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Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FirstService Residential

Boat Captain

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$25/hr

As a Boat Captain, you'll be responsible for providing safe and friendly pontoon boat recreational services to the residents of the community and their guests. Your Responsibilities: * Responsible ...

St. Mary's County, MD

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 ...

Lodge at Schroon Lake

Boat Captain

Schroon Lake, NY · On-site

$25/hr

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.

Lodge at Schroon Lake

Boat Captain

Schroon Lake, NY · On-site

$25/hr

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.

Lodge at Schroon Lake

Boat Captain

Schroon Lake, NY

$25/hr

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.

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL

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 ...

Lodge at Schroon Lake

Boat Captain

Schroon Lake, NY

$25/hr

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.

Broussard Brothers Inc

Tug Boat Captain

Abbeville, LA · On-site

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.

Landry's, LLC.

Boat Captain

Kemah, TX · On-site

Beast Captain This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through ...

Kemah Boardwalk

Boat Captain

Kemah, TX

Beast Captain This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through ...

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Boat Captain information

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$5

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$48

How much do boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Some high-paying jobs for boat captains, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or operating in luxury or commercial sectors, can reach or exceed $2,000 per day. These include captains of large yachts, commercial fishing vessels, or offshore drilling ships, often requiring certifications like a USCG license and significant expertise. Earnings vary based on location, vessel size, and job complexity.

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.

How hard is it to become a boat captain?

Becoming a boat captain requires obtaining relevant licenses or certifications, such as a Coast Guard license, which involves passing written exams, practical tests, and demonstrating sailing experience. Candidates typically need several years of boating experience, safety training, and sometimes maritime education before qualifying for a captain's license.

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.

How to get a job as a boat captain?

To become a boat captain, you typically need to obtain relevant certifications such as a USCG captain's license, gain extensive boating experience, and demonstrate strong navigation and safety skills. Many employers also require a maritime or related training background and a clean safety record.

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.

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.
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Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Brinton Center Boat Captain - Summer 2026

BSA Sea Base

Summerland Key, FL • On-site

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Details

The Brinton Environmental Center is looking for USCG Boat Captains to fill various positions across multiple locations. These positions include sail boat captain, dive boat captain, fishing trip captain, snorkeling trip captain, and more.

Minimum Qualification: USCG Captain License.

This position is available at the Sea Base at the Brinton Environmental Center in Summerland Key, FL.

This application is for the Summer 2026 season. Please submit applications for other seasons through a separate listing on our job board.


About the Sea Base

The Sea Base is one of four National High Adventure Bases operated by Scouting America (formerly Boy Scout of America). We offer programs that include fishing, sailing, scuba diving, coral restoration, snorkeling, kayaking, camping, and much more across six operating locations. Many job opportunities are available at multiple locations; not all locations have job opportunities.

Sea Base Locations

  • Sea Base, Islamorada - Located in Islamorada, FL at mile marker 73.8 along US-1, Overseas Highway. Home to our sailing and scuba diving adventures.
  • Camp Jackson Sawyer - Located just south of Bahia Honda State Park, mile marker 33.9. Home to our Family Adventure Camp and Pre/Post adventure camp.
  • Brinton Environmental Center - Located in Summerland Key at mile marker 23.8. Home to our coral nursery and coral restoration efforts, Out Island adventure (Big Munson Island), and many other adventures.
  • Sea Base, St. Thomas - Located in the Unites States Virgin Islands. Home of two different sailing opportunities.
  • Sea Base Bahamas - Located about 100 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Home to three different sailing opportunities.

About Sea Base Staff

Our staff get to work in many different capacities to support and run our many programs that run throughout the year. While the summer season (approximately mid-May through August) is our largest opportunity for staff, we have employment opportunities throughout the year.

Employees have the opportunity to take advantage of regular meals prepared by our food-services team and on-site housing provided during each employment term. Accommodations also include fitness rooms, recreational areas, and laundry machines.

While on staff, you will have the opportunity for staff to gain knowledge and certifications in scuba diving, lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, CPR, and SERV Safe.