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Crew Boat Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Safe Harbor Marinas

Boat Washer

San Diego, CA

$18 - $22.75/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC (SHM) is the largest owner and operator of marinas in the world. As a fast ... lift crew with moving equipment, cleaning the yard of debris and materials and assisting with ...

Benchmark

Boat Captain (PT - Seasonal)

Lake Arrowhead, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and crew. They will be responsible for the cleanliness of the vessel and follows all safety ... Previous experience operating passenger vessels or similar boats preferred * Strong knowledge of ...

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Boat Washer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC (SHM) is the largest owner and operator of marinas in the ... lift crew with moving equipment, cleaning the yard of debris and materials and assisting with ...

ICF

Senior Fisheries Biologist

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Serve as boat operator and/or crew on work boats What You Must Have * Master's degree in fisheries biology or equivalent science related field, or a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years conducting field ...

ICF

Senior Fisheries Biologist

West Sacramento, CA

$85K - $105K/yr

Serve as boat operator and/or crew on work boats What You Must Have * Master's degree in fisheries biology or equivalent science related field, or a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years conducting field ...

Danos, LLC

Shelf - Operator Senior

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

Directly supervise and assist crew with daily testing, repairs, and maintenance of all equipment ... Boat transfer and swing rope experience preferred * Previous H2S field experience preferred * Good ...

Danos, LLC

Shelf - Operator Senior

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

Directly supervise and assist crew with daily testing, repairs, and maintenance of all equipment ... Boat transfer and swing rope experience preferred * Previous H2S field experience preferred * Good ...

Danos, LLC

Shelf - Operator Senior

Santa Barbara, CA

Directly supervise and assist crew with daily testing, repairs, and maintenance of all equipment ... Boat transfer and swing rope experience preferred * Previous H2S field experience preferred * Good ...

Hog Island Oyster Company Inc

Farm Crew

Marshall, CA

$22 - $25/hr

Boat handling experience Physical Demands The Farm Crew Worker is a physically demanding job which ... Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks such as operating dangerous equipment ...

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All JobsCrew Boat Operator JobsCrew Boat Operator Jobs in California

Crew Boat Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$21

$25

How much do crew boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for crew boat operator in California is $21.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Crew Boat Operator jobs in California?

For Crew Boat Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Crew Boat Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Crew Boat Operator jobs in California are:

Crew Boat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crew Boat Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,833 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Charter Boat Crew / Deckhand

Legacy Cruises & Events

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

We are looking for an experienced, friendly, and dependable crewmember to join our world class team. Our yacht Sirara is a recently built upscale USCG-inspected passenger vessel (COI) for private events on the San Diego Bay. Applicants must be experienced in managing events (with a strong preference for boating experience) and have a customer-oriented attitude and enjoy interacting with guests.

Job Requirements:

Prior crew/deckhand experience on a charter boat / yacht is highly desired. A captain's license or in the process of getting one, would be a strong bonus. Applicant must show ability to legally work in the US and have a valid passport.

We offer competitive pay and flexible schedules including base hourly pay and guaranteed gratuities. PLEASE NOTE: We operate a drug free environment and this position requires participation in a random drug test program (DOT 5-panel test, including Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine (PCP) and Amphetamines.)

About Legacy Cruises and Events:

We offer a licensed and inspected yacht, operated by USCG-certified captain and crew, for private events, setting sail around the Bay, providing with our partners superb all-encompassing personalized food, beverage, and entertainment services and exclusive first-class experiences to make any special event unforgettably spectacular. Our flagship vessel, the Sirara, is modeled after European luxury river cruisers and offers two decks of incomparable yacht party event space for up to 85 guests, complete with a bar, full-sized high-end bathroom facilities, and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities.