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Crew Boat Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prepare tools and operate boats and equipment for crew members for the work being performed ... Requirements for the Boat Operator - Tender:Must have at least 3 to 5 years of Dredging or Marine ...

Operate in proximity of work areas to anticipate the needs of the crew and Dredge Operator ... Complete Daily Boat Maintenance Log/Checklist is Mandatory * Comply with safety practices, rules ...

Operate in proximity of work areas to anticipate the needs of the crew and Dredge Operator ... Complete Daily Boat Maintenance Log/Checklist is Mandatory * Comply with safety practices, rules ...

Maintain constant communication with barge crew members * Perform regular checks and maintenance on ... the Tug Boat Operator position, please clickAPPLY NOW to submit your application. To view ...

Maintain constant communication with barge crew members * Perform regular checks and maintenance on ... the Tug Boat Operator position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view ...

Maintain constant communication with barge crew members * Perform regular checks and maintenance on ... the Tug Boat Operator position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view ...

Master (Crew Boat)

LA · On-site

$45.75 - $61/hr

... operating in conjunction with the ship. The Master is responsible for investigating and recording ... All crew members are considered to be filling safety-sensitive positions as well. * Overall ...

Master (Crew Boat)

Golden Meadow, LA · On-site

$45.75 - $61/hr

... operating in conjunction with the ship. The Master is responsible for investigating and recording ... All crew members are considered to be filling safety-sensitive positions as well. * Overall ...

Overview The Light Equipment Operator must have the ability and experience to operate hand-held mechanical devices used on project site. Will operate one or more piece of equipment including but are ...

... and operating lifesaving equipment, controlling and operating firefighting equipment Safety ... All crew members are considered to be filling safety-sensitive positions as well. * Ensures first ...

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Crew Boat Operator information

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How much do crew boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for crew boat operator in the United States is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by crew boat operators, and how can they prepare for them?

Crew Boat Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo, and maintaining clear communication with both crew members and offshore platforms. To prepare, operators should stay updated on weather forecasts, follow strict safety protocols, and participate in regular training exercises. Effective teamwork and strong situational awareness are also crucial for responding to unexpected situations quickly and efficiently.

What is the difference between Crew Boat Operator vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectCrew Boat OperatorMarine Deckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, CPR, First Aid, Boat HandlingSTCW Basic Safety, CPR, First Aid, Marine Skills
Work EnvironmentOperate and navigate crew boats, often in offshore or coastal settingsAssist with vessel maintenance, mooring, and deck operations
Employer & IndustryOffshore oil & gas, maritime transport, offshore wind farmsMaritime industry, offshore support, vessel maintenance

While both roles work on vessels in maritime settings, a Crew Boat Operator primarily operates and navigates crew boats, ensuring safe transport offshore. A Marine Deckhand assists with deck operations, maintenance, and safety tasks. The roles often overlap in certifications and work environments but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

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

To thrive as a Crew Boat Operator, you need a solid understanding of maritime operations, navigation, and safety procedures, usually backed by a valid captain’s license or merchant mariner credentials. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, VHF radios, and marine engines is typically required, along with relevant safety and first aid certifications. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe transport of crew members, compliance with regulations, and effective response to any on-water emergencies.

What is a crew boat operator?

Crew Boat Operators are professionals responsible for piloting and navigating vessels that transport personnel, equipment, and supplies to and from offshore locations, such as oil rigs or construction sites. They ensure the safety of passengers and cargo, maintain compliance with maritime regulations, and perform regular checks on the vessel's systems and equipment. Crew Boat Operators must have strong navigation and communication skills, as well as relevant licenses and certifications, such as a U.S. Coast Guard license. Their work often involves long hours and challenging weather conditions, requiring a high level of responsibility and attention to safety.
More about Crew Boat Operator jobs
What states have the most Crew Boat Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Crew Boat Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Crew Boat Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Crew Boat Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Crew Boat Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,428 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

$150 - $250/day

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Vision insurance
  • Wellness resources

Role Objectives: duties are performed at a variety of fixed water and water edge structures where ocean vessels and barges are moored and aboard floating lineman boats.  Works in 2-6 men crews to conduct mooring and unmooring operations of vessels as well as launch services. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Captain/Boatman duties are performed at a variety of fixed water and water edge structures where ocean vessels and barges are moored and aboard floating linemen boats.
  • Operation of Linemen Mooring Boats.
  • Launch services as required.
  • Maintain desired courses, using navigational aids and steering mechanisms to guide boats.
  • Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels.
  • Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
  • Utilizes hand signals and verbal commands to ensure dock safety of crew.
  • Inspects and reports visual and auditory indications of line fraying, separation, or failure.
  • Never stands between a mooring line and quay edge.
  • Never stand in bight of any line.
  • Works in all types of weather elements.
  • Climbing vertical ladders to get on/off boats, docks, piers, wharves, dolphins and walkways.
  • Climbing descending water edge inclines of varying steepness, length, and construction ie Earth, rock, concrete, wood.
  • Manually pulling/pushing/lifting/dragging vessel/barge mooring lines from water to a mooring bollard/bit/cleat ashore or vice versa.
  • Identify best practices for training needs.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:
  • Organizational skills
  • Initiative
  • Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Problem solving
  • Planning
  • Active listening
  • Service orientation
  • Marine Operations
  • Customer Service

Education/Exerience:
  • High School degree or equivalent or another related field required.
  • Boat operator certification required.
  • Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) Upon Near Coastal Waters  
  • Current TWIC
  • Hazard Awareness Training
  • Valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements: 
  • Required to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, lift, pull, drag, reach; stand, walk, talk, hear and swim
  • Must exert up to 50 pounds of force/lifting/dragging, up to 150 pounds, and an amount of force constantly to move objects
  • Close visual acuity is required to perform activities such as analyzing figures, viewing a computer terminal, extensive reading, visual inspection, and using measurement devices
  • 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

Working Conditions: 
  • 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.
  • Work surface is stable, height is elevated.
  • 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