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Captain Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portland, ME · On-site

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portland, ME · On-site

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific ...

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How much do captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for captain in Portland, ME is $38.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $42.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a captain do?

Captains are leaders responsible for commanding vessels, such as ships or boats, or overseeing teams in various settings like airlines, sports, or emergency services. In maritime contexts, a Captain ensures the safe navigation, operation, and management of the crew and cargo. They are accountable for the safety of everyone on board, compliance with regulations, and making critical decisions during emergencies. Captains typically require specialized training, certifications, and significant experience in their field.

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

To thrive as a Captain, you need strong leadership, navigational expertise, and a valid captain's license, often supported by years of maritime experience. Familiarity with ship management systems, navigation technology, and safety equipment is essential, along with certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and communication skills set outstanding captains apart. These abilities ensure the safety, efficiency, and morale of the crew and passengers while maintaining compliance with maritime regulations.

How does a captain typically collaborate with crew members to ensure smooth operations on board?

A Captain works closely with crew members by delegating tasks, conducting regular briefings, and maintaining open lines of communication to ensure the vessel operates safely and efficiently. They oversee navigation, safety drills, and emergency procedures, while also addressing crew concerns and fostering teamwork. Collaboration is essential, as the Captain relies on each department's expertise to meet operational goals and maintain regulatory compliance.

What is the job of a captain?

A captain is responsible for commanding a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, overseeing operations, navigation, and safety. They ensure compliance with regulations, manage crew members, and make critical decisions during their shift. Certification and experience are typically required for this role.
More about Captain jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Captain jobs in Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Captain jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Captain jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Captain job openings:

Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Captain job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,545 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Captain

Portland, ME • On-site

American Cruise Lines
Travel Arrangement Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about American Cruise Linesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Captain
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.
Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Captains enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • 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.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Oversee Shipboard Engineer.
  • Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction.

Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Captain: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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