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Captains License Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pioneer Production Services, Inc

$400/day

Performs routine engine room maintenance such as changing oil, checking oil, and changing fuel filters. 7/7 Rotation - Great pay and benefits 100 ton Captain License required. Crane Operations About ...

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Vessel Captain

Galveston, TX · On-site

$34 - $43/hr

Non-Exempt Pay: $34 - $43 per hour, depending on experience and licenses/certifications Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an experienced and qualified individual to serve as a Captain ...

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Vessel Captain

Galveston, TX · On-site

$34 - $43/hr

Non-Exempt Pay: $34 - $43 per hour, depending on experience and licenses/certifications Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an experienced and qualified individual to serve as a Captain ...

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Captains License information

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$15

$26

$47

How much do captains license jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for captains license in the United States is $26.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a captain's license?

A Captain's License, often called a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), is an official certification issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that allows an individual to operate commercial vessels legally. It demonstrates that the holder has met specific experience, training, and examination requirements for safely operating boats or ships. There are several types of Captain’s Licenses, such as the OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, or 'Six-Pack') and Master licenses, each with different permissions and tonnage limits. The license is essential for those seeking to work as professional captains for charter, fishing, ferry, or tour boats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a captain with a captain's license?

To thrive as a Captain, you need in-depth knowledge of maritime navigation, vessel operations, safety procedures, and typically must hold a valid Captain’s License (such as the USCG OUPV or Master License). Proficiency with navigation systems like GPS, radar, electronic chart plotters, and radio communication equipment is essential, along with maintaining required certifications such as CPR and first aid. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for managing crew, ensuring passenger safety, and responding effectively to emergencies. These competencies are vital for maintaining safe, efficient operations and upholding legal and professional standards on the water.

What are some common challenges faced by holders of a captain's license when managing a crew on commercial vessels?

One of the main challenges for licensed captains is effectively managing a diverse crew with varying experience levels, particularly on longer voyages or in high-pressure situations. Captains must ensure clear communication, enforce safety procedures, and resolve conflicts quickly to maintain a harmonious and efficient work environment. Additionally, captains are responsible for overseeing training, compliance with maritime regulations, and adapting leadership styles to different personalities. Strong interpersonal skills and adaptability are essential to handle these dynamic team management challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Captains License vs Marine Engineer License?

AspectCaptains LicenseMarine Engineer License
Required CredentialsMaritime training, sea service hours, licensing examEngineering education, sea service, technical exams
Work EnvironmentBridge operations, vessel navigation, crew managementEngine room, propulsion systems, maintenance
Industry UsageSkippers of boats, yachts, commercial vesselsEngine room management, vessel propulsion

The Captains License qualifies individuals to operate vessels and oversee navigation, while the Marine Engineer License focuses on maintaining and operating the vessel's engines and mechanical systems. Both licenses are essential in maritime operations but serve different roles within the industry.

How hard is it to get a captain's license?

Obtaining a captain's license requires meeting specific experience requirements, passing a written exam, and completing a drug test and background check. The process can take several months and involves studying maritime regulations, navigation, and safety procedures. The difficulty depends on prior experience and preparation for the licensing exams.

How much can you make with a captain's license?

A captain's license can lead to earnings ranging from $40,000 to over $100,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and type of operation such as commercial or recreational boating. Experienced captains working on large vessels or in specialized sectors tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by tips or bonuses. Certification levels and the number of hours logged also influence earning potential.

What can you do with a captain's license?

A captain's license allows individuals to operate and command vessels of specified sizes and types, such as boats, yachts, or commercial ships, depending on the license level. It enables the holder to oversee crew, ensure safety, and manage navigation on waterways, often requiring knowledge of maritime regulations and safety procedures.
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Captains License jobs near you
Infographic showing various Captains License job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,541 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Natural Resource Technician II

West Columbia, SC

State of South Carolina
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about State of South Carolinaexternal

$37K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

State Of South Carolina rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Responsibilities This employee will be responsible for performing a variety of duties on the Department's Upper Coastal Waterfowl Project. Job Duties Include: Assisting with wetland and upland habitat management activities including: mowing fields and marshes, burning, disking, water level management, and agricultural plantings. Assisting with the construction, maintenance, and installation of water control structures for Samworth, Santee Coastal and Santee Delta WMAs.

Performing maintenance of physical structures and grounds including mowing dikes, maintaining roads and trails, maintaining campground and signs and making minor repairs as needed. Assisting with the implementation of public use programs including hunts. Assisting with public hunt preparation.

Providing assistance to WMA hunt participants. Collecting necessary biological data as directed. Maintaining familiarity with the three (3) properties of the Upper Coastal Waterfowl Project (Samworth, Santee Coastal Reserve, and Santee Delta WMAs).

Preparing and maintaining records and reports as required. Minimum and Additional Requirements A high school diploma and two (2) years of related experience in wildlife, fisheries or agricultural work; or an associate degree in the technical sciences. Ability to obtain a Prescribed Fire Manager Certification, CDL, commercial pesticide applicators license and a Coast Guard Captains license.

Preferred Qualifications Applicant should be knowledgeable in the safe operation, maintenance and repair of small and large power tools, farm equipment, heavy equipment and watercraft. Ability to get along and communicate with fellow employees and the general public. Ability to perform agricultural activities such as disking, mowing, planting, and herbicide application.

Ability to assist with controlled burns. Ability to conduct public hunts. Ability to work independently and perform limited facilities maintenance.

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About State of South Carolina

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State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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