1

Bosun Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bosun

Juneau, AK · On-site

The Bosun reports to the 1st Mate and will assist company officers in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures. In addition to reporting to the 1st Mate, the Bosun also falls ...

the Deck Crew assists the Bosun and Second Bosun with the safe maintenance of the ship's exterior, and safe operation of the ship's mooring stations and tender operations. * Basic understanding of ...

About Bosun Bosun is a boutique recruiting and staffing firm focused on connecting construction and skilled trades companies with top talent. We specialize in direct hire placements for clients in ...

About Bosun Bosun is a boutique recruiting and staffing firm focused on connecting construction and skilled trades companies with top talent. We specialize in direct hire placements for clients in ...

About Bosun Bosun is a boutique recruiting and staffing firm focused on connecting construction and skilled trades companies with top talent. We specialize in direct hire placements for clients in ...

Be Seen First

Access to work areas may require the use of boom lifts, scissor lifts, swing stage, scaffolds, ladders, or bosun chair, to reach great heights inside and outside of buildings under construction.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Bosun information

See salary details

$5

$20

$22

How much do bosun jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for bosun in the United States is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges a bosun faces when managing a deck crew on a large vessel?

A Bosun often encounters challenges such as coordinating a diverse team with varying experience levels, ensuring safety compliance during physically demanding tasks, and adapting to shifting priorities due to weather or operational needs. Effective communication and leadership are crucial, as the Bosun must delegate tasks, train crew members, and maintain high morale in a dynamic, sometimes high-pressure maritime environment. Time management and problem-solving skills help the Bosun address issues like equipment malfunctions or urgent repairs while keeping the crew motivated and operations running smoothly.

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

To thrive as a Bosun, you need extensive seamanship experience, a solid understanding of deck operations, and usually certification such as STCW or an Officer of the Watch qualification. Familiarity with maritime safety systems, deck machinery, and maintenance tools is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills set exceptional Bosuns apart by fostering efficient teamwork and safe vessel operations. These qualities ensure the deck crew works effectively, equipment is properly maintained, and safety regulations are consistently upheld at sea.

What is the difference between Bosun vs Deckhand?

AspectBosunDeckhand
CertificationsOSHA safety training, maritime certificationsBasic safety training, STCW certifications often required
Work EnvironmentSupervises deck crew, manages maintenance on ships or offshore platformsPerforms manual labor, assists with deck operations
ResponsibilitiesOversees deck crew, maintenance, safety protocolsCleaning, painting, assisting with cargo and deck tasks

In summary, a Bosun typically has more supervisory responsibilities and requires specific maritime certifications, whereas a Deckhand focuses on manual tasks and assisting the deck crew. Both roles are essential in maritime operations but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What is a bosun?

A bosun, also known as a boatswain, is a senior crew member on a ship responsible for supervising the deck crew and maintaining the vessel’s equipment, such as ropes, anchors, and lifeboats. They oversee daily operations on the deck, manage maintenance tasks, and ensure safety protocols are followed. The bosun acts as a key link between the officers and the deckhands, coordinating work assignments and ensuring efficient ship operations.

What are the requirements to be a bosun?

A bosun is a senior crew member responsible for overseeing deck operations on a vessel. Requirements typically include prior experience in maritime or deck work, knowledge of safety procedures, physical fitness, and often a maritime certification or license such as STCW. Strong leadership skills and familiarity with ship maintenance and rigging are also important.
More about Bosun jobs
What cities are hiring for Bosun jobs? Cities with the most Bosun job openings:
What states have the most Bosun jobs? States with the most job openings for Bosun jobs include:
Infographic showing various Bosun job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,999 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Job description

Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise - register here.

CREW PERKS

  • Room and board when scheduled
  • Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off)
  • Travel stipend
  • Pro deals
  • Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
  • Heath care benefits (once qualifications are met)
JOB SUMMARY
 
The Bosun is responsible for the care and maintenance of inflatable boats, rescue boat, and related gear such as outboard motors, tool kits, fuel, fuel tanks, collapsible anchors, and the crane used for raising/lowering the inflatable boats and kayaks. This position also assists with deckhand work. The Bosun reports to the 1st Mate and will assist company officers in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures. In addition to reporting to the 1st Mate, the Bosun also falls under the authority of any Officer of the Watch.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Excellent customer service skills: professional demeanor, ability to use necessary levels of tact and courtesy.
  • Must be professional and have the ability to present information and respond to questions. 
  • Detail oriented and thorough: able to follow through on assigned tasks.
  • Experience with Yamaha Outboard motors preferred.
  • Experience with Inflatable boats -patching, baffle & pressure testing, and repairs preferred.
  • Work independently using initiative and creativity to complete assigned tasks.
  • Strong time management skills: able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Work well under pressure.
  • Able to get along well with co-workers.
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • USCG 25T Masters License (1) 
  • Medical Certificate
  • Valid TWIC
  • CPR / First Aid / AED  
  • Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
  • STCW Basic Training (2)    
  • STCW Crowd Management (2) 
  • VPDSD (2) 
  1. Near Coastal required for Hawaii and Baja itinerary
  2. Company Preferred 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Small Boat Maintenance:
  • Perform routine upkeep and maintenance of the inflatable boats and rescue boat, and adhering to an outlined schedule on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Make repairs to equipment in a timely fashion, such as patching, replacing worn parts, varnishing wood, and replacing worn lines.  
  • Coordinate necessary boat operation arrangements with the Captain, Expedition Leader, and Hotel Manager for various guest activities.
  • Operate the inflatable boats during small boat excursions.
  • Assist in training of new staff members in the proper operation of the inflatable boats.
  • Performs routine maintenance on the Sea Crane per an outlined schedule on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
  • Maintain up-to-date inventory of all small boat gear and equipment. 
  • Oversee the fantail cleanup for pre-boarding of inflatable's directing assigned deckhands.
  • Prepare the inflatable boats for guest boarding.
  • Prepare the inflatable boats for stowage following completion of the day's excursions.
Safety and Security:
  • Ensure the cleanliness and readiness of the rescue craft. Perform weekly test launching, running and raising to insure readiness in case of an emergency situation. 
  • Fulfill Fire and Emergency Station Billet by acting as fire hose nozzle person donning full firefighting gear, and serving at the scene of the fire.
  • Follow company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures.
  • Request supervisory assistance when necessary, regarding safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures.
  • Participate in on board safety training, meetings and drills, as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding and medical emergencies.
  • Participate in shore side training as required by the company.  
  • Relieve and/or performs gangway watch as directed by the duty schedule.
  • Familiar with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE

  • Living Conditions - Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
  • Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Mobility - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • Handling & Strength - Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
  • Environmental Conditions - Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
  • DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
  • Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
  • Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.
BASE PAY
  • Summer season, $180 / day + $70 tip guarantee