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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 ...

lynden

Captain - Master of Tow

Anchorage, AK · On-site

As Captain, you will safely and efficiently operate towing vessels in support of barge towing, and ... Track and report crew days and cargo hours * Keep logs of vessel operations as required by company ...

lynden

Captain - Master of Tow

Anchorage, AK · On-site

As Captain, you will safely and efficiently operate towing vessels in support of barge towing, and ... Track and report crew days and cargo hours * Keep logs of vessel operations as required by company ...

McAllister Towing

Captains

Baltimore, MD · On-site

... cargo from automobiles to zinc. McAllister Towing has been a steadfast contributor to the port ... Captain: Reports to: * The Captain reports to the General Manager or his/her designated ...

McAllister Towing

Captains

Baltimore, MD · On-site

... cargo from automobiles to zinc. McAllister Towing has been a steadfast contributor to the port ... Captain: Reports to: * The Captain reports to the General Manager or his/her designated ...

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 ...

DP World

Port Captain

Eldon, MO

... with Captains and Crew establishing and maintaining positive communication between vessel and ... Inspections including the ship's hull, cargo spaces, deck machineries, safety equipment etc. In the ...

DP World

Port Captain

Eldon, MO · On-site

... with Captains and Crew establishing and maintaining positive communication between vessel and ... Inspections including the ship's hull, cargo spaces, deck machineries, safety equipment etc. In the ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ... ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR

$780 - $875/hr

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ... ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the ...

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Cargo Ship Captain information

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How much do cargo ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 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.

How much do Cargo Ship pilots make?

Cargo ship captains typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and employer. Salaries can vary based on the shipping company, route, and certifications such as STCW or USCG licenses, with longer voyages often offering higher pay. Many captains also receive benefits like housing, travel allowances, and overtime pay.

How much does a captain on a Cargo Ship get paid?

A cargo ship captain typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and shipping company. Salaries often include benefits such as housing, travel allowances, and overtime pay, with many captains working on multi-month voyages. Certification and maritime experience are essential for higher-paying positions.

What are some typical challenges 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cargo Ship Captain position, and why are they important?

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.

Is it hard to become a Cargo Ship captain?

Becoming a cargo ship captain requires extensive maritime experience, typically including years of sea service and advanced certifications such as a Master Mariner license. The process involves rigorous training, passing exams, and gaining practical leadership skills in navigation, safety, and ship operations.

What is the highest paying job on a Cargo Ship?

The highest paying position on a cargo ship is typically the Chief Engineer, responsible for the vessel's mechanical systems and safety. This role requires extensive technical skills, certifications, and experience, and it often offers the highest salary among crew members. Salaries can vary based on the ship's size, route, and the company's pay scale.
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Cargo Ship Captain jobs near you
Towing Captain

Towing Captain

Wood Resources, LLC

Avondale, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 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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