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Cargo Ship Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Easternshipbuilding

Vessel Captain

Port Saint Joe, FL · On-site

Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. reserves the right to increase, waive or reduce these minimal ... Coordinate loading and unloading of cargo. * Communicate with port authorities and other vessels.

DP World

Port Captain - KSA

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 ...

DP World

Port Captain - KSA

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 ...

Kaizen Lab Inc.

Towing Trip/Fill-In Captain

Avondale, LA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

For more than 70 years, WoodResources has continued to providemarine towing,ship mooring,dredging ... Pushingand Pulling Tasks Dailyhandling of equipment, supplies, cargo, wires, and lines. Other on ...

New

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 ...

L&M Botruc Rental LLC

Be Seen First

Offshore Supply Vessel Captain

Mobile, AL · On-site

$625 - $725/day

Support offshore oil and gas operations, including transportation of cargo, equipment, supplies ... Train, mentor, and evaluate shipboard personnel to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.

L&M Botruc Rental LLC

Be Seen First

Offshore Supply Vessel Captain

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$625 - $725/day

Support offshore oil and gas operations, including transportation of cargo, equipment, supplies ... Train, mentor, and evaluate shipboard personnel to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.

L&M Botruc Rental LLC

Be Seen First

Offshore Supply Vessel Captain

Pensacola, FL · On-site

$625 - $725/day

Support offshore oil and gas operations, including transportation of cargo, equipment, supplies ... Train, mentor, and evaluate shipboard personnel to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.

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 · On-site

$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 ...

Yulista

Able Bodied Seaman

Panama City, FL · On-site

... ship's captain or other officers. Able Seamen are primarily responsible for supporting the ship ... Inspecting, maintaining, and securing cargo in compliance with load restrictions and damage ...

Yulista

Able Bodied Seaman

Panama City, FL · On-site

... ship's captain or other officers. Able Seamen are primarily responsible for supporting the ship ... Inspecting, maintaining, and securing cargo in compliance with load restrictions and damage ...

Yulista

Able Bodied Seaman

Panama City, FL · On-site

... ship's captain or other officers. Able Seamen are primarily responsible for supporting the ship ... Inspecting, maintaining, and securing cargo in compliance with load restrictions and damage ...

V2X

... visiting ships with local knowledge, tug assist coordination and navigation and docking ... cargo handling and passenger guidelines * coordinate with other departments on marine issues and ...

State of Louisiana

ORDINARY SEAMAN

Baton Rouge, LA

The Ordinary Seaman is under general supervision of the ship's captain, performs various functions ... Assists Captain/First Mate in the operation of the vessel including: cargo handling and storage ...

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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 9, 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.

100 Ton Captain (Near Coastal)

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

Carlsen Mooring & Marine Services LLC
See more jobs at Carlsen Mooring & Marine Services LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

 Role Objectives: Must work 14/7 (liveaboard) schedule and be willing to travel as needed.  The Captain is fully responsible for the safety of the crew, passengers, and vessel.  The Captain is expected to ensure that all cargo and passenger deliveries are completed safely and in a timely manner. The Captain will conduct and oversee vessel maintenance. The Captain is expected to direct, supervise, and train the crew. The Captain is directly responsible for the operational condition of the vessels as well as the overall appearance (neat, clean, and painted). Required to report all accidents/incidents, to management. Vessels range between 80-140 feet, primary ports are Corpus Christi, Houston/Galveston, Port Arthur. 
Key Responsibilities: 
  • Ensure all regulatory requirements are met. 
  • Complete Pre and Post Departure checks. 
  • Safely operate, navigate, maneuver vessel. 
  • Ensure proper crew training/staffing. 
  • Maintain and troubleshoot diesel engines/generators. 
  • Complete and lead risk assessments prior to work. 
  • Keep accurate vessel logs (Including but not limited to)
    •    Passenger logs 
    •  Maintenance logs 
    • Oversee and ensure basic vessel/engine/generator maintenance is completed. 
    •  Pre and post departure checklist logs 
  • Ability to operate a forklift preferred. 
  • Ability to operate a crane preferred. 
  • Direct rigging, loading/offloading operations of the vessel. 
  • Safely complete cargo and passenger deliveries alongside ships. 
  • Emergency Response (firefighting, flooding, person in water, and abandon ship) 
  • Familiar with jet drive propulsion. 
  • Familiar with quad engine propulsion. 

 Knowledge/Skill Requirements: ·        
  •  Valid Driver’s License.      
  •  Valid Transportation Worker ID Card (TWIC.)         
  • Valid 100 Ton USCG Near-Coastal Master’s License (minimum).       
  •  Valid USCG Approved First Aid/CPR. 
  •  FCC Marine Radio Operator’s Permit preferred. 
  • Valid USCG Medical Certificate.       
  •  Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.         
  • Leadership skills. 

 Education/Experience:  
  • High School degree or equivalent or another related field required.
  • 5-10 years of experience
  • Hazard Awareness Training

Physical Requirements:
  •      Ability to Lift/Carry/Push/Pull up to 100lbs. 
  •      Ability to climb stairs/ladders. 
  •      Ability to Stand for Extended Periods. 
  •      Operate motor vehicles. 
  •          Wear personal protective equipment, including but not limited to hard hat, steel-toed safety shoes, hearing protection, respirators, safety glasses, goggles and full body coveralls.
  •       Ability to work around moving machinery. 
  •       Ability to perform under stress, under pressure, and/or in emergency situations. 
  •       Ability to work in adverse weather conditions (Cold or Heat). 
  •       Ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, reason logically, and make sound decisions. 
  •       Ability to comprehend, remember, and follow verbal and written directions and comply with Company policies, procedures and standards. 
  •       Ability to work at heights (scaffolding or ladders). 
  •       Ability to work in noisy environments. 
  •       Ability to work as a team, communicate and interact with others in a professional manner, and consider alternative and diverse perspectives. 

Working Conditions:
  •  Work near others, usually within a few feet 
  •  Outdoors and indoors, day and night, as well as over/near water. 
  •  Requires working on or near moving equipment and vibrating equipment. 
  •  Frequently the humidity is above 90%, noise is over 85 decibels, and the light is intense/glare. 
  •   Potential exposure to open fire/flames/sparks. 
  •   Constant exposure to airborne dust, fumes, and gases. 
  • Worker is subject to environmental conditions both inside and outside, with no effective protection from weather, with sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout to be heard, and to physical hazards, such as moving parts, vehicles, electricity, heights, and large bodies of deep water.