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Cargo Ship Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wood Resources, LLC

Towing Captain

Avondale, LA · On-site

... ship mooring, dredging, as well as construction andlandscaping materials. Position Summary ... Pushingand Pulling Tasks Dailyhandling of equipment, supplies, cargo, wires, and lines.

Wood Resources, LLC

Towing Captain

Avondale, LA · On-site

For more than 70 years, WoodResources has continued to provide marine towing, ship mooring ... Pushingand Pulling Tasks Dailyhandling of equipment, supplies, cargo, wires, and lines. OtheraOn ...

FlyExclusive

Caravan Seaplane Captain

Kinston, NC · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Job SummaryThe Caravan Seaplane Captain (PIC) plays a vital role in supporting company operations ... Assume primary responsibility for the safety of the passengers, cargo.Must comply with all Federal ...

Dann Marine Towing

Captain/Relief Captain

... cargo loss, contamination, spills or pollution. Grounding and wheel fouling should be reported ... abandon-ship drills Requirements * Minimum - Master of Towing Vessels 200 ton * 3-5 years ...

American Steamship Company

Master/Captain

Buffalo, NY · On-site

American Steamship Company has a long and rich history of sailing ships on the Great Lakes since ... Ultimate authority and responsibility for the vessel, crew, cargo, safety, security, and ...

American Steamship Company

Master/Captain

Buffalo, NY · On-site

American Steamship Company has a long and rich history of sailing ships on the Great Lakes since ... Ultimate authority and responsibility for the vessel, crew, cargo, safety, security, and ...

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Cargo Ship Captain information

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How much do cargo ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cargo ship captain do?

A Cargo Ship Captain is responsible for overseeing the safe navigation and operation of a cargo vessel. They manage the crew, ensure compliance with maritime regulations, and oversee cargo loading and unloading. Captains also monitor weather conditions, plan efficient routes, and communicate with port authorities. Their role is critical in ensuring timely and secure delivery of goods across international waters.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a cargo ship captain?

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Captain, you need extensive maritime knowledge, navigational expertise, and a valid captain's license, often requiring years of seafaring experience. Familiarity with electronic navigation systems, ship management software, and international shipping regulations is crucial. Strong leadership, decision-making abilities, and effective communication skills help manage the crew and coordinate with port authorities. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and lawful operation of vessels during international voyages.

What challenges do cargo ship captains face while managing international voyages?

Cargo Ship Captains often encounter challenges such as navigating through adverse weather conditions, managing diverse multicultural crews, and dealing with strict international maritime regulations. They are also responsible for ensuring cargo is safely loaded, transported, and delivered on time, while maintaining the ship’s operational efficiency. Communication with port authorities, adapting to shifting schedules, and troubleshooting mechanical issues are frequent parts of the job. Successfully managing these challenges requires a calm demeanor, strong organizational skills, and the ability to lead by example to maintain safety and efficiency throughout the voyage.

Are cargo ship captains in demand?

Cargo ship captains are in steady demand due to global trade and the need for experienced maritime leaders. The profession requires certifications such as a Master Mariner license and knowledge of navigation, safety, and cargo handling, which contribute to job stability in the shipping industry.

How do you become a cargo ship captain?

To become a cargo ship captain, you typically need to gain maritime experience by working as a deck officer and obtaining necessary certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential and a Master Mariner license. This process involves completing maritime education, accumulating sea time, and passing exams to demonstrate navigation and safety skills.

How much do cargo ship captains make?

Cargo ship captains typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and the shipping company. They often work long hours at sea and require certifications such as a Master Mariner license.

Is it hard to be a cargo ship captain?

Being a cargo ship captain requires extensive training, experience, and leadership skills, as it involves managing crew, navigating complex routes, and ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. The job often involves long periods at sea, irregular hours, and high responsibility, making it a challenging profession. Certification and maritime knowledge are essential for success in this role.
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Cargo Ship Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship Captain job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Towing Captain

Wood Resources, LLC

Avondale, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Wood Resources, LLC is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
For more than 70 years, WoodResources has continued to provide marine towing, ship mooring, dredging, as well as construction andlandscaping materials.
Position Summary:
Captains are responsible for the safe operation of vesselsand barges.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Total responsibility for the safety of the towing vessel. This includes ensuring that the vessel is adhering to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (once the COI has been issued) and follows applicable regulations regarding the towing vessel.
  • Determines if an unsafe operation endangers the vessel or the crew.
  • Report any accident, incident, illness of the crew, or maintenance problem.
  • Preparation, filing and onboard maintenance of all records and documents.
  • Ensuring and promoting a positive and proactive relationship with the customer through his or her actions, decisions, abilities, temperament and operational efficiency of the crew and vessel.

Job Requirements:
  • Captainâ€'s License
  • Medical Endorsement
  • Radar Endorsement
  • Radio and Telephone Permit
  • Current Transportation Work Identification Credential (TWIC) required

PhysicalRequirements:
Standingand Walking Tasks
Continuedand occasionally uninterrupted work on all decks of the vessel, including theengine room with the majority of the work comprised of standing and walking.
SittingTasks
Steeringthe vessel.
LiftingTasks
Thefollowing objects, from less than 10 to occasionally more than 100 pounds, maybe stored as low as floor level and lifted by the Captain or Relief Captain.Pumps, sack materials, tow and mooring lines, rigging equipment for barges,steel cable, anchors, stores, supplies and tools.
Crouching/ Squatting / Kneeling Tasks
Dailyhandling of equipment and cleaning.
Pushingand Pulling Tasks
Dailyhandling of equipment, supplies, cargo, wires, and lines.
Other“On the Job†Demands
Dailycrawling, jumping, stepping to board vessel, climbing, twisting.
PotentialWork Conditions and Exposures
Hot,cold or sudden changes in temperatures, noise, fumes, cramped quarters, sharpedges, vibrations, effect of seas on vessel, non-stationary work surfaces,working on water, significant distance from shore, moving parts and pressurelines.
Wood Resources, LLC is an equalopportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment withoutattention to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, genderidentity, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteranstatus, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected byfederal, state or local laws.
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