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Boat Master Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Boat Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

POSITION REQUIREMENTS At least three (3) years of experience as a Boat Captain is required, along with a Master Boat Captain license and a Master of Towing endorsement for tugboat operations. The ...

Schneider

Boat Captain

Houston, TX

POSITION REQUIREMENTS At least three (3) years of experience as a Boat Captain is required, along with a Master Boat Captain license and a Master of Towing endorsement for tugboat operations. The ...

TAS Concrete

Boat Captain

Houston, TX

POSITION REQUIREMENTS At least three (3) years of experience as a Boat Captain is required, along with a Master Boat Captain license and a Master of Towing endorsement for tugboat operations. The ...

Orion Marine Group

Boat Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

POSITION REQUIREMENTS At least three (3) years of experience as a Boat Captain is required, along with a Master Boat Captain license and a Master of Towing endorsement for tugboat operations. The ...

New Zealand Government

NY · On-site

$93K - $118K/yr

Boat Master qualification advantageous * ability to work alongside whānau, hapū, iwi collaboratively and effectively, as well as the community, businesses, and others. What's in it for you? Imagine ...

New

City of New York

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

CAPTAIN (SLUDGE BOAT) - 91516 Qualifications Qualification Requirements A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard with endorsement as a Master of Self ...

City of New York

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

CAPTAIN (SLUDGE BOAT) - 91516 Qualifications Qualification Requirements A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard with endorsement as a Master of Self ...

City of New York

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

CAPTAIN (SLUDGE BOAT) - 91516 Qualifications Qualification Requirements A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard with endorsement as a Master of Self ...

SailFuture

Boat Captain

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$7.5K/mo

Build a strong sense of teamwork amongst youth and staff on the boat * Hold all youth and rotating ... USCG 100-Ton Master, RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, or IYT Yachtmaster offshore * 5+ years as Captain ...

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Boat Master information

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How much do boat master jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat master in the United States is $58.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.52 and $66.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat master?

A Boat Master is responsible for the safe operation, navigation, and management of a vessel, ensuring compliance with maritime laws and safety regulations. They oversee the crew, maintain vessel equipment, and navigate waterways to transport passengers or cargo. Their duties may also include emergency response, route planning, and routine inspections to ensure the vessel is seaworthy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boat master?

To thrive as a Boat Master, you need thorough knowledge of navigation, vessel operations, maritime safety regulations, and typically must hold appropriate captain's licenses or certifications such as those from the U.S. Coast Guard. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, radar, and emergency equipment is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient voyages. Strong leadership, decision-making, and clear communication skills help manage crew, passengers, and unexpected situations effectively. These capabilities are critical for ensuring safety, compliance, and smooth operation in varying and sometimes challenging marine environments.

What are the typical work schedules and environments for a boat master?

Boat Masters often work variable schedules that may include weekends, holidays, or extended hours, depending on the type of vessel and routes operated. The work environment is primarily on the water, ranging from rivers and lakes to coastal and offshore regions, and can involve exposure to changing weather conditions. Boat Masters typically lead a small crew, coordinate with port authorities, and interact with passengers or cargo handlers. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as the job can require responding quickly to navigational or operational challenges. This dynamic role offers opportunities to develop advanced maritime skills and progress to senior vessel management or fleet operations positions.

What does a boat master do?

A boat master is responsible for the safe operation and navigation of a vessel, overseeing crew, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, and managing cargo or passengers. They typically hold relevant certifications and have strong knowledge of navigation, safety procedures, and vessel handling. The role often involves long hours at sea and requires good leadership and communication skills.
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Boat Master jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Master job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,688 per year, or $58 per hour.

Harbor Boat Pilot, Vicksburg, MS

Vicksburg, MS • On-site

Ergon, Inc
Oil and Gas Extraction • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Ergon, Incexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Ergon Inc. rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Harbor Boat Pilot
Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a full time Harbor Boat Pilot at its Vicksburg location.
If you are a hard-working person who likes to help others and be proud of the physical work that you accomplish, then this might be a job that you would enjoy. EMIS services vessels and tows and this job allows you to be a part of that support of the river crews.
Ergon is a family-owned oil and gas company based in the Jackson, MS area with facilities across the US. EMIS is a subsidiary with facilities that support marine traffic up and down the Mississippi River. Our facilities are located in Vicksburg, MS, Memphis, TN, and Wood River, IL.
Ergon offers a competitive benefits package: 401(k) Matching, Health, Life, Dental, Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Tuition Assistance, and Profit Sharing
The Harbor Boat Pilot ensures the safe and efficient operation and performance of his crew, vessel and tow in a manner that complies with company policy, U. S. Coast Guard rules and regulations and federal, state, and local laws. Assist Fuel Boat Pilot in overseeing EMIS operations when upper management is not available.
Harbor Boat Pilot Responsibilities include the following:
  • Ensure that company policy, rules and regulations are followed.
  • Report violations of EMIS company policy or violations of federal, state or local laws.
  • Ensure deck crew are performing their duties.
  • Inspect all areas of vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance and a clean vessel is ready for voyage.
  • Provide customer service according to the EMIS Mission Statement.
  • Captain has the right to reject of any tow configuration or barge.
  • Ensure all crewmembers on EMIS vessels and docks are using Proper PPE.
  • Assist other operations as required by management.
  • Maintain EMIS fleets and equipment while documenting fleet check once every six hours or according to MARSEC levels.
  • Inspect all barges according to the Dry Cargo/Chemical Barge Inspection Report, notify a supervisor immediately of any damage and take appropriate measures to ensure safety.
  • Responsible for reviewing the tow orders and determining whether the boat is of sufficient horsepower.
  • Report incidents immediately to appropriate supervisor and enter in vessel logs.
  • Order supplies as needed.
  • Ensure fire extinguishers are recharged or refilled as required for each type of extinguisher.
  • Ensure fire hose with nozzle is at each fire station.
  • Ensure dewatering pumps are on board the vessel and ready for use.
  • Ensure adequate number of approved life preservers are on board.
  • Ensure adequate quantity of first aid supplies onboard the vessel.
  • Ensure crewmembers are properly trained in emergency procedures including fire drills.
  • Chip, Buff, Prime and paint vessel and equipment as needed.
  • Complete Towing Vessel Record in TowWorks each shift which includes the following:
    • Engine Room Log
    • Fuel Operations Log
    • Pre-Sail Check List

    When a Harbor Boat Pilot is assigned the task of training an upcoming pilot the current pilot is considered the "Master of the Vessel" and is responsible for and will be held accountable for the actions of the trainee in the performance of their duties.
    Captain is required to have a safety briefing with crew prior to engaging in any barge tow work, barge movement activity or fuel transfers. This briefing must be documented in the towing vessel record.

Harbor Boat Pilot Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must have a U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels/Limited Master of Towing
  • Must have sufficient time with EMIS to prove competence and leadership skills as determined by the Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company
  • Must be able to swim
  • Valid TWIC Card (Transportation Workers Identification Credential)
  • Must have a valid driver's license

We are an EEO/AAP employer.
Position: Harbor Boat Pilot
Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and MVR.

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