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Cargo Ship Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AET

Mooring Master Assistant

Galveston, TX · On-site

Directs and oversees cargo hose draining and disconnection and according to procedure STS Operations * Directs ship's crew during fender removal * Collects radios, pipeline charts and all required ...

AET

Mooring Master Assistant

Galveston, TX · On-site

Directs and oversees cargo hose draining and disconnection and according to procedure STS Operations * Directs ship's crew during fender removal * Collects radios, pipeline charts and all required ...

AET Shore

Mooring Master Assistant

Galveston, TX · On-site

Directs cargo hose draining and disconnection and according to procedure STS Operations * Directs ship's crew during fender removal * Collects radios, pipeline charts and all required documentation ...

New

Nautilus International Holding Corporation

$93K - $117K/yr

Directs and supervises cargo-handling operations on a shift-by-shift basis, including labor ... Interfaces and communicates proactively and reactively with customers, ship's crew, agents, port ...

Metro Shore Services, LLC

Operations Manager

Lacey, WA · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Proactively and reactively engages with customers, ship's crew, agents, port staff, and ... bulk cargo operations. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Bulk Warehouse Services

Operations Manager

Lacey, WA · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Proactively and reactively engages with customers, ship's crew, agents, port staff, and ... bulk cargo operations. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Metro Ports

Operations Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Proactively and reactively engages with customers, ship's crew, agents, port staff, and ... bulk cargo operations. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Nautilus

Operations Manager

Lacey, WA · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Proactively and reactively engages with customers, ship's crew, agents, port staff, and ... bulk cargo operations. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Metro Cruise Services

Operations Manager

Lacey, WA · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Proactively and reactively engages with customers, ship's crew, agents, port staff, and ... bulk cargo operations. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Nautilus International Holding Corporation

$83K - $103K/yr

Proactively and reactively engages with customers, ship's crew, agents, port staff, and ... bulk cargo operations. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Metro Ports

Operations Manager II

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$93K - $117K/yr

Directs and supervises cargo-handling operations on a shift-by-shift basis, including labor ... Interfaces and communicates proactively and reactively with customers, ship's crew, agents, port ...

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Cargo Ship Crew information

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How much do cargo ship crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship crew in the United States is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cargo ship crew?

A cargo ship crew is responsible for operating and maintaining a cargo vessel, ensuring the safe transport of goods across oceans and waterways. Crew members have various roles, including navigation, engine maintenance, cargo handling, and safety management. Duties depend on rank, ranging from captains and officers to deckhands and engineers. Crew members follow strict schedules and must adhere to international maritime regulations. The job often requires long periods at sea with limited shore leave.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cargo ship crew member?

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Crew member, you need a solid understanding of maritime operations, safety procedures, navigation basics, and often a STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certification. Familiarity with shipboard machinery, communication equipment, and cargo handling systems is crucial for daily operations. Teamwork, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills help facilitate smooth collaboration in dynamic and challenging conditions. These skills are essential to ensure the efficient, safe, and timely transport of goods across international waters.

What is the typical work environment and team structure like for a cargo ship crew member?

As a Cargo Ship Crew member, you will work in a close-knit team aboard a vessel that operates around the clock, often far from shore for weeks at a time. The crew typically includes deck officers, engineers, cooks, and specialized roles, all collaborating to maintain the ship, load and unload cargo, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Shifts are usually organized in watches, meaning you may work unusual hours, including nights and weekends. The environment can be physically demanding and involves exposure to various weather conditions, but it also fosters strong camaraderie and teamwork among crew members. Many find the experience rewarding, with opportunities to advance to higher ranks or specialized maritime positions over time.

Can I work on a cargo ship crew with no experience?

Cargo ship crews often require no prior experience for entry-level positions such as deckhands or stewards, but candidates typically need to pass physical exams and obtain basic safety certifications like STCW. Training is usually provided onboard or through specialized courses, and physical fitness and willingness to work in challenging environments are important factors.

How much do cargo ship crews get paid?

Cargo ship crews typically earn between $2,000 and $10,000 per month, depending on experience, rank, and the shipping company. Salaries for officers and engineers are higher than for entry-level positions, and crew members often work on contracts that last several months with accommodations and meals provided onboard.

How to become a cargo ship crew?

To become a cargo ship crew member, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant maritime certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), and experience in maritime or related fields. Applicants often start as entry-level crew and may need to pass physical exams, background checks, and safety training before joining a shipping company.

How to get into cargo ship crew?

To become a cargo ship crew member, applicants typically need a maritime or seafarer certification such as STCW, relevant work experience, and physical fitness. Many positions also require a valid passport, safety training, and the ability to work long shifts in a maritime environment.
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Cargo Ship Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship Crew job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,176 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Mooring Master Assistant

Galveston, TX • On-site

AET
See more jobs at AETexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Purpose

AET is a global leader in petroleum shipping delivering top quality, market leading services to the world’s oil companies, trading houses and refiners.  AET is a specialist in offshore lightering and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of leading international maritime conglomerate, MISC Berhad. We enjoy a global reputation for delivering the highest standards of service, safety and responsibility in the maritime industry.

AET currently has an opening for a Mooring Master Assistant in Galveston, TX. The Mooring Master Assistant supports the Mooring Master by providing guidance to the ship’s Officers and Crew in performing the STS deck operations during equipment and personnel transfer, fendering, mooring, hose connection/disconnection, cargo transfer and unmooring. The Mooring Master Assistant provides oversight to keep a better overall view of the operation.

Key Accountabilities

  • Tracks and maintains the lightering equipment on-board the LSV according to company procedures.
  • Checks the lightering equipment in accordance with the Pre-Deployment STS Equipment Checklist
  • Directs ship’s crew for fender deployment
  • Checks that all the necessary mooring equipment on the ship is in good order and ready for use. Makes sure that messenger lines are all positioned in the proper places and of the acceptable size and condition. Reports to the Mooring Master any abnormalities and malfunctions of any equipment.
  • Conducts a pre-operational briefing to review the JPO with the ship’s personnel, emphasizing STOP Work Authority for all participants
  • Determines the appropriate height of the secondary fenders if rigged on the maneuvering vessel and advises MM accordingly
  • Assists with the mooring operations and coordinates running of lines with the other ship. Assists with rigging of quick release toggle pins.
  • Directs and oversees cargo hose connection and ensuring connections are made according to procedures in STS Operations
  • Checks cargo hoses and manifolds for tightness integrity upon commencement and during cargo transfer. Ensures that hoses are properly suspended and supported.
  • During cargo transfer, maintains mooring lines and fender wires and makes sure that the crew is keeping all wires greased at the chafing points.
  • Advises the duty Officer on safe transfer by personnel basket and monitors the transfer of surveyors, cargo representatives, etc. between ships
  • Directs and oversees cargo hose draining and disconnection and according to procedure STS Operations
  • Directs ship’s crew during fender removal
  • Collects radios, pipeline charts and all required documentation using QA Checklist
  • Performs inspection of lightering equipment using Lightering Equipment Checklist upon arrival to the dock
  • Reports any STS incidents and near misses to the Mooring Master and to AET using Initial Notice Report

Qualifications

The Assistant to the Mooring Master will be an experienced mariner with demonstrated competency in deck operations and lightering operations on seagoing vessels.

Required:  AB Merchant mariner credential, TWIC, STCW BST: Basic Fire Fighting, STCW: Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, STCW BST: First Aid/CPR, STCW BST: Personal Survival Techniques,Lifeboatman

Preferred:  Tankerman PIC OMSA – SafeGulf,

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to continuously stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs and ladders, and lift frequently
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds or more frequently
  • Ability to work in an offshore environment and outside in temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit

AET is an equal opportunity employer.

 

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