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Charter Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Non-Exempt POSITION SUMMARY The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tour and charter vessels, including vessel seaworthiness, safety, security, navigation, and ...

Boat Captain Department: APEX Salary Range: D.O.E. Reports to: APEX Manager Employment Status ... Previous experience operating passenger vessels, charter vessels, or large recreational boats.

$38.22/hr

Ensures full compliance with all private charter arrangements. * Maintains logbook. * Performs ... Basic boat carpentry and painting. * Radio communication procedures. * Ability to-- Handle small ...

Ensures full compliance with all private charter arrangements. Maintains logbook. Performs related ... Basic boat carpentry and painting. * Radio communication procedures. Ability to- * Handle small ...

Captain

HI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Join the Crew of Maui's Most Luxurious Vessels Ali'i Class Yachts and RED Hospitality are now hiring USCG-licensed Captains for a variety of premium charter experiences. Step aboard vessels that ...

Join the Crew of Maui's Most Luxurious Vessels Ali'i Class Yachts and RED Hospitality are now hiring USCG-licensed Captains for a variety of premium charter experiences. Step aboard vessels that ...

Current USCG credential - Captains * Master 50 Ton near coastal * Sail endorsement required for ... Previous day charter experience is a plus * Knowledge of local destinations * Basic knowledge of ...

Axopar Captain

VI · On-site

$165 - $200/day

Current USCG credential - Captains * * Master 50 Ton near coastal * Sail endorsement required for ... Previous day charter experience is a plus * Knowledge of local destinations * Basic knowledge of ...

Current USCG credential - Captains * * Master 50 Ton near coastal * Sail endorsement required for ... Previous day charter experience is a plus * Knowledge of local destinations * Basic knowledge of ...

Catamaran Captain

VI · On-site

$150 - $225/day

Current USCG credential - Captains * Master 50 Ton near coastal * Sail endorsement required for ... Previous day charter experience is a plus * Knowledge of local destinations * Basic knowledge of ...

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Charter Boat Captain information

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How much do charter boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for charter boat 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 charter boat captain do?

A Charter Boat Captain is responsible for operating boats that are rented out for private trips, fishing excursions, sightseeing tours, or other recreational activities. They navigate the vessel, ensure passenger safety, and often provide guidance or instruction related to the activity, such as fishing techniques or local information. Additionally, Charter Boat Captains must maintain their boats, adhere to maritime regulations, and ensure all necessary permits and licenses are up to date. Their role combines maritime expertise with customer service skills to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for clients.

What does a charter boat captain do?

As a charter boat captain, your job is to take passengers on tours to their requested destination. This may involve travel along lakes, a river, or the ocean. Some guests are there solely to sightsee, while others plan to go fishing, participate in water sports, or even learn more about operating boats. Trips that focus on adults usually have some food and entertainment aboard, while trips with children usually leave the alcohol behind. Some charter boat captains are independent operators, while others work exclusively for a single company. Even if you plan to eventually operate your own commercial boat, working for a charter company is a great way to get started.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a charter boat captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Charter Boat Captain, you need a valid captain’s license (such as the USCG OUPV or Master), strong navigational skills, and a solid understanding of maritime laws and safety procedures. Familiarity with GPS, radar, marine radios, and vessel maintenance systems is crucial. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding captains apart in managing clients and handling unexpected situations. These skills and qualities ensure safe voyages, satisfied customers, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by charter boat captains during busy seasons, and how can they be managed?

During peak seasons, Charter Boat Captains often face challenges such as managing high demand, ensuring guest safety, and maintaining their vessel under a tight schedule. It's important to stay organized by developing a clear booking system and preparing backup plans for weather or equipment issues. Effective communication with crew members and guests helps ensure smooth operations and a positive experience for everyone on board. Additionally, regular maintenance checks and proactive planning can minimize downtime and safety risks.

What is the difference between Charter Boat Captain vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectCharter Boat CaptainMarine Deckhand
CertificationsCaptain's license, CPR, first aidSTCW certification, basic safety training
Work EnvironmentLeads trips, manages crew, interacts with clientsAssists with maintenance, safety, and docking
Industry UsageOwned or operated by individuals or companies for passenger tripsEmployed on commercial or private vessels for support roles

The main difference is that a Charter Boat Captain is responsible for leading trips, managing the vessel, and ensuring passenger safety, while a Marine Deckhand assists with vessel operations, maintenance, and safety tasks. Both roles require safety certifications, but the Captain holds a higher license level and has more leadership responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Charter Boat Captain jobs?

Cities with the most Charter Boat Captain job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Charter Boat Captain jobs?

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Who are the top companies hiring for Charter Boat Captain jobs?

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What states have the most Charter Boat Captain jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Charter Boat Captain jobs?

For Charter Boat Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Charter Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Boat Captain/Naturalist: Ouzinkie Native Corporation

Kodiak, AK • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Boat Captain/Naturalist: Ouzinkie Native CorporationOuzinkie Native Corporation and subsidiaries Kodiak, Alaska Start Date09/04/2026

Contract

The Boat Captain /Naturalist role at Ouzinkie Native Corporation is a temporary position in Kodiak, Alaska . The captain operates lodge vessels, transports guests, and leads water-based nature and wildlife excursions. The work also covers guest safety during land-based excursions at Katmai National Park, on the Katmai Coast of the Alaska Peninsula, and around the lodge property.

The employer's lodge operation is remote and works mostly off the grid. The position requires marine judgment in changing tides, weather, and visibility. The captain explains safety procedures, tour information, and environmental facts while keeping each departure and return on schedule. Travel to Kodiak is arranged by the applicant, and the employer arranges a float plane from Kodiak to the lodge.

  • Role: Boat Captain/Naturalist Guide
  • Employer: Ouzinkie Native Corporation and subsidiaries

Applicants with a current license copy, CPR and First Aid records, and employment details can settle travel plans and availability before applying. The applicant's materials need to include the role's qualifications and any requested screening information.

The captain's water work begins with safe vessel operation and guest transport. Each excursion requires attention to marine conditions, tidal fluctuations, wind, rain, and other weather changes. Navigation relies on charts, chart plotters, GPS, sonar, VHF radio, satellite communications, and related tools.

Guest contact continues after the vessel leaves the dock. The captain gives tour narration, explains local environmental information, and manages safety briefings before and during excursions. Land-based duties extend to the Katmai National Park area, the Katmai Coast, the Alaska Peninsula, and the lodge grounds.

  • Operate lodge vessels and transport guests.
  • Lead water-based nature and wildlife excursions.
  • Explain safety procedures, vessel information, and environmental data.
  • Inspect lodge vessels each day for safety, cleanliness, and mechanical soundness.
  • Provide information about park history, flora, fauna, and brown bear behavior.
Licenses And Field Qualifications

Current USCG 25 Ton Near Coastal OUPV licensure is required, along with a copy of the valid credential for verification. The position also requires at least two years of service on similar vessels, a current CPR certificate, First Aid certification, a high school diploma or GED, and a minimum age of 21.

Marine knowledge must cover the local environment and the navigation equipment used aboard the lodge vessels. Wilderness First Aid or a higher credential, a Master's USCG License, Alaska guiding experience, Yamaha outboard maintenance, and advanced marine biology knowledge are listed as desired qualifications.

  • Two or more years on similar vessels.
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Knowledge of the marine environment and navigation tools.
Remote Lodge Assignments

The season includes work beyond the helm. Camp duties include cleaning crew quarters, groundskeeping, aircraft loading and unloading, building maintenance, boat maintenance, and operation of small lodge equipment. The captain also keeps a clean public appearance, maintains regular attendance, and arrives punctually for scheduled work.

Long periods of standing and kneeling are part of the physical setting. The work requires walking or standing on hard surfaces, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting up to 75 pounds, maintaining balance, operating equipment, and communicating regularly. Cold and hot climates, humidity, high wind, rain, sun, and long hours are part of the working conditions.

Seasonal Terms And Screening

This temporary position may require overtime to complete assignments or projects, and flexible scheduling may be necessary. Random drug and alcohol screening through a Drug Consortium applies to the position, and a background check may also be required.

Ouzinkie Native Corporation and its subsidiaries are a VEVRAA federal contractor and an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants with physical or mental disabilities can receive reasonable accommodations.

Captain Credentials And Guest Safety

A charter boat captain credential authorizes command of a small vessel as a master, captain, or skipper. That charter boat captain credential aligns with the position's requirement for a current 25 Ton Near Coastal OUPV License, while the lodge's guest excursions add interpretive and land-safety duties.

The position combines vessel command with public-facing field knowledge. A captain who can read changing marine conditions, communicate clearly over marine systems, and explain wildlife behavior works across navigation, guest care, and conservation interpretation during the same assignment.

The captain has no supervisory responsibilities, so daily work centers on vessel operations, guest communication, and assigned lodge tasks. Proper attire is required, and clothing may not carry political statements, religious statements, crude language, or logos.

Ouzinkie shareholders, shareholder descendants, and spouses of shareholders receive hiring preference. A seasonal travel stipend may be provided for travel reimbursement, and the temporary appointment remains subject to the employer's qualification checks.

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