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Boat Captain Jobs in Cape Cod, MA (NOW HIRING)

Island Marine Center

Delivery Captain

Quincy, MA · On-site

A Successful Delivery Captain coordinates the activities of customers and team members engaged in ... Drives boat to and from various dealerships, and also delivers boat to customers as requested.

MarineMax

Delivery Captain

Quincy, MA · On-site

A Successful Delivery Captain coordinates the activities of customers and team members engaged in ... Drives boat to and from various dealerships, and also delivers boat to customers as requested.

Shepley Bulfinch

Job Captain - Healthcare

Boston, MA · On-site

Shepley Bulfinch is seeking a Healthcare Job Captain to work directly with institutional healthcare clients and internal teams on projects of all scales. We are looking for someone to work with ...

Shepley Bulfinch

Job Captain - Healthcare

Boston, MA · On-site

Shepley Bulfinch is seeking a Healthcare Job Captain to work directly with institutional healthcare clients and internal teams on projects of all scales. We are looking for someone to work with ...

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All JobsBoat Captain JobsBoat Captain Jobs in Cape Cod, MA

Boat Captain information

See Cape Cod, MA salary details

$5

$27

$52

How much do boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat captain in Cape Cod, MA is $27.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $32.74 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 job categories do people searching Boat Captain jobs in Cape Cod, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Captain jobs in Cape Cod, MA are:

What cities near Cape Cod, MA are hiring for Boat Captain jobs?

Cities near Cape Cod, MA with the most Boat Captain job openings:

Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Captain job openings in Cape Cod, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,383 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Boat Operator / Captain

Everett, MA • On-site

SPS New England, Inc.
See more jobs at SPS New England, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Application Instructions
SPS New England, Inc., one of the leading heavy highway contractors in New England, is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform duties on Bridge and Highway construction projects.
Since 1984, SPS has been helping to rebuild New England's infrastructure. Wherever you drive throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, there's a good chance you will travel down a road or over a bridge built by SPS New England.
Position Description
compensation: Prevailing wage & non-prevailing wage
employment type: full-time
Experienced Boat Operator/Captain : USCG licensed captain with towing endorsement is ideal. Job requires capable small boat operator working around marine construction projects, able to work with construction crews moving barges and equipment at sites in the Boston area.
ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) :
SPS is an employee-owned company. We are proud to offer eligible employees the opportunity to participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employee-owners benefit from the success of the company and play a critical role in fostering an ownership culture within the organization, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement, and commitment to long-term success.
We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including participation in the ESOP for eligible employees, a collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth within our expanding organization.
Position Requirements
Jobs require capable small boat operator working around marine construction projects, able to work with construction crews moving barges and equipment at sites in the Boston area.
Residency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is required.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of SPS New England, Inc. to assure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, national origin, age or disability. Such action shall include: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and/or on-the-job training. It is also the policy of SPS New England, Inc. to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, recruitment advertising, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay, fringe benefits or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, including apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, on the job training, classification, and referral, at all levels of employment. Consistent with these obligations, SPS New England, Inc. also provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Employees and applicants of SPS New England, Inc. will not be subject to harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status. Additionally, retaliation, including intimidation, threats, or coercion, because an employee or applicant has objected to discrimination, engaged or may engage in filing a complaint, assisted in a review, investigation, or hearing or have otherwise sought to obtain their legal rights under any Federal, State, or local EEO law is prohibited.
SPS New England, Inc. is seeking minority and female employees, and all employees are encouraged to recruit minority and females as well.

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