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Charter Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ANTELOPE POINT HOLDINGS LLC

Boat Captain

Page, AZ · On-site

The Captain is accountable for the safety of all passengers, crew members, and property onboard ... Safely operate and navigate tour and charter vessels while ensuring compliance with all applicable ...

3S Recruitment Ltd

Captain 135 ft M/Y

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$14K - $16K/mo

Captain--135 ft M/Y Captain 135' Motor Yacht (Private/Charter) Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Cruising Area: Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, and potentially the Northeast U.S. Flag: Foreign Flag (change ...

3S Recruitment Ltd

Captain 135 ft M/Y

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$14K - $16K/mo

Captain--135 ft M/Y Captain 135' Motor Yacht (Private/Charter) Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Cruising Area: Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, and potentially the Northeast U.S. Flag: Foreign Flag (change ...

Mystic Seaport Museum

Waterfront Tour Captain

Mystic, CT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

ENCORE (motor yacht for charter). ENCORE operates as a charter only vessel, 3- or 5-hour downriver ... USCG 25-ton inland captains license for EXPRESS, ENCORE, and LIBERTY USCG 50-ton inland captains ...

PURE EVENTS LP

Proud Mary Captain

Entriken, PA · On-site

* Part-time Captain positions for Proud Mary Sightseeing Cruises, Dinner Cruises, Brunch Cruises, and Private Charter Cruises * Hours are flexible. However, some evening, weekend, and summer holiday ...

PURE EVENTS LP

Proud Mary Captain

Entriken, PA · On-site

* Part-time Captain positions for Proud Mary Sightseeing Cruises, Dinner Cruises, Brunch Cruises, and Private Charter Cruises * Hours are flexible. However, some evening, weekend, and summer holiday ...

Red Hospitality

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 ...

Red Hospitality & Leisure

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 ...

ANTELOPE POINT HOLDINGS LLC

Boat Captain

Page, AZ · On-site

$25/hr

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.

Red Hospitality & Leisure

The Charter Operations Manager is ultimately responsible for daily management of all captains, crew members and motorized watersports tour personnel and equipment. The scope of responsibility will ...

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Charter Captain information

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How much do charter captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for charter captain in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a charter captain?

A Charter Captain is a licensed professional who operates boats or ships for private hire, typically offering fishing, sightseeing, or leisure trips for clients. They are responsible for the safety of passengers, navigation, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. Charter Captains often provide expert local knowledge, manage crew members, and maintain the vessel. Their role requires extensive boating experience, relevant certifications, and strong customer service skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a charter captain?

To thrive as a Charter Captain, you need strong seamanship, navigation skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and typically a commercial captain’s license (such as a USCG Master license). Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and safety equipment is essential for daily operations. Exceptional customer service, leadership, and problem-solving skills help create enjoyable and safe experiences for passengers. These skills are crucial to ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and high client satisfaction on every voyage.

What are some common challenges charter captains face when managing both vessel operations and guest experiences?

Charter Captains often balance the dual responsibilities of ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the vessel while also providing an enjoyable and memorable experience for guests. This can involve managing unexpected changes in weather, addressing mechanical issues on short notice, and adapting itineraries to meet client preferences—all while maintaining excellent customer service. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to remain calm under pressure. Additionally, Charter Captains must stay up-to-date with maritime regulations and safety protocols to ensure compliance at all times.

What is the difference between Charter Captain vs Commercial Boat Captain?

AspectCharter CaptainCommercial Boat Captain
Required CertificationsUSCG Captain's License, CPR, First AidUSCG Captain's License, STCW, First Aid
Work EnvironmentPrivate charters, recreational vessels, tourismCommercial vessels, cargo, passenger transport
Employer & Industry UsageCharter companies, private ownersShipping companies, freight, passenger services

Charter Captains primarily operate recreational vessels for private clients and tourists, focusing on leisure and tourism. Commercial Boat Captains work in the commercial shipping industry, handling cargo or passenger vessels for business purposes. While both roles require similar certifications, their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

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Charter Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Charter Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

USCG Licensed Charter Captain (Part-Time / On-Call)

San Diego, CA • On-site

Seas the Day Private Charters
See more jobs at Seas the Day Private Chartersexternal

$50/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Us

Seas The Day San Diego is a premium private charter company operating a 30-foot double-decker pontoon boat on beautiful San Diego Bay. We specialize in private cruises, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, family outings, and sunset cruises.


We're looking to add reliable USCG-licensed captains to our approved captain network as demand continues to grow.


Responsibilities

  • Safely operate a 30' pontoon vessel on San Diego Bay
  • Boat is stored at Safe Harbor Sunroad marina. Pick/up dropoff at Point Loma Sportfishing.
  • Conduct a professional passenger safety briefing
  • Deliver an exceptional customer experience
  • Coordinate with our team before and after each charter. And as needed.


Pay is $50 PER CHARTER HOUR. You are expected to do some minor cleaning before and in between charters, get gas, etc. This is a bareboat operation, you are paid by the customer only, $50 per charter hour PLUS TIPS


Qualifications

3 plus years experience as a charter captain is a REQUIREMENT for our insurance.

MUST be a licensed Captain.

Apply