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Container Ship Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZIM

Marine Operations Manager

Miami, FL · On-site

To execute safe, seamless, efficient operation of the container ships while controlling related ... Master Mariner certificate - required Experience as a Captain on a Container Vessel - Required ...

ZIM

Marine Operations Manager

Miami, FL · On-site +1

To execute safe, seamless, efficient operation of the container ships while controlling related ... Requirements Master Mariner certificate - required Experience as a Captain on a Container Vessel ...

Kop-Coat, Inc.

Maintenance Mechanic

Lesage, WV

$20 - $25.50/hr

After all, in the beginning, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn't particularly care ... When he founded our company in 1921, he just wanted to keep his ship intact and stumbled upon a ...

Rust-Oleum

Maintenance Mechanic

Lesage, WV · On-site

$20 - $25.50/hr

After all, in the beginning, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn't particularly care ... When he founded our company in 1921, he just wanted to keep his ship intact and stumbled upon a ...

Tremco Construction

Maintenance Mechanic

Lesage, WV · On-site

$20 - $25.50/hr

After all, in the beginning, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn't particularly care ... When he founded our company in 1921, he just wanted to keep his ship intact and stumbled upon a ...

Rust-Oleum

Maintenance Mechanic

Lesage, WV · On-site

$20 - $25.50/hr

After all, in the beginning, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn't particularly care ... When he founded our company in 1921, he just wanted to keep his ship intact and stumbled upon a ...

All JobsContainer Ship Captain Jobs

Container Ship Captain information

See salary details

$15

$26

$47

How much do container ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for container ship captain in the United States is $26.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Container Ship Captain vs Cargo Ship Officer?

AspectContainer Ship CaptainCargo Ship Officer
CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime license, extensive experienceSTCW certification, maritime license, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentBridge of large container ships, international watersBridge of cargo ships, various ports and waters
ResponsibilitiesOverall ship operation, navigation, safety, crew managementNavigation, cargo handling, safety procedures, assisting captain

The Container Ship Captain oversees the entire vessel's operation, navigation, and safety, requiring advanced certifications and extensive experience. The Cargo Ship Officer supports the captain with navigation and cargo management, often with similar credentials but typically less seniority. Both roles operate in similar environments and are essential in maritime logistics, but the captain holds ultimate authority and responsibility.

Is it hard to become a cargo ship Captain?

Becoming a container ship captain requires extensive maritime experience, typically including years of service as a deck officer, and obtaining certifications such as a Master Mariner license. The process involves rigorous training, passing exams, and gaining practical sea time, making it a challenging career path that demands dedication and strong leadership skills.

What does a Container Ship Captain do?

A Container Ship Captain is responsible for commanding and navigating large cargo vessels that transport containers across oceans and seas. Their duties include overseeing the crew, ensuring the safety of the ship and its cargo, complying with international maritime regulations, and plotting safe and efficient routes. They also handle communications with port authorities, manage ship operations, and respond to emergencies. The Captain holds ultimate authority and accountability for everything that happens on board the vessel.

What is the highest paid Ship Captain?

The highest paid ship captains are typically those working for large international shipping companies or in specialized sectors such as oil tankers or cruise ships, with salaries reaching up to $200,000 or more annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, vessel size, and the complexity of the routes managed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Container Ship Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Container Ship Captain, you need extensive maritime knowledge, a valid master's license (such as STCW certification), and several years of seafaring experience in progressively responsible roles. Mastery of navigation systems, ship management software, and compliance with international maritime regulations is essential. Excellent leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for managing crew and responding effectively to emergencies. These abilities ensure the safe and efficient operation of large vessels, protect cargo, and uphold maritime safety standards.

How much do container ship pilots make?

Container ship captains, also known as masters, typically earn between $80,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and shipping company. Salaries can increase with seniority and additional certifications, and captains often work on a schedule that includes long voyages and time at sea.

What is the highest paying job on a cargo ship?

The highest paying job on a cargo ship is typically the Chief Engineer, responsible for the vessel's mechanical systems and engine room. This role requires extensive technical skills, certifications, and experience, and often offers the highest salary among crew members due to its critical responsibilities. Salaries can vary based on the ship's size, route, and the company's pay scale.

What are some of the key challenges a Container Ship Captain faces during long voyages?

Container Ship Captains often deal with challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, complex navigation through busy shipping lanes, and strict adherence to international maritime regulations. Effective communication with a diverse crew and coordination with port authorities are essential for smooth operations. Additionally, captains are responsible for the safety of cargo, ship maintenance, and timely delivery, all while managing fatigue and ensuring crew well-being during extended periods at sea.
What cities are hiring for Container Ship Captain jobs? Cities with the most Container Ship Captain job openings:
Infographic showing various Container Ship Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,541 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Marine Operations Manager

ZIM

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Main Purpose of the Role:

To execute safe, seamless, efficient operation of the container ships while controlling related expenses. Manage and coordinate between all relevant interfaces to meet targets and get results. Accountabilities include setting guidelines for and control of ship loading plans, vessel and port performance; supervision of vessels command; service bunker control in various ports; sailing instructions; scheduling ship and reefer maintenance; preparation and control of the budget.

Main Tasks:

  • Implementing BU policy and guidelines within the Regional Operations and vessels.
  • Setting guidelines for loading vessels, including special/ dangerous cargo.
  • Determining the operational requirements for leasing a vessel.
  • Managing port restrictions in lines under his responsibility, including guidelines to the vessels and their owners.
  • Assisting in drafting & implementing JWP with partners.
  • Controlling costs and operational expenses, in order to reduce them, in collaboration with the BU manager and Line Managers.
  • Controlling the vessels' loading plan.
  • Monitoring and controlling vessel and port performance (Vessel’s voyage performance report).
  • Supervising vessels performance according to the governing Charter Party.
  • Supervising vessels command including sailing voyage reports and procedures.
  • Monitoring expenses in port and sea while maintaining a strict watch on exceptions.
  • Responsibility for controlling service bunkers in various ports.
  • Controlling Fuel consumption (Vessel's voyage bunker report).
  • Managing random fuel inspections.
  • Controlling the schedule.
  • Monitoring & following-up on feeders schedule integrity.
  • Implementing and controlling operations’ KPIs.
  • Coordinating schedule according to weather conditions.
  • Preparing Sailing Instructions.
  • Managing schedule for vessels' maintenance control and repairs.
  • Coordinating & monitoring DG/RF & OOG on partners & feeders.
  • Coordinating maintenance of reefers.
  • Maintaining an interface with Global Operations Function, other shipping companies, partners and vessel owners.
  • Preparing the annual operations budget.
  • Implementing and controlling the budget.
  • Planning operational development of Lines.
  • Advising professionally regarding bids.
  • Characterizing vessel leasing in the Lines.



Function:
Countries & Business Development
Requirements:

Master Mariner certificate - required

Experience as a Captain on a Container Vessel - Required

Relevant Shore-side experience - required

Five (5+) years experience

Experience with container vessels

Thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of international shipping.

Good MS-Office skills, Excel (Macros level) and PowerPoint in particular

High English language skills (Speaking, reading and writing)

On 24 hours call

MUST have Advanced Excel Skills (or being willing to commit to learning)