges and other marine equipment
  • Ability to safely operate heavy equipment, including cranes and hydraulic machinery
  • Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting ability
  • Physically capable of repeatedly lifting, carrying, and positioning hoses and equipment weighing approximately 45 pounds
  • Comfortable working outdoors in heat, rain, humidity, and marine conditions
  • Able to stand, bend, climb, balance, and perform physical work for extended periods
  • Dependable transportation and consistent attendance
  • Strong awareness of jobsite and marine safety
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a crew

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

  • Additional marine dredging experience
  • Diesel engine, heavy-equipment, or industrial mechanical experience
  • Experience maintaining Caterpillar engines
  • Experience troubleshooting and maintaining hydraulic systems
  • Boat-captain credentials or significant boat-operating experience
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Crane-operating experience or relevant certification
  • Residence in or near Deerfield Beach, Broward County, or Palm Beach County

What We’re Looking For

The right candidate is safety-conscious, mechanically inclined, physically capable, and comfortable taking responsibility for complex marine equipment. Because our dredging system depends on the reliable operation of its engine, hydraulics, pump, crane, and cutterhead, consistent maintenance and attention to detail are essential.

Local applicants are strongly preferred due to the location and nature of our operations.