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Dive Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coastal Engineering LLC

Dive Supervisor

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Boat License * Confined space / fall arrest certification * Ability to obtain or currently hold a ... NCCCO Rigger * Captain's License * Additional advanced certifications or specialized training ...

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How much do dive boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for dive 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 are some common challenges faced by Dive Boat Captains during dive excursions?

Dive Boat Captains often navigate challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining clear communication with dive teams. They must manage time efficiently to accommodate multiple dive sites while adhering to strict safety protocols. Additionally, Captains work closely with dive instructors and crew to coordinate logistics, handle emergencies, and provide a positive experience for divers of varying skill levels.

What does a Dive Boat Captain do?

A Dive Boat Captain is responsible for safely operating a boat that transports divers to and from dive sites. Their duties include navigating the vessel, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, managing the boat’s equipment, and often briefing divers on safety procedures. They may also be responsible for maintaining the boat and coordinating with dive guides to provide a smooth diving experience. Dive Boat Captains must have specialized maritime licenses and in-depth knowledge of local waters. Their role is crucial to ensuring safe and enjoyable diving trips.

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

To thrive as a Dive Boat Captain, you need a strong background in seamanship, navigation, and dive operations, typically supported by a captain’s license and relevant diving certifications. Familiarity with GPS systems, marine radios, emergency equipment, and boat maintenance tools is crucial. Leadership, situational awareness, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These abilities are vital to guarantee safe dive trips, compliance with maritime regulations, and a positive experience for divers.

What is the difference between Dive Boat Captain vs Dive Instructor?

AspectDive Boat CaptainDive Instructor
CertificationsCaptain's license, CPR, First AidOpen Water, Advanced, Rescue Diver, Instructor certifications
Work EnvironmentOperate boats, oversee dive trips, ensure safety at seaConduct training sessions, lead dives, teach students
Employer & Industry UsageMarinas, dive tour companies, charter boatsDive shops, training agencies, resorts

The main difference is that a Dive Boat Captain is responsible for operating the boat and ensuring safety during dive trips, while a Dive Instructor focuses on teaching divers and leading training dives. Both roles require certifications related to safety and diving, but their daily duties and work environments differ significantly.

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Dive Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dive Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Sea Base Boat Captain - Summer 2026

BSA Sea Base

Islamorada, FL • On-site

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Details

The Sea Base is looking for USCG Boat Captains to fill various positions across multiple locations. These positions include sail boat captain, dive boat captain, fishing trip captain, snorkeling trip captain, and more.

Minimum Qualification: USCG Captain License.

This position is available at the Sea Base in Islamorada, FL and the Brinton Environmental Center in Summerland Key, FL.

This application is for the Summer 2026 season. Please submit applications for other seasons through a separate listing on our job board.


About the Sea Base

The Sea Base is one of four National High Adventure Bases operated by Scouting America (formerly Boy Scout of America). We offer programs that include fishing, sailing, scuba diving, coral restoration, snorkeling, kayaking, camping, and much more across six operating locations. Many job opportunities are available at multiple locations; not all locations have job opportunities.

Sea Base Locations

  • Sea Base, Islamorada - Located in Islamorada, FL at mile marker 73.8 along US-1, Overseas Highway. Home to our sailing and scuba diving adventures.
  • Camp Jackson Sawyer - Located just south of Bahia Honda State Park, mile marker 33.9. Home to our Family Adventure Camp and Pre/Post adventure camp.
  • Brinton Environmental Center - Located in Summerland Key at mile marker 23.8. Home to our coral nursery and coral restoration efforts, Out Island adventure (Big Munson Island), and many other adventures.
  • Sea Base, St. Thomas - Located in the Unites States Virgin Islands. Home of two different sailing opportunities.
  • Sea Base Bahamas - Located about 100 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Home to three different sailing opportunities.

About Sea Base Staff

Our staff get to work in many different capacities to support and run our many programs that run throughout the year. While the summer season (approximately mid-May through August) is our largest opportunity for staff, we have employment opportunities throughout the year.

Employees have the opportunity to take advantage of regular meals prepared by our food-services team and on-site housing provided during each employment term. Accommodations also include fitness rooms, recreational areas, and laundry machines.

While on staff, you will have the opportunity for staff to gain knowledge and certifications in scuba diving, lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, CPR, and SERV Safe.