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Boat Patrol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Visitcatalinaisland

$30.22 - $34.34/hr

The Harbor Patrol Captain I is an experienced boat operator holding a USCG merchant mariner credential with an OUPV endorsement. The Harbor Patrol Captain II is an experienced boat operator holding a ...

Town of Beaufort, NC

Reserve Police Officer

Beaufort, NC · On-site

$30/hr

Additional Job Duties May be assigned to boat patrol, bike patrol or other activities. Performs funeral and bank deposit escorts. Performs other related duties as required. Typical Qualifications ...

Town of Beaufort

Reserve Police Officer

Beaufort, NC

$30/hr

Additional Job Duties May be assigned to boat patrol, bike patrol or other activities. Performs funeral and bank deposit escorts. Performs other related duties as required. Typical Qualifications ...

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Boat Patrol information

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How much do boat patrol jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat patrol in the United States is $20.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boat Patrol Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Patrol Officer, you need strong knowledge of maritime laws, boating operations, and often a relevant law enforcement or maritime certification. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine radios, GPS devices, and emergency response equipment is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and effective interpersonal communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, enforcing regulations, and responding effectively to emergencies on the water.

What boat job pays the most?

The highest-paying boat jobs are often captain or master mariner positions, which require extensive experience and certifications such as a USCG license. These roles typically involve overseeing vessel operations and can earn six-figure salaries, especially on large commercial or luxury vessels. Specialized skills, such as navigation and safety management, are essential for these high-paying roles.

What are some common challenges faced by boat patrol officers during their daily operations?

Boat patrol officers often work in varying weather and water conditions, which can present safety and navigation challenges. They must be prepared to respond quickly to emergencies, enforce regulations, and interact with the public in sometimes stressful situations. Collaboration with other agencies, such as coast guard, local law enforcement, and environmental organizations, is frequent and essential to ensure effective operations. Adaptability, strong communication skills, and situational awareness are key to overcoming these challenges.

What jobs allow you to work with marine animals?

Boat patrol jobs typically do not involve working directly with marine animals. However, careers such as marine biologist, marine mammal trainer, or wildlife rescue worker involve direct interaction with marine animals and often require specialized education and certifications. These roles are usually based in research facilities, aquariums, or conservation organizations and may involve fieldwork at sea or in marine environments.

What is the difference between Boat Patrol vs Marine Security Officer?

AspectBoat PatrolMarine Security Officer
CertificationsBoating safety, CPR, first aidSecurity clearance, first aid, CPR
Work EnvironmentMarinas, waterways, docksPorts, ships, maritime facilities
Employer & IndustryMaritime agencies, coast guardSecurity firms, port authorities
Primary FocusPatrolling waterways, enforcing boating lawsProtecting maritime assets, access control

Boat Patrol and Marine Security Officer roles both operate in maritime environments but focus on different responsibilities. Boat Patrols primarily monitor waterways and enforce boating laws, while Marine Security Officers focus on security and access control at ports and ships. Both require safety and security certifications, but their work settings and duties differ accordingly.

What are boat patrol officers?

Boat patrol officers are law enforcement or security professionals responsible for patrolling waterways such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Their duties include enforcing boating laws, ensuring public safety, conducting inspections, and responding to emergencies or accidents on the water. They may also assist with search and rescue operations and educate the public about safe boating practices. Boat patrol officers often work for agencies like local police departments, state wildlife agencies, or the U.S. Coast Guard.

How much do Maine Marine Patrol officers make?

Marine Patrol officers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience and location. They often require boating safety certifications and may work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.
More about Boat Patrol jobs
What states have the most Boat Patrol jobs? States with the most job openings for Boat Patrol jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Boat Patrol jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Patrol jobs are:
Boat Patrol jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Patrol job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,548 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Waterborne Security Boat Instructor

Waterborne Security Boat Instructor

Prevailance

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description:

Status: This position is currently open, we are accepting applications.


Prevailance is seeking an experienced, mission-focused professional to join the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) as a Waterborne Security Boat Instructor at Learning Site Little Creek, located in Virginia Beach, VA. This is a high-risk instructor role, involving both classroom and operational training. Travel may be required.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Deliver high-risk, group-paced instruction on security boat tactics, techniques, and procedures in both classroom and underway training environments
  • Utilize Safety/Operational Risk Management, Classroom Teaching Fundamentals, Training Requirements and Training Plans, and Training Scenario Scripting
Requirements:

Qualifications:

  • Navy Instructor (9502) certification or equivalent
  • Certified coxswain
  • At least three (3) years of documented operational security boat driving experience in one or more of the following:
    • Navy Harbor Security Maritime Detachment
    • U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Forces (CRF) Detachment
    • U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant Crewman (SWCC)
    • USCG Shore-Based Boat Unit or Maritime Patrol Forces operating Fast Response Cutters (FRC), Patrol Boats (WPB), or Coastal Patrol Boats (CPB)
    • USCG Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) such as MSRT, MSST, or PSU

Skills and Expertise:

  • Tactical and Leadership Experience: Minimum of three (3) years in a maritime environment with a strong background in tactical operations, boat maintenance, and Navy Force Protection boats
  • Coxswain Skills: Experience with launch and recovery, open water and confined space maneuvering, high-speed tactical maneuvers, towing, and VBSS operations
  • Maritime Navigation Proficiency: Skilled in maritime navigation, including knowledge of aids to navigation, rules of the road, and plotting on nautical charts, with the ability to navigate at night
  • Small Boat Tactical Operations: Proficient in team organization, multi-craft formations, patrols, MIO support, live fire operations, and escort missions, with experience in risk assessments using the ORM process
  • Craft Systems and Sub-Systems: Expertise in electronic navigation systems, communication equipment, and operation and maintenance of water jet and propeller-driven craft

Additional Requirements:

  • Experience in logistical movement and transportation of small craft and associated gear for over-the-road and hoisting operations
  • Tactical operations planning experience using military decision-making processes, including mission coordination, concept of operations, and mission debriefing
  • Ability to qualify as a Second-Class Swimmer per NETC P1552/16 standards, with normal color vision (FALANT color vision test and no night blindness)

Security Clearance:

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

If you meet these qualifications and are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply today!

Prevailance, Inc. proudly supports veterans as a member of the V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) program and the Hire Vets initiative. Recognized as a Top Workplace in 2025, Prevailance fosters a supportive, mission-driven environment for its team members. We provide a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, designed to support health, wellness, and financial security. Our benefits include:

  • Medical Insurance
  • TriCare Supplemental
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Computing Device Reimbursement Program

Prevailance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or contract. Prevailance, Inc. participates in E-Verify and is VEVRAA Compliant.