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Dive Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Mate

Juneau, AK · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with ... Participate in guest activities as directed by the Captain. * Assume command of the ship in the ...

Marina Dockhand

Lake Hopatcong, NJ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • PTO

... Dive into a Sea of Opportunities! Are you passionate about boats and the water? At Bridge Marina, w ... From boat training to rentals, from our vibrant boating club to seamless sales and services, we ...

Marina Dockhand

Lake Hopatcong, NJ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • PTO

From boat training to rentals, from our vibrant boating club to seamless sales and services, we ... * You're the captain of courtesy, motivated, reliable, and always sailing with a safety first ...

Captain and Dive Manager Supervises: N/A Quality Standards: * Conduct individual and business ... Ability to move quickly and safely around the boat, especially in changing conditions, such as ...

Deck Hand

Lanai City, HI · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Captain and Dive Manager Supervises: N/A Quality Standards: * Conduct individual and business ... Ability to move quickly and safely around the boat, especially in changing conditions, such as ...

Deck Hand (Casual)

Lanai City, HI · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Captain and Dive Manager Supervises: N/A Quality Standards: * Conduct individual and business ... Ability to move quickly and safely around the boat, especially in changing conditions, such as ...

Marina Dockhand

Lake Hopatcong, NJ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • PTO

From boat training to rentals, from our vibrant boating club to seamless sales and services, we ... * You're the captain of courtesy, motivated, reliable, and always sailing with a safety first ...

$21 - $27/hr

Captain and Dive Manager Supervises: N/A Quality Standards: * Conduct individual and business ... Ability to move quickly and safely around the boat, especially in changing conditions, such as ...

$21 - $27/hr

Captain and Dive Manager Supervises: N/A Quality Standards: * Conduct individual and business ... Ability to move quickly and safely around the boat, especially in changing conditions, such as ...

$21 - $27/hr

Captain and Dive Manager Supervises: N/A Quality Standards: * Conduct individual and business ... Ability to move quickly and safely around the boat, especially in changing conditions, such as ...

Snorkel Guide / Crew

Koloa, HI · On-site

$16 - $26/hr

  • Medical

Guide shore snorkel and zodiac boat snorkel tours with a strong focus on safety and guest ... Work closely with captains, guides, office staff, and management to ensure smooth daily operations.

Showing results 21-39

Dive Boat Captain information

See salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do dive boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a dive boat captain?

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.

More about Dive Boat Captain jobs

What cities are hiring for Dive Boat Captain jobs?

Cities with the most Dive Boat Captain job openings:

What states have the most Dive Boat Captain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dive Boat Captain jobs include:

Infographic showing various Dive Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Galley Mate - Part-Time On-Call (Seasonal)

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Galveston, TX • On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an experienced and qualified individual to serve as a seasonal Galley Mate for vessel support services to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS), located offshore from Galveston, TX. The vessel field season will span from May through mid-October. However, there may be work hours available prior to May and after October, if desired.
FGBNMS operates an 83-foot Research Vessel (R/V) Manta R-8301. The vessels perform research, education and outreach missions that address the goals and needs of the national marine sanctuaries. The vessels are home ported at Galveston. Employees are required to maintain a professional demeanor and work closely and collegially to support scientists, natural resources managers, and educators working onboard the vessel. The Galley Mate position works under the direction of the Captain to carry out duties and responsibilities that include but are not limited to:
  • Meal preparation for up to 14 people at sea. Typical vessel offshore periods span 3 to 5 days offshore. Field season runs from May through mid-October, though there may be sporadic work available in September if desired.
  • Help mobilize the vessel before each cruise, including cleaning, stocking provisions, laundry, and scientific equipment.
  • Operating, overseeing, and/or assisting in vessel operations.
  • If needed, performing regular vessel maintenance, preventative maintenance, and light repairs such as boat checks, fueling, vessel logs, fluid changes, cleaning and more.
  • Ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with the NOAA Small Boat Program requirements.
  • If needed, assist with diving operations, including preparation of scuba dive compressors.

Adhering to established procedures and NOAA safety programs including but not limited to NOAA Administrative Order 209-125 and the NOAA small boat operations manual.
Requirements
  • At least 1 year of vessel deck management experience in offshore marine environments.
  • Able to perform duties in galley area while at sea, including meal prep and clean up.
  • Able to deploy at sea on overnight trips up to 5 days at a time, 100 nautical miles from shore with limited communication.
  • Able to adjust to changes in schedule due to weather conditions and/or emergency operations.
  • Proven track record of punctuality and professionalism.
  • Ability to work 100 nautical miles offshore without becoming seasick. Ability to assist other vessel guests who may suffer from motion sickness.
  • Proficient with scuba dive compressors highly desirable (though not necessary), including NITROX percentage mixes at different levels.
  • Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
  • Possess or able to obtain NOAA Component Course certification.
  • Able to lift and carry equipment up to 75 lbs.
  • Current valid driver's license and first Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
  • Note: Vessels are non-smoking vessels.

AAP/EEO Statement
CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$20/hr-$28 /hr DOE