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Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boat Captain

Leonardtown, MD · On-site

$33.01/hr

Continuous Job Summary Captain of St. Mary's County passenger vessel; performs other duties as ... Oversees boat upkeep and maintenance; including supervising scheduled maintenance of engine ...

The Boat Captain will be responsible for safely operating our fleet of boats on the lake, providing exceptional guest experiences, and ensuring compliance with all safety and relevant regulations.

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and navigation of company vessels while ensuring compliance with all Coast Guard regulations and company safety standards. Company ...

The Boat Captain will be responsible for safely operating our fleet of boats on the lake, providing exceptional guest experiences, and ensuring compliance with all safety and relevant regulations.

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and navigation of company vessels while ensuring compliance with all Coast Guard regulations and company safety standards. Company ...

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and navigation of company vessels while ensuring compliance with all Coast Guard regulations and company safety standards. Company ...

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and navigation of company vessels while ensuring compliance with all Coast Guard regulations and company safety standards. Company ...

The Boat Captain will be responsible for safely operating our fleet of boats on the lake, providing exceptional guest experiences, and ensuring compliance with all safety and relevant regulations.

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and navigation of company vessels while ensuring compliance with all Coast Guard regulations and company safety standards. Company ...

The Boat Captain will be responsible for safely operating our fleet of boats on the lake, providing exceptional guest experiences, and ensuring compliance with all safety and relevant regulations.

The Crew Boat Captain will be under the direct supervision of the Project Superintendent. • Responsible for the safe keeping of the vessel assigned. • Responsible to record and report any ...

Tug Boat Captain Broussard Brothers, Inc. offers competitive pay, health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(K) match, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and other incentives.

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and navigation of company vessels while ensuring compliance with all Coast Guard regulations and company safety standards. Company ...

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and navigation of company vessels while ensuring compliance with all Coast Guard regulations and company safety standards. Company ...

Boat captains are responsible for checking the vessel before it leaves port to ensure it is seaworthy and meets all safety regulations. They also ensure that lifeboats are in working order and that ...

Boat captains are responsible for checking the vessel before it leaves port to ensure it is seaworthy and meets all safety regulations. They also ensure that lifeboats are in working order and that ...

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Boat Captain information

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How much do boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 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.
What cities are hiring for Boat Captain jobs? Cities with the most Boat Captain job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Captain jobs? The most popular types of Boat Captain jobs are:
What states have the most Boat Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Boat Captain jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Boat Captain jobs? For Boat Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

$33.01/hr

Temporary

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Salary: $33.01 Hourly
Location : Clements, MD
Job Type: Seasonal Hourly
Job Number: 202200008
Department: Recreation and Parks
Opening Date: 04/29/2020
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
Captain of St. Mary's County passenger vessel; performs other duties as assigned.
Essential Functions
  1. Operates vessel in accordance with all rules and safety requirements of the United States Coast Guard as they pertain to the safe operation of a passenger vessel;
  2. Supervises other personnel when assigned;
  3. Oversees boat upkeep and maintenance; including supervising scheduled maintenance of engine, emergency equipment and first aid kit, appearance, and a structural inspection of the vessel before each trip;
  4. Participates in all United States Coast Guard inspections and emergency drills on an annual basis;
  5. Responsible for the location and safe keeping of all documents pertaining to the operation of the tour vessel.;
  6. Reports to the St. Clement's Island Museum Site Supervisor problems, concerns, maintenance requests, and incidence Reports pertaining to the operation of the tour vessel;
  7. Ensures licenses, and inspection certificates are current and in force;
  8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education and Experience:
  1. High school diploma or G.E.D;
  2. Three years or more of related experience;
  3. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.

Additional Requirements:
  1. Must meet United States Coast Guard requirements pertaining to small passenger craft;
  2. CPR Certification;
  3. Must submit to random drug testing requirements;
  4. Must have Coast Guard Master's license;
  5. FCC valid Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP)

Education and Experience
1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of St. Mary's County Government policies and procedures;
2. Ability to effectively communicate with other staff and especially members of the public;
3. Knowledge of the geographical area that the vessel will serve;
4. Ability to apply departmental policies and procedures to work tasks;
5. Ability to work independently on tasks and maintain accurate records;
6. Knowledge of local history and natural history of the lower Potomac River;
7. Ability to plan, organize, and execute complicated and continuing assignments accurately, with minimum instruction or review.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
Do you have a current CPR certification
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a current Coast Guard Master's license?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a current FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP) ?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question