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Boat Crew Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This role serves as a key member of the ferry boat crew, assisting with the safe loading and unloading of vehicles and passengers, maintaining vessel safety and security, and ensuring compliance with ...

This role serves as a key member of the ferry boat crew, assisting with the safe loading and unloading of vehicles and passengers, maintaining vessel safety and security, and ensuring compliance with ...

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

$18/hr

U.S. Facilities, Inc., a consolidated facility management service company, is seeking a proven industry professional experienced Ferry Crewmember shall serve as a member of a ferry boat crew ...

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$650 - $750/day

Oversee all crew member responsibilities and training. Manage and schedule deckhand daily and ... Inspect Boat and Other Equipment. Perform daily inspections and maintenance of the vessel ...

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$650 - $750/day

Oversee all crew member responsibilities and training. Manage and schedule deckhand daily and ... Inspect Boat and Other Equipment. Perform daily inspections and maintenance of the vessel ...

Maintenance Worker I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$41K - $69K/yr

... boat ramps and delivering and collecting equipment. Provides administrative support by assisting with the set up of emergency equipment, performing as crew leader, filling out time sheets, ensuring ...

Directs and trains crew in performing work as shown on contract drawings and specifications within ... Assigns workers to such tasks as operating machinery and equipment, deckhand activities, boat ...

Directs and trains crew in performing work as shown on contract drawings and specifications within ... Assigns workers to such tasks as operating machinery and equipment, deckhand activities, boat ...

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Boat Crew information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$21

$32

How much do boat crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat crew in Virginia is $21.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $24.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat crew?

Boat crew are individuals who work together to operate, maintain, and ensure the safety of a boat or ship. Their roles can include navigation, engine maintenance, safety checks, and assisting passengers or cargo operations. Depending on the vessel, boat crew may consist of positions such as deckhands, engineers, stewards, and officers. They often work in challenging environments and must be trained in emergency procedures and maritime safety regulations.

What do boat crew do?

Boat crew job titles include captain, mate, deckhand, steward, and stewardess. Boat crew positions often focus on providing recreation and entertainment and should not be confused with fishing jobs, although some boat crew positions focus on other commercial or industrial applications. Someone in a boat crew role may provide water safety training to guests, oversee or steer the vessel, or act as a steward or stewardess to provide food, entertainment, or customer service as necessary. Boat crew jobs are available on small vessels, such as personal yachts, or large cruise ships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boat crew, and why are they important?

To thrive as Boat Crew, you need a solid understanding of seamanship, navigation, and safety procedures, often backed by maritime certifications such as STCW or equivalent. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and emergency equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and quick decision-making are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe vessel operation, effective response to emergencies, and successful collaboration during demanding maritime conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by boat crew members during a typical voyage?

Boat crew members often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, long hours, and the need to quickly adapt to changing situations on board. Working in close quarters with others requires strong communication and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure. Additionally, crew members must frequently multitask between safety checks, maintenance, and assisting passengers or cargo, making time management and attention to detail essential for success.

What is the difference between Boat Crew vs Deckhand?

AspectBoat CrewDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, First AidSTCW Basic Safety, First Aid
Work EnvironmentMarinas, yachts, commercial vesselsYachts, ships, recreational boats
Employer & IndustryPrivate yacht owners, commercial operatorsLuxury yachts, commercial shipping
Common Search IntentBoat crew duties, job openingsDeckhand roles, yacht jobs

Boat Crew and Deckhand roles often overlap, with both requiring safety certifications and working in maritime environments. While 'Boat Crew' is a broader term encompassing various onboard positions, 'Deckhand' specifically refers to entry-level or supporting crew members responsible for maintenance, cleaning, and assisting with navigation. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry, with similar credentials and work settings, but 'Boat Crew' may include a wider range of responsibilities depending on the vessel.

How much do boat crew members make?

Boat crew members typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of vessel. Salaries can also include tips and benefits, especially for full-time positions or specialized roles such as captains or engineers.

What are the positions on a boat crew?

A boat crew typically includes positions such as captain or skipper, who is responsible for navigation and overall command; deckhands or crew members, who handle maintenance, docking, and safety tasks; and sometimes engineers or technicians, who manage mechanical systems. Additional roles may include lookout, cook, or specialized personnel depending on the vessel's size and purpose. Certifications like STCW or CPR are often required for certain positions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Boat Crew jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Boat Crew job openings:

Infographic showing various Boat Crew job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,881 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

$15.85 - $25.76/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Virginia Department Of Transportation rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

595th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description


Perform special duties as assigned. Serve as a member of a ferry boat crew adhering to all U.S. Coast Guard and VDOT regulations while representing VDOT in positive manner.
How you will contribute:
  • Loading and Unloading of Ferry : Direct vehicles and passengers to proper locations with clearly understood signals. Ensure proper spacing between vehicles. Allow safe egress of passengers. Property chock first and last vehicle in each lane. Provide information and assistance to passengers.
  • Perform duties as assigned. :
  • Vessel Operations : Properly handle lines as required. Correctly stand lookout watch when required. Properly patrol decks and ensure compliance with safety and health regulations. Ensure cleanliness of assigned areas and empty trash. Serve as Emergency Helmsman. Other duties as assigned to maintain the safety, cleanliness, and orderliness of the vessel.
  • Vessel Security and Emergency Response : During routine patrols of the vessel, be alert to security violations and suspicious behavior. Respond appropriately to emergency situations. Perform security sweep of vessel between unloading and loading to ensure passenger access areas are clear of passengers and vehicles at the end of each passage.

  • What will make you successful:
  • Ability to communicate with co-workers and the public.
  • Ability to participate in and perform emergency response activities.
  • Ability to perform manual labor.
  • Knowledge of seamanship, line handling and marine terminology.

  • Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Emergency Helmsman certification.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential - endorsed as AB or QMED within two (2) years of date of hire.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Transportation Worker Identification credential.
  • Experience communicating with co-workers and the public.
  • Experience participating in and performing emergency response activities.
  • Experience performing manual labor with a variety of hand tools.
  • Experience reflecting the knowledge of seamanship, line handling and marine terminology.
  • Valid driver's license.

  • Additional Considerations:
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Watercraft Operations, or related field desired.
  • Emergency Helmsman Certification
  • Merchant Mariner Credentials any endorsement.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential

  • Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
    Competency Model
    Physical Requirements
    Physical Requirements
    VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
    VDOT Code of Ethics
    Standards of Conduct
    Qualifications
    Physical Requirements
    Physical Requirements

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