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Boating Safety Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer (Recruit)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$55K - $84K/yr

Teaches boating safety and conducts marine patrol. Additional Duties : * Escorts funeral ... Trains and supervises new officers in the field; may act as general instructor for the Police ...

Police Officer (Recruit)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$55K - $84K/yr

... officers; coordinates and participates in training sessions; administers physical agility tests ... Teaches boating safety and conducts marine patrol. Additional Duties: Escorts funeral processions ...

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Boating Safety Officer information

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$25K

$67.1K

$116K

How much do boating safety officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for boating safety officer in the United States is $67,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boating safety officer?

Boating Safety Officers are professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of people and vessels on waterways. They enforce boating laws, conduct safety inspections, educate the public about safe boating practices, and respond to emergencies or accidents on the water. Their duties may also include investigating incidents, checking for proper licensing and equipment, and promoting awareness of local boating regulations. Boating Safety Officers play a key role in preventing accidents and protecting both boaters and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boating safety officer?

To thrive as a Boating Safety Officer, you need in-depth knowledge of boating regulations, water rescue techniques, and a background in maritime safety, often supported by relevant certifications such as a boating safety license or Coast Guard credentials. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine radios, GPS devices, and safety inspection tools is typically required. Strong communication, situational awareness, and problem-solving skills help you effectively educate the public and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure safe waterways, prevent accidents, and enable effective enforcement of boating laws.

What are some common challenges boating safety officers face during daily patrols, and how can they prepare for them?

Boating Safety Officers frequently encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, non-compliance from boaters, and navigating busy waterways, especially during peak seasons. To prepare, officers must stay current with local boating regulations, maintain strong communication skills, and ensure their equipment is always in top condition. Regular training in conflict resolution and emergency response also helps them effectively handle unexpected situations and promote a safe environment for all waterway users.

How to become a boating safety officer?

To become a boating safety officer, candidates typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete specialized training in boating safety and enforcement, and obtain relevant certifications such as a boating safety instructor or law enforcement certification. Experience in maritime operations, strong communication skills, and knowledge of local boating laws are also important for this role.
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Infographic showing various Boating Safety Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,068 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Motorboat Operator -Training Course Instructor Pool (Short Term) - 2026/2027

Oregonstate

Newport, RI

$57K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Deliver established curriculum for the Motorboat Operator Training Course in classroom, dockside, and on-water environments.

  • Help create and revise teaching aids, checklists, and supplementary learning materials.

  • Assist in maintaining accurate instructional logs and compliance records for audit purposes.


Job description

Department:Marine OperationsSpecial Instructions to Applicants:

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.


Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.


For additional information please contact: Dan Battaglia at Daniel.Battaglia@oregonstate.edu

Job Summary:

Oregon State University's Marine Operations unit is seeking hourly, short-term Motorboat Operator Training Course Instructors. These are full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month positions. These positions are expected to last up to one year from appointment date. These positions are located in Newport, Oregon.

Under the supervision of the Boating Safety Officer (BSO), the Motorboat Operator Training Instructor contributes to the delivery and coordination of OSU's Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC)-a required safety certification for faculty, staff, students, and research collaborators who operate small boats in support of education and research. This intermittent position is part of a qualified instructional pool that helps ensure training compliance and student-to-instructor ratio requirements are met during MOTC sessions.

The Motorboat Operator Training Instructor plays a critical role in implementing hands-on, competency-based learning in classroom, field, and on-water settings. Working independently and in collaboration with the Small Boat Program (SBP) team, this position helps ensure the successful delivery, review, and improvement of watercraft safety instruction across diverse instructional sites and audiences.

As one of only three Land, Sea, Space and Sun Grant universities in the nation, OSU serves Oregon and the world through our campuses in Corvallis and Bend, our marine research center in Newport, field station in Port Orford, and our award-winning E-campus. With over $400 million in competitive

research awards per year, OSU continues to lead the way with practical, impact-driven research that improves lives, protects natural resources, and generates economic growth to transform our future.

This posting will be used to fill multiple openings.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Deliver established curriculum for the Motorboat Operator Training Course in classroom, dockside, and on-water environments.
  • Tailor instructional approaches to meet the needs of adult learners and OSU-affiliated research personnel.
  • Help create and revise teaching aids, checklists, and supplementary learning materials.
  • Collaborate with the Boating Safety Officer and other instructors to ensure consistency and alignment with university safety policies.
  • Assist in maintaining accurate instructional logs and compliance records for audit purposes.
Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Completion of the Motorboat Operator Instructor Training Course (MOITC) or equivalent.
  • Documented experience participating in the instruction of at least one MOTC or equivalent course within the past 3 years, and one within the past 5 years.
  • Demonstrated skill in teaching, training, or instructional delivery for adult learners.
  • Demonstrated experience operating small boats in a range of environments.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of learners and colleagues.
  • Familiarity with the maintenance and safe operation of small boats and equipment (e.g., outboard motors, trailers).
  • Competence in using computers for communication, recordkeeping, and data entry.
  • Ability to foster an inclusive learning environment and embrace a diverse set of ideas, perspectives and backgrounds.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Certification as a "Lead Instructor" or "Course Administrator" from the Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) or the U.S. Department of the Interior Watercraft Safety Program.
  • Authorization to teach advanced MOTC modules (e.g., Open Water, River, or Non-Motorized Modules).
  • Experience coordinating instructional activities with multiple partners or stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusive education and safety practices.
  • Experience assisting with program evaluation, training material development, or peer instructional review.
Working Conditions/Schedule:This is an on call, as needed position. Working dates and hours will be arranged in advance.
Regular outdoor work in a variety of field settings including rivers, bays, and offshore marine environments.
Exposure to inclement weather and cold-water conditions.
Frequent lifting, loading, and transport of equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
Physical ability to assist in rescue simulations and extraction scenarios.
Occasional weekend work and overnight travel may be required.
Must be eligible to drive OSU Motor Pool vehicles, including full-size pickups with trailers.Salary Range:Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience.Anticipated Start Date:2026-08-21Anticipated End Date:2027-08-20

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.