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Boat Crew Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Walashek

LCAC Welding Superintendent

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$37 - $43/hr

Supervise welding crew on all structural/piping work on craftsGTAW/GMAW/SMAWRead a tape measureLay ... boat structural members.Some travel may be required We provide paid holidays, vacation, paid ...

OSI Recruit

Gulfstream G500 - Captain

Richmond, VA

... crew for aircraft maintenance and repairs as needed Skills: \- Excellent piloting skills with a strong understanding of aviation principles \- Proficiency in Spanish or other languages is a plus ...

Walashek

LCAC Welding Superintendent

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Supervise welding crew on all structural/piping work on crafts * GTAW/GMAW/SMAW * Read a tape ... barge and boat structural members. * Some travel may be required * We provide paid holidays ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel. * Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards. * Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.

Walashek

LCAC Welding Superintendent

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$37 - $43/hr

Supervise welding crew on all structural/piping work on crafts * GTAW/GMAW/SMAW * Read a tape ... boat structural members. * Some travel may be required We provide paid holidays, vacation, paid ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel. * Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards. * Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel. * Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards. * Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel. * Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards. * Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA

Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel. * Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards. * Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel. * Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards. * Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Elliston, VA

... a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and ...

US Navy

Boatswains Mate

Wytheville, VA

... ship's crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Bristow, VA

... a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Haysi, VA

... a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and ...

US Navy

Boatswains Mate

Bedford, VA

... ship's crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and ...

US Navy

Boatswains Mate

Vinton, VA

... ship's crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Martinsville, VA

... a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ... boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBoat Crew JobsBoat Crew Jobs in Virginia

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.
More about Boat Crew jobs

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:

Boat Crew jobs near you
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.

James River Association - Part-Time Captain

James River Association

Richmond, VA • On-site

$40/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

James River Association - Part-Time Captain
Location: Hopewell, Virginia and Hampton, Virginia
Experience: 5+ years minimum
Number of Openings: Multiple
Job Status: Part-time, Non-exempt
Salary Range: $40/hour, up to 30 hours per week
Reports to: Director of Operations
The James River Association (JRA) is a nonprofit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. JRA is excited to announce openings for Part-Time Captains to operate our U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) inspected passenger vessels in Richmond and Hampton, Virginia.
In this role, you'll safely operate JRA vessels in support of environmental education programs, community-based ecotours, and other river experiences that connect people directly to the James. Programs may include working alongside JRA staff as school groups participate in activities such as trawl netting and water-quality testing, as well as supporting JRA Staff during educational and recreational programming on the river.
We're looking for experienced, safety-focused captains who are comfortable navigating changing conditions and who understand the responsibility that comes with operating inspected passenger vessels. The ideal candidate will bring strong maritime experience, sound judgment, reliability, and a commitment to creating safe and positive experiences for JRA staff, students, and community members.
Responsibilities:
  • Operate assigned JRA vessels with the safety of passengers and crew as the highest priority.
  • Operate vessels in support of school-based environmental education programs, community ecotours, and other JRA programming.
  • Support vessel operations associated with educational activities such as trawl netting, water-quality testing, and other hands-on river experiences.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Coast Guard, federal, state, and local requirements related to safe vessel operation.
  • Closely monitor conditions and take appropriate action when conditions may affect passenger, crew, or vessel safety.
  • Conduct daily and pre-trip inspections to ensure vessels are in proper operating condition.
  • Maintain accurate vessel inspection and maintenance logs.
  • Promptly report accidents, injuries, safety concerns, equipment issues, and operational non-conformities involving JRA personnel, passengers, or vessels to the Director of Operations.
  • Communicate effectively with JRA staff and program teams before and during vessel operations.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
  • Strong knowledge of safe vessel operation and maritime safety practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to safely operate vessels in varying conditions.
  • Strong situational awareness, judgment, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to changing conditions or emergency situations.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills when working with staff, students, educators, and members of the public.
  • Dependable, safety-conscious, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to maintain accurate vessel and operational records.
Requirements:
  • Minimum of five years of vessel operating experience; five to ten years of relevant experience preferred.
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard license that satisfies the Certificate of Inspection requirements for the applicable vessel:
    • Richmond: Minimum 25-ton license.
    • Hampton: Minimum 50-ton license.
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Valid FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit.
  • Valid driver's license with a favorable driving record.
  • U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship or restrictions.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule based on JRA programming and vessel needs.
  • Ability to work outdoors and aboard vessels in varying weather and environmental conditions.
  • Ability to safely board, move throughout, and work aboard vessels and docks, including on wet, uneven, or moving surfaces.
  • Ability to meet all physical and medical requirements associated with maintaining required U.S. Coast Guard credentials.
  • This position is designated Safety Sensitive under JRA personnel policies. Adherence to JRA's Drug and Alcohol Workplace Policy and successful completion of required pre-employment screening and background checks are required.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Experience supporting educational, environmental, recreational, or community-based programming.
  • Enjoyment of working with K-12 students and supporting positive, engaging learning experiences on the water.
  • Comfort working with and welcoming diverse members of the community, including people with varying backgrounds, ages, experiences, and levels of familiarity with the river.
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to help create a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for passengers.
  • Interest in JRA's mission and enthusiasm for helping connect people to the James River.
Compensation:
The hourly rate for this part-time, non-exempt position is $40/hour, with schedules of up to 30 hours per week based on organizational and program needs.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted through JRA's online application link HERE - and include both a resume and applicable licensing documentation. This position will remain open until filled.
*If you are unable to access or submit materials through the online application link, a physical copy of your resume and cover letter may be mailed to JRA or submitted by email to [email protected].
By Email:
[email protected]
By Mail:
James River Association
Attn: Mike Lyden
16 S. 17th Street, Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23219
Why Work for the James River Association?
We are OPTIMISTS.
We believe through individual and collective action, the James River can be
preserved and improved, enriching all communities in the watershed.
We are CATALYSTS.
We are proactive change-makers, not bystanders. We take initiative, bring creativity
and passion, and enlist the broader community to drive positive change for the
James River.
CREDIBILITY is our currency.
Our success depends on the trust we build. We operate with integrity and can be
relied on as a true, steady, dependable resource grounded in science.
COMMUNITY drives everything we do.
We believe in the power of community to achieve common goals, honoring a full
range of voices in the process. Our efforts consider the varied needs and interests of
our watershed communities.
We are proud to be an EEO employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace. At JRA, we believe in community, conservation, and driving change. We encourage applications from all backgrounds-if you're excited about working with us, we want to hear from you!

Apply